Question 1

What is a vendor advocate (or seller advocate)?

Accepted Answer

A vendor advocate, also called a seller advocate or vendor's advocate, is an independent property professional who works exclusively for you, the seller. Their core role is to help you choose the right real estate agent by comparing performance data, vetting credentials and matching you with the best fit for your property and goals. Unlike the agent, the advocate has no interest in the buyer side of the deal.

Question 2

How much does a vendor advocate cost in Australia?

Accepted Answer

With BrokerMyAgent powered by Price.Advocates there is no cost to the seller. We are paid a small referral fee by the agent we recommend, which does not increase your commission. Our service is completely free for sellers in Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, Perth, Adelaide, Canberra, Hobart, Darwin, the Gold Coast and regional Australia.

Question 3

Are vendor advocates worth it?

Accepted Answer

For most Australian sellers, yes. You avoid common mistakes like over-quoting, the wrong sale method, or an inflated marketing schedule. The bigger win is confidence, you have independent data and a curated shortlist so you can choose the right agent with certainty, rather than relying on sales pitches.

Question 4

What is the difference between a vendor advocate and a buyer's agent?

Accepted Answer

A buyer's agent works for the purchaser, searching, inspecting and negotiating to buy a property. A vendor advocate (or seller advocate) does the opposite: we work only for the seller, selecting the right listing agent and providing independent data so you sell for the best possible price.

Question 5

What is the difference between a vendor advocate and a real estate agent?

Accepted Answer

A real estate agent is paid to find a buyer and close the sale, they deal with both sides of the transaction. A vendor advocate works only for the seller. We don't list your property or talk to buyers. Our job is to make sure the agent you appoint is the right one, is being paid a fair rate, and is genuinely working in your best interest.

Question 6

What exactly does BrokerMyAgent powered by Price.Advocates do?

Accepted Answer

We review your property and circumstances, then match you with a vetted, high-performing local agent in your suburb, whether that's in Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, Perth, Adelaide, Canberra, Hobart, Darwin, the Gold Coast or regional Australia. We provide transparent commission quotes and marketing schedules from our network, vet the agents for you, and give you the data to make an informed choice. You deal directly with the agent, but you start the relationship knowing you have the right person at a fair rate.

Question 7

Do you meet with me or come on-site to my property?

Accepted Answer

No, we are a remote service. But that does not mean you are on your own. We are always available by phone, email and video call whenever you need us. We just handle everything remotely so we can keep the service free and work with sellers right across Australia.

Question 8

Do you attend property inspections or open homes?

Accepted Answer

We generally do not attend inspections or open homes in person. We only provide on-site attendance in exceptional circumstances, for instance, when the owner, their representative, or the property manager is unavailable. Where our physical attendance is required, a fee will apply. Bring this up when you are speaking with your Seller Advocate from BrokerMyAgent.

Question 9

Which areas of Australia do you cover?

Accepted Answer

We operate Australia-wide and have matched sellers with agents in every capital and major regional market, Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, Perth, Adelaide, Canberra, Hobart, Darwin, the Gold Coast, Sunshine Coast, Newcastle, Wollongong, Geelong and beyond. Enter your address in the calculator to see what savings are available in your suburb.

Question 10

How is my estimated savings calculated?

Accepted Answer

Our calculator compares a typical market commission rate for your state against the sharper rate available through our network. The dollar figure is an estimate based on your expected sale price, the actual savings may vary.

Question 11

Do I have to use the agent you recommend?

Accepted Answer

No. You are always in control. We present you with a shortlist and a recommended agent, but the final choice is entirely yours. There is no obligation to proceed.

Question 12

How do I choose the best real estate agent to sell my house?

Accepted Answer

Look beyond the appraisal price. The best agent for your property is the one with recent sales of similar homes in your suburb, strong days-on-market and clearance numbers, transparent commission, and a marketing plan that suits your buyer. We score every agent on 10 performance points so you don't have to interview five agents yourself.

Question 13

How long does the process take?

Accepted Answer

Most sellers receive their curated agent shortlist and transparent rates within 48 hours of submitting their property details. From there, the timeline depends on how quickly you would like to move forward.

Question 14

Why can't I just negotiate the commission myself?

Accepted Answer

You absolutely can, but most sellers find it awkward and don't know what the market rate actually is in their area. We bring market data and an existing relationship with the agent. That transparency typically helps you secure a sharper rate than going it alone.

Question 15

Will the agent still give me the same level of service?

Accepted Answer

Yes. We only work with agents who maintain full service. In fact, because we vet them on 10 different performance points, you're more likely to get a better agent, not a worse one.

