In Perth’s fiercely competitive property market, it’s no secret that finding and securing your dream home is a major challenge. As a result, more and more buyers are turning to buyer’s agents for a professional edge.

A great buyer’s agent can save you time, reduce stress, and find you the perfect property at the right price. However, a recent surge in demand has led to a worrying trend: the rise of underqualified and, in some cases, completely unlicensed operators marketing their services to WA buyers.

Before you engage anyone to help with what is likely your biggest financial decision, it’s crucial to understand the risks and know how to protect yourself.

The Assumption vs. The Reality

When you hire a professional in the real estate industry, you expect them to be qualified, licensed, and regulated by official bodies like WA’s Department of Consumer Protection. While this is true for licensed sales agents, it is not always the case for those calling themselves a “buyer’s agent,” particularly those based interstate or overseas.

The Real Estate Buyer’s Agent Association of Australia (REBAA) recently launched a campaign to warn consumers of this exact issue. As their president, Melinda Jennison, noted, many new agents enter the industry with only a “superficial understanding of its complexities,” putting their clients at risk of making “uneducated and costly decisions.”

This is a concern we share at Holdsworth Real Estate, and one that REIWA has raised directly with Consumer Protection.

The Unbeatable Advantage of a Licensed WA Buyer’s Agent

Choosing a buyer’s agent who is licensed here in Western Australia isn’t just about avoiding risk—it’s about gaining a significant advantage. Here’s what a local, licensed professional brings to the table:

  • Legal Protection: They are licensed and regulated under WA’s Real Estate and Business Agents Act 1978. This gives you critical protections under Western Australian consumer law.
  • In-Depth Local Knowledge: They understand the nuances of the Perth market, from suburb to suburb, in a way that someone outside of WA simply cannot.
  • Legislative Expertise: They are experts in WA-specific contracts, procedures, and legislation, ensuring your transaction is smooth and compliant.
  • Mandatory Professional Standards: To gain and maintain their license in WA, agents must complete rigorous initial training and undertake ongoing professional development every year.

Your 4-Point Checklist Before Engaging a Buyer’s Agent

To ensure you are dealing with a true professional, ask these four simple questions before you sign any agreement.

1. Are you licensed to operate in WA? This is non-negotiable. You can verify a WA license for free on the Consumer Protection website. If they hold an interstate license, check if it’s officially recognised for work in WA on the Automatic Mutual Recognition Register.

2. What training and qualifications do you have? Be cautious of agents who have only completed a short online course. Ask about their formal qualifications and their commitment to ongoing professional development. A great sign of quality is membership with REIWA, as all members must be licensed professionals.

3. What is your track record? Ask how long they have been working in the industry and specifically as a buyer’s agent. Enquire about how many buyers they have successfully helped find a property in the area you’re interested in.

4. Can you provide references? A confident, experienced agent will be happy to provide testimonials or references from previous clients. Speaking to someone who has been through the process with them is one of the best forms of due diligence.

Our Commitment to You

A buyer’s agent should be your trusted advocate, providing expert guidance and protecting your best interests.

At Holdsworth Real Estate, we believe in professional, transparent, and expert representation. All our agents, including our dedicated buyer’s specialists, are fully licensed in Western Australia and are proud members of REIWA.

If you’re looking for a trusted partner to help you navigate the Perth property market with confidence, get in touch with our team today. We’re here to help you make your next move the right way.