Home 9 buyers agents 9 Buyers Agents vs Real Estate Agents: What Is the Difference?
J
Go back

Buyers Agents vs Real Estate Agents: What Is the Difference?

22 January 2025

Who You Choose to Represent You Can Make All the Difference

Understanding whether to work with a buyers agent or a real estate agent is one of the most important decisions you’ll make when buying property in Maitland. While both play key roles in the property market, their responsibilities—and whose interests they serve—are very different. This guide breaks down what you need to know so you can make a confident, informed choice.

When it comes to buying property in Maitland, many people assume that working with a real estate agent is the only option. But if you’re a buyer, it’s important to understand the clear difference between a buyers agent and a real estate (selling) agent—because who you work with can directly impact how much you pay, the properties you access, and how supported you feel during the process.

At Buyers Agent Group Maitland, our job is to work exclusively for you—the buyer. Unlike traditional real estate agents who are hired to sell property for the vendor, we provide independent, buyer-focused representation. Our goal is to help you buy smarter, with expert advice, local insight, and negotiation skills that put your interests first.


Understanding the Roles: Who Really Works for You?

Knowing the difference between a buyers agent and a real estate agent can help you avoid costly mistakes and make more confident decisions.

What Is a Buyers Agent?

A buyers agent is a licensed property professional who works solely on behalf of the buyer. Their responsibility is to find, evaluate, and negotiate the purchase of a property that aligns with your goals—whether you’re a first home buyer, upsizer, downsizer, or investor.

Key services include:

  • Conducting property searches tailored to your criteria

  • Evaluating market trends, pricing, and suburb growth

  • Negotiating favourable purchase terms

  • Accessing off-market and pre-market opportunities

  • Supporting you from search to settlement

At Buyers Agent Group Maitland, we do all of this—and more—ensuring every step is informed, strategic, and completely buyer-focused.

What Is a Real Estate Agent?

A real estate agent, often referred to as a selling agent, is engaged by the property owner to sell a home. Their job is to get the highest possible price for the vendor. While they’re required to treat buyers fairly, their legal and fiduciary duty is to the seller—not to you.

A selling agent’s role typically includes:

  • Advertising the property and hosting open homes

  • Managing buyer interest and fielding offers

  • Advising the seller on pricing and negotiation strategies

  • Closing the sale in the seller’s best interest

This means that while they may seem helpful, their primary loyalty lies with the vendor—not the buyer.


Buyers Agent vs Real Estate Agent: What’s the Real Difference?

Here’s a quick breakdown of how these roles compare:

FeatureBuyers AgentReal Estate Agent
RepresentsThe BuyerThe Seller
Paid ByBuyer (flat fee or performance-based)Seller (commission on sale price)
Primary GoalSecure the best property and deal for the buyerAchieve the highest possible price for the seller
Market AccessBoth on-market and off-market listingsTypically on-market only
Negotiation FocusReduce price / improve terms for the buyerMaximise price for the seller
Loyalty100% to the buyer100% to the seller

Why Choose a Buyers Agent in Maitland?

Maitland is one of the fastest-growing regions in regional NSW, offering a diverse mix of heritage homes, new developments, and high-yield investment opportunities. But with so much competition and rapid growth, buying the right property can be challenging without expert help.

Working with a buyers agent in Maitland gives you a powerful advantage:

  • Personalised Property Strategy based on your goals and budget

  • Access to Off-Market Listings not found on public portals

  • Local Suburb Knowledge from Bolwarra to Aberglasslyn

  • Data-Driven Property Analysis to avoid overpaying

  • Skilled Negotiation to secure better outcomes

  • Stress-Free Guidance from the first search to final settlement

Whether you’re relocating to the region or expanding your investment portfolio, our team makes the buying process clearer, smoother, and more strategic.


Our Professional Credentials

At Buyers Agent Group Maitland, we take professionalism seriously. We are:

  • Certified graduates of the Buyers Agent Institute

  • Proud members of the Property Investment Professionals of Australia (PIPA)

These accreditations reflect our ongoing commitment to ethical service, continued education, and always acting in the buyer’s best interest.


Case Study: First-Time Buyer in East Maitland

A young couple relocating from Sydney recently came to us feeling overwhelmed by the Maitland property market. They’d been dealing with pushy selling agents and struggling to find homes that matched their needs.

After an in-depth consultation, we created a shortlist based on their lifestyle goals, provided honest advice about the best growth suburbs, and secured an off-market property in East Maitland—well below their budget. The result? A confident purchase and a stress-free buying experience.


Summary: Choose the Advocate Who’s On Your Side

The key takeaway?
A real estate agent works for the seller. A buyers agent works for you.

If you’re buying property in Maitland and want to feel informed, protected, and supported throughout the process, working with a buyers agent is your best move.


Learn More About Our Services

Visit our Buyers Agent Services Page to explore how we help Maitland homebuyers and investors with expert support from search to settlement.


Ready to Get Started?

Contact Buyers Agent Group Maitland today for a free consultation. Let’s make your next property purchase smarter, faster, and tailored to your long-term goals.

You May Also Like…

What Does a Buyers Agent Do?

What Does a Buyers Agent Do?

Your Guide to Stress-Free Property Buying in Maitland Buying property in Maitland, NSW can be one of life’s most...