Question 16

What is the 10-point agent evaluation?

Accepted Answer

We score every agent on things like recent sales volume, average days on market, customer reviews, auction clearance rates, local market knowledge, marketing quality, communication style, and negotiation track record. Only agents scoring in the top tier make the shortlist.

Question 17

Can I choose between auction and private treaty?

Accepted Answer

Absolutely. We analyse your property type, local market conditions, and your personal timeline to recommend the best sales method. You then execute it with the right agent.

Question 18

What if I am not happy with the shortlist?

Accepted Answer

Tell us why and we will go back to the drawing board. We can re-evaluate with different criteria or expand the search radius. Your satisfaction with the recommended agent is our priority.

Question 19

Do you handle the paperwork and contracts?

Accepted Answer

The agent handles all the legal paperwork and agency agreements directly with you. We review the proposed commission and marketing schedule before you sign, to make sure everything matches what was quoted through our network.

Question 20

What if my property does not sell?

Accepted Answer

There is no cost to you from us either way, we only succeed when you do. If your campaign stalls, we can re-evaluate the strategy, pricing, or even help you switch agents if needed.

Question 21

Is my personal information kept private?

Accepted Answer

Yes. We only share your details with the shortlisted agents after you have approved them. We never sell or share your data with third parties for marketing purposes.

Question 22

Can you help with investment properties too?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Whether it is your family home, an investment unit, or a deceased estate, the same vetting and matching process applies. We tailor our approach to your specific circumstances.

Question 23

What does the move concierge include?

Accepted Answer

We can coordinate tradespeople for pre-sale repairs, organise removalists, arrange cleaners, connect you with downsizing specialists, and even help you stage the property for photos.

Question 24

How do I know the commission quote is competitive?

Accepted Answer

We benchmark every quote against what similar properties in your suburb typically pay. You see the typical rate, the negotiated rate, and the dollar difference, all upfront and in writing.

Question 25

What service do you offer?

Accepted Answer

Agent Match & Save is completely free for sellers. You get a curated agent shortlist, transparent quotes, a sharper commission, strategic cost audit, auction vs. private treaty analysis, and privacy coordination. There is no paid option, just one simple, free service.

Question 26

Do I need to sign a long-term agreement with you?

Accepted Answer

No. There are no lock-in contracts with BrokerMyAgent powered by Price.Advocates. You can walk away at any time before appointing an agent, with no fees or penalties.

Question 27

Can you help if I already have an agent in mind?

Accepted Answer

Yes. If you have an agent you are considering, we can still run them through our vetting process and benchmark their rate against our network. You get the peace of mind of knowing they are actually top tier.

Question 28

How do weekly performance audits work?

Accepted Answer

We provide guidance on what to monitor during your campaign, including enquiry numbers, inspection feedback, online listing performance, and market activity. If something is not working, we suggest adjustments you can discuss with your agent.

Question 29

Do you help with rental properties?

Accepted Answer

Our focus is on sales. For rentals, we can refer you to trusted property management partners in your area.

Question 30

Which areas do you cover?

Accepted Answer

We operate Australia-wide. Enter your address in the calculator above to see what savings are available in your suburb.

Question 31

How much does a vendor advocate cost?

Accepted Answer

There is no cost to the seller, we are paid a small referral fee by the agent, which does not change your commission. Our service is completely free for sellers.

Question 32

What is a fair real estate commission in Australia?

Accepted Answer

Commission varies by state and property value, generally between 1.5% and 3.5%. In capital cities you should expect to be at the lower end; regional areas trend higher. We benchmark against the actual market rate in your suburb, not a national average.

Question 33

Do I really need a vendor advocate if I already trust an agent?

Accepted Answer

Trust is great, but a second set of independent eyes usually pays for itself. We benchmark the commission, marketing spend, price strategy and campaign performance against the wider market. Even with a trusted agent, sellers commonly save thousands on commission and marketing by comparing through our network.

Question 34

Will using a vendor advocate annoy the agent?

Accepted Answer

No. Good agents actually prefer working with advocates because the seller is better informed, decisions happen faster, and expectations are clear. Agents who refuse to work with an advocate are usually the ones you wouldn't want representing you anyway.

Question 35

Can a vendor advocate help me sell faster or for more money?

Accepted Answer

Often, yes. By matching you with a genuinely high-performing local agent and setting the right price strategy, you are positioned to spend fewer days on market and achieve stronger results than the suburb average.

Question 36

What's the best time of year to sell a house in Australia?

