Property Search & Shortlisting Service
Turn a broad buying idea into a shortlist assessed against clear requirements. Compare evidence, fees and licensed buyer support across Australia.
The short answer
Search and shortlist support narrows the market to properties that meet your written brief before you spend time on inspections. Shelby helps you compare buyer-side support, and representation is agreed directly with a licensed professional.
Define the search filter
Set locations, budget, property type and essential features. Agree how changes to the brief will be handled if suitable options are limited.
Document why each option fits
Use consistent comparison fields and a written explanation of strengths, trade-offs and missing information. Shortlisting is not a substitute for legal or technical checks.
Clarify the handover
Explain whether the service ends with a shortlist or continues into assessment and negotiation. Confirm availability and the authority required for any additional work.
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 sourcing a property include negotiating it?
Only if the agreed service scope includes negotiation and the provider is authorised to undertake it. The page must make the boundary clear.
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.