Buyers Agent vs Buyer Advocate: Is There a Difference?

What's the actual difference?

There is no functional difference. The terms are used interchangeably:

• Buyers agent: More commonly used in Queensland, New South Wales, and South Australia
• Buyer advocate: More commonly used in Victoria, particularly Melbourne
• Same services: Both provide identical services, property search, off-market access, due diligence, negotiation, auction representation
• Same goal: Both work exclusively for buyers to secure the best property at the best price
• Same qualifications: Both require the same licensing and professional standards

At Edwards & Smith, we use "buyers agent" because we operate in Queensland (Brisbane and Gold Coast), where this term is standard. However, we provide the same advocacy service that Victorian "buyer advocates" offer.

Why are there different terms?

The terminology difference is purely regional:

• Historical usage: Different states developed their own preferred terminology for the profession
• Marketing preference: Some professionals prefer "advocate" to emphasize advocacy for buyers
• No legal distinction: There's no legal or regulatory difference between the terms
• Industry confusion: The dual terminology sometimes confuses consumers who think they're different services

Don't be confused by the terminology. Whether someone calls themselves a buyers agent or buyer advocate, they both mean professional representation for property buyers.

Do they provide exactly the same services?

Yes. Whether called a buyers agent or buyer advocate, the services include:

• Property search: Identifying properties matching your criteria across target suburbs
• Off-market access: First access to properties before public listings (60% of our purchases are off-market)
• Property inspections: Attending inspections and providing detailed evaluations
• Due diligence: Building/pest reports, contract reviews, council checks, comprehensive analysis
• Independent valuations: Market analysis using comparable sales data
• Negotiation: Expert negotiation on your behalf to minimize purchase price
• Auction representation: Strategic bidding at auctions
• Settlement coordination: Liaising with solicitors through to settlement

The service is identical regardless of which term the professional uses.

Is the fee structure the same?

Generally yes. Both buyers agents and buyer advocates typically charge:

• Percentage-based fees: Usually 2-3% of the purchase price
• Success-based structure: Fee paid when you successfully purchase
• Upfront booking fees: Many charge booking fees (like our $4,000) to secure services
• Free initial consultations: Most offer free consultations before engagement

Fee structures are consistent across the industry, regardless of whether the professional uses "agent" or "advocate" in their title.

Which term should I search for?

Search for both terms to find all professionals in your area:

• In Queensland: Search "buyers agent Brisbane" or "buyers agent Gold Coast" for best results
• In Victoria: Search "buyer advocate Melbourne" for local professionals
• In NSW: Both terms are used, search both "buyers agent Sydney" and "buyer advocate Sydney"
• Don't limit yourself: Some excellent professionals may use the less common term in their region

The important factors are experience, track record, off-market access, and client testimonials, not which term they use.

Are qualifications and licensing the same?

Yes. In Queensland (where we operate):

• Same licensing: Both require real estate licensing through the Office of Fair Trading
• Same regulations: Both are governed by the Property Occupations Act 2014
• Same professional standards: Both must comply with the same ethical and legal obligations
• Same insurance: Both require professional indemnity insurance

Other states have similar regulatory frameworks. The professional requirements are identical regardless of terminology.

Does Edwards & Smith offer buyer advocacy?

Yes, absolutely. While we use the term "buyers agent" because it's standard in Queensland, we provide complete buyer advocacy:

• We advocate exclusively for buyers, never sellers
• We work in your interests to secure the best property at the best price
• We provide professional representation throughout the purchase process
• Our loyalty is to you, the buyer, not to vendors or selling agents

Whether you're searching for "buyers agents" or "buyer advocates" in Queensland, you'll find our services match exactly what you're looking for.