Accepted Answer

Spring (September–November) is traditionally the busiest selling season nationally, with the most buyers active in Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane and Adelaide, followed by autumn. Perth and Darwin run on slightly different cycles. The 'best' time really depends on your suburb, stock levels and interest rates, we look at live local data before recommending a launch date.

Question 37

Should I sell by auction or private treaty?

Accepted Answer

It depends on the property, the suburb's auction culture, and current buyer demand. Auctions perform strongly in Sydney and Melbourne and increasingly in Brisbane; private treaty often outperforms in Perth, Adelaide, Hobart, Darwin and most regional markets, or for unique homes. We analyse comparable recent sales in your area before recommending a method.

Question 38

How much does it cost to sell a house in Australia?

Accepted Answer

Typical seller costs include agent commission (roughly 1.5%–3.5% depending on state and price point), marketing (often $2,000–$10,000+), conveyancing or legal ($800–$2,000), and any styling or repairs. Auction fees and government charges may also apply. We itemise every cost upfront so there are no surprises.

Question 39

What is the average real estate commission in Australia?

Accepted Answer

Commission varies by city and property value. As a guide: Sydney 1.8%–2.5%, Melbourne 1.6%–2.5%, Brisbane 2.5%–3.0%, Perth 2.0%–2.8%, Adelaide 2.0%–2.75%, Canberra 2.0%–2.5%, Hobart 2.75%–3.25%, Darwin 2.5%–3.0%. We benchmark against the actual market rate in your suburb, not a national average.

Question 40

What is the average commission rate by state - NSW, VIC, QLD, WA, SA, TAS, ACT, NT?

Accepted Answer

Indicative ranges: NSW 1.8%–2.5%, VIC 1.6%–2.5%, QLD 2.5%–3.0% (often tiered), WA 2.0%–2.8%, SA 2.0%–2.75%, ACT 2.0%–2.5%, TAS 2.75%–3.25%, NT 2.5%–3.0%. Always benchmark against your specific suburb, the spread within a state can be wider than between states.

Question 41

Do I have to pay for marketing upfront?

Accepted Answer

Usually, yes, marketing is paid by the seller and is separate from commission. Some agents offer 'pay on settlement' arrangements. We help you review every line item in the marketing schedule so you only pay for what genuinely helps sell your property.

Question 42

Should I renovate or style my home before selling?

Accepted Answer

Light cosmetic work (paint, gardens, decluttering, professional styling) almost always returns more than it costs. Major renovations rarely pay back in the sale price. We give you a no-nonsense list of what's worth doing and what isn't, based on your buyer profile.

Question 43

How do I know what my property is really worth?

Accepted Answer

An agent's appraisal is an opinion, not a valuation. We cross-check appraisals against actual recent comparable sales, current listings, and days-on-market trends so you're not being 'bought' with an inflated quote to win the listing, a common tactic called conditioning.

Question 44

What's the difference between a market appraisal and a property valuation?

Accepted Answer

A market appraisal is a free estimate from a real estate agent based on recent comparable sales, it is not a legal valuation and agents sometimes inflate it to win your listing. A property valuation is a formal report prepared by a licensed valuer, usually for the bank, finance, family law or tax purposes. We use both to triangulate a realistic price strategy.

Question 45

What is 'price conditioning' and how do I avoid it?

Accepted Answer

Conditioning is when an agent quotes you a high price to win the listing, then slowly talks you down once buyers respond. Because we benchmark the appraisal independently and show you comparable data, conditioning is much harder to pull on a seller who has done their homework.

Question 46

Can I sell my house without a real estate agent?

Accepted Answer

Yes, but it's rarely worth it. Private sellers typically achieve a lower final price than agented sales, even after saving the commission, and you take on all the marketing, negotiation and legal coordination yourself. A matched sale gives you the upside of a great agent without the usual downsides.

Question 47

How long does it take to sell a house in Australia?

Accepted Answer

On average, 30–60 days from listing to accepted offer, then a further 30–60 days to settlement, depending on the state and contract terms. Well-priced, well-marketed homes in strong suburbs often sell in the first 2–3 weeks.

Question 48

What happens at settlement?

Accepted Answer

Settlement is when the buyer's funds are transferred, the title changes hands, and you hand over the keys. Your conveyancer or solicitor handles the legal mechanics. Your agent coordinates with all parties so settlement doesn't get delayed.

Question 49

Do I have to pay Capital Gains Tax when I sell?

Accepted Answer

If the property is your main residence, you're generally exempt. Investment properties typically attract CGT on the gain. We're not tax advisors, so we'll recommend you speak with your accountant, but we'll factor the timing into the campaign strategy where it matters.

