Myth-Busting: No, Not All Real Estate Agents Are the Same

If you’ve ever been to an open home on the Sunshine Coast or had a scroll through realestate.com.au, you’ve probably noticed something: everyone calls themselves an “agent,” and from the outside, it can look like we all do the same job.

But here’s the truth, not all agents are the same. In fact, we do very different things.

I’m Keeta Gibson, a Sunshine Coast buyer’s agent, and one of the biggest misconceptions I hear from buyers is that there’s no real difference between a selling agent and a buyer’s agent.

There absolutely is.
And understanding that difference can completely change your experience, and your outcome, when buying property.

Watch this short video for a quick overview:

Selling Agents Work for the Seller (Not You)

Let’s start with the role most people already know: the selling agent (also know as real estate agent)

Selling agents are hired and paid by the vendor. That means:

• Their loyalty is to the seller

• Their job is to achieve the highest price

• Their focus is securing the best possible terms, for the seller

• Their legal obligation is to represent the vendor’s interests

If you’ve ever asked a selling agent questions like:

• “What do you think this property is worth?”

• “Do you think the price guide is accurate?”

• “Are there any issues I should know about?”

Just remember, their answers are framed through the lens of maximising the vendor’s outcome, not yours.

It’s not deceitful. It’s simply how the industry is structured.

The selling agent is doing their job.

Buyer's Agents Work for You — the Buyer

This is where the roles divide completely.

As a buyer’s agent, I work solely for you.
You are my client.
Your best interests are the priority.
My job is to protect you from overpaying, missing hidden issues, or making emotional, rushed decisions.

A buyer’s agent:

• Searches for properties on your behalf

• Researches market value and comparable sales

• Inspects with your needs in mind, not the seller’s

• Identifies risks you might never notice

• Negotiates strategically for the best price and terms

• Advises honestly without bias or agenda

• Manages the buying process right through to settlement

It’s advocacy.
It’s protection.
It’s professional guidance tailored to you.

Most importantly, it’s the opposite of being sold to.

The Difference? Being Sold To vs Being Protected

The selling agent’s goal is simple:
Sell the home for the highest price.

The buyer’s agent’s goal is the opposite:
Help you buy the right home at the right price — without the stress, uncertainty, or pressure.

This difference changes everything:

• How information is presented to you

• Who the agent is negotiating for

• The advice you receive

• The strategies used

• The outcome you get

Most buyers walk into open homes and unknowingly rely on advice from someone who isn’t on their side.
And that’s where things go wrong … rushed decisions, emotional bidding wars, paying more than necessary, or buying the wrong property altogether.

Having a buyer’s agent means you’re protected.
You’re informed.
You have strategy, experience, and data behind every decision.

Why This Matters So Much on the Sunshine Coast

The Sunshine Coast property market is unique.
It’s fast-moving.
It’s competitive.
Prices vary dramatically suburb to suburb, even street to street.
And demand from interstate buyers continues to rise.

When you’re navigating this market alone, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed or unsure who to trust.

A buyer’s agent changes that.

Instead of relying on the selling agent’s version of events, you have:

• Clear, unbiased advice

• Professional negotiation on your behalf

• Someone who can say, “This one’s overpriced”

• Someone who can spot red flags before you step inside

• Someone committed to getting you the right outcome

It’s clarity.
It’s confidence.
It’s peace of mind.

A Smarter Way to Buy on the Sunshine Coast

I’m Keeta Gibson from Ocean Buyers Agency, proudly serving the buyer — not the seller.

Whether you’re buying your first home, relocating to the Sunshine Coast, or securing a smart investment, you deserve a professional on your side, someone who protects your interests, not someone else’s.

If you want guidance, strategy, or support in your property search, I’m here to help. You don’t have to navigate the market alone.