Discuss Your Property Buying Brief: Australian Buyer Guide
Tell us where you want to buy, what you need and how far you have progressed. Compare evidence, fees and licensed buyer support across Australia.
The short answer
A consultation clarifies your budget, location, property type and timeframe so the right type of support can be confirmed. Shelby helps you compare buyer-side support, and representation is agreed directly with a licensed professional.
Share the essentials
Start with the target location, purchase purpose, budget range and timeframe. Add a property link if you have already found an option you want to discuss.
Choose the help you need
Select full search, property assessment, negotiation, auction support or help defining the brief. An unsure option should be available so the form does not force an inaccurate choice.
Understand the next step
Your enquiry is a request to discuss availability and scope. Any representation, fees and authority will be set out separately before an engagement begins.
Your next step
Bring your location, budget, timing and the decision you need help with. Confirm service availability and the scope of work before appointing representation.
Questions to ask before engaging anyone
Most buyers compare buyer's agents on fees alone. The better test is who actually does the work, how conflicts are handled and what happens if no property is bought.
- Licence number and the state it covers
- Exactly what is included and how fees are calculated
- Whether they accept any payment from sellers or selling agents
- Who inspects, negotiates and bids, and how you approve decisions
- Termination and refund terms
How Shelby fits into your purchase
Shelby is a research and matching platform, not a licensed agency. You can use the Ask Shelby chat on this page to turn your goals for your purchase into a written brief, run the calculators and compare buyer-side support. When you want representation, the engagement is agreed directly with a licensed professional whose coverage, fees and conflicts are confirmed for your brief first.
- Discover: set budget, location and property type
- Plan: test borrowing, stamp duty and holding costs
- Match: compare licensed buyer-side support
- Buy: inspect, negotiate and settle with your advisers
Common mistakes buyers make
Many buyers set a price from listing portals, skip independent inspections to win a competitive campaign, or let a deadline override the brief. Each one shifts risk onto you. Keep a written ceiling, complete inspections before you are bound and walk away when the evidence does not support the price.
Frequently asked questions
Does submitting an enquiry appoint Shelby?
No. Submitting a brief does not itself create an agency appointment or authorise an offer on your behalf.
What should I prepare before enquiring?
Share the target location, total budget, timeframe and any property already under consideration. Include the specific decision or uncertainty you want help with.
How do I confirm the service and fee?
Ask for a written scope identifying the work, responsible representative, fee, payment stages and any separately appointed professionals.
Who pays a buyer's agent?
The buyer pays the buyer's agent under a written agreement. A buyer's agent should not receive payment from the seller; ask them to confirm in writing that they accept no seller-side commissions or referral fees.