Question 50

What if I'm selling and buying at the same time?

Accepted Answer

Very common. We help you sequence the sale and purchase, look at bridging finance options with your broker, and review settlement timing so the two transactions line up cleanly.

Question 51

What documents do I need to sell my home?

Accepted Answer

You'll need a Contract of Sale (prepared by your conveyancer or solicitor), a Section 32 / Vendor's Statement (in some states), title details, rates notices, and any building approvals or owners corporation documents. We'll give you a checklist tailored to your state.

Question 52

Do you provide vendor advocate services in Sydney, Melbourne and Brisbane?

Accepted Answer

Yes, we work with sellers in every major Australian capital and regional market, including Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, Perth, Adelaide, Canberra, Hobart, Darwin, the Gold Coast, Sunshine Coast, Newcastle, Wollongong and Geelong, plus regional NSW, VIC, QLD, WA, SA, TAS, ACT and NT.

Question 53

How do I find a trusted vendor advocate near me?

Accepted Answer

Look for an advocate who is independent (not owned by an agency), discloses how they are paid, vets agents on objective performance data, and is willing to put their recommendations in writing. BrokerMyAgent powered by Price.Advocates ticks all four, and it costs the seller nothing.

Question 54

We are 3–6 months off selling, should we speak with a vendor advocate now or wait?

Accepted Answer

It's a smart move to speak with a vendor advocate before you're ready to sell. Starting early gives you time to prepare your home for sale properly, avoid rushed decisions, get advice on presentation, repairs and maintenance, and build a clear pre-sale strategy before going to market.

Question 55

Should we renovate before putting our home on the market, can a vendor advocate help us decide?

Accepted Answer

Yes. A vendor advocate can help you work out which pre-sale improvements are worth doing and which are unnecessary. The goal is to avoid overcapitalising while making smart changes that improve buyer appeal and maximise your final sale price.

Question 56

We've inherited a property and plan to sell it, can a vendor advocate help?

Accepted Answer

Yes. A vendor advocate can help coordinate the sale of an inherited or deceased estate property, recommend the right local agents, assist with preparation, and provide guidance through what is often an emotional and overwhelming process.

Question 57

There are so many real estate agents in our area, how does a vendor advocate help us pick the right one?

Accepted Answer

A vendor advocate compares agents on performance, recent local sales, strategy, fees and suitability for your property. You make a confident decision based on facts and data, not sales pitches.

Question 58

We're not 100% sure we'll sell, can a vendor advocate help us understand the likely price without pressure?

Accepted Answer

Absolutely. A vendor advocate can organise independent market appraisals and provide unbiased guidance so you understand your property's likely value before committing to sell.

Question 59

We're planning to sell and buy at the same time, should we speak with a vendor advocate first?

Accepted Answer

It's usually best to get advice early. Understanding your likely sale price, timing and selling strategy helps you make smarter decisions when buying your next property.

Question 60

Auction or private sale, can a vendor advocate help us choose the right sale method?

Accepted Answer

Yes. A vendor advocate assesses your property, local buyer demand, recent comparable sales and current market conditions to recommend the most suitable sale method, auction, private treaty, expressions of interest, or off-market.

Question 61

Our home's been on the market for months and hasn't sold, can a vendor advocate help rework the strategy?

Accepted Answer

Yes. A vendor advocate can review the campaign, pricing, marketing, agent communication and buyer feedback to identify what needs to change to get your property sold.

Question 62

We already know a local agent we like, should we still use a vendor advocate?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Even if you have a preferred agent, a vendor advocate can review their proposal, benchmark it against other agents, and make sure the strategy is right for your property.

Question 63

How do I know if the agent's commission is reasonable, it seems to vary a lot?

Accepted Answer

A vendor advocate compares local commission rates, reviews what each agent is offering, and ensures you're getting fair value for the service by benchmarking against the market.

Question 64

We're not sure whether to sell now or hold off, can a vendor advocate advise on timing?

Accepted Answer

Yes. A vendor advocate helps you understand local market conditions, seasonal timing, buyer demand and your own goals before deciding when to list your home for sale.

Frequently asked
questions

Sale Method, Pricing & Strategy

Costs, Fees & Commission

About BrokerMyAgent & Vendor Advocates

Special Situations & Property Types

Preparing & Presenting Your Home

Timing & Market Conditions

General Selling Questions

Choosing & Managing Your Agent

Process, Paperwork & Settlement

Questions to Ask an Agent

Frequently askedquestions