How to Tell if a Buyer’s Agent is Truly Independent

If you’re considering hiring a buyer’s agent, one of the most important questions you can ask is whether they are genuinely independent, meaning they only work for you, the buyer, and have no financial ties to the seller.

It might seem like a simple point, but it can have a huge impact on the quality of advice you receive, the properties you’re shown, and the outcome of your purchase.

Watch this short video for a quick overview:

What an Independent Buyer’s Agent Really Means

A true buyer’s agent works exclusively for the purchaser. They are paid only by the buyer, and their loyalty, focus, and legal responsibility are 100% to you. This ensures that every piece of advice, every negotiation, and every property recommendation is in your best interest not influenced by the seller or any third party.

Unfortunately, not all buyer’s agents operate this way. Some agencies accept payments, commissions, or “referral fees” from sellers, developers, or project marketers. Others may work as a buyer’s agent in some cases but also sell property or manage sales campaigns in others.

When a buyer’s agent receives income from the selling side, it creates a clear conflict of interest. Their duty to negotiate the very best deal for you is compromised because they’re also being paid by the party on the other side of the table.

Why Kickbacks and Incentives Are a Problem

Let’s say a developer is offering a financial incentive to any agent who introduces a buyer to their project — perhaps a lump sum or a percentage of the sale price. If your “buyer’s agent” is being paid by that developer, their recommendation for you to purchase there is no longer purely based on what’s best for you.

They might downplay better opportunities elsewhere, overlook potential drawbacks, or push you towards properties that earn them more money, even if it’s not the right fit for your goals.

The whole point of hiring a buyer’s agent is to have someone 100% in your corner, advocating for you, without any competing priorities. That’s impossible if they are also tied to the seller’s interests.

How to Check If a Buyer’s Agent Is Independent

The simplest way to find out is to ask direct, clear questions before you sign any agreement:

• Do you accept any commissions, referral fees, gifts, or incentives from sellers, developers, or project marketers?

• Will you put in writing that you are paid only by me, and that you work exclusively for the buyer?

• Do you sell property or act for sellers in any capacity?

A professional, ethical buyer’s agent will be upfront, transparent, and happy to confirm that they operate with no financial links to sellers. They will also be comfortable putting that commitment in their agreement with you.

Our Commitment at Ocean Buyers Agency

At Ocean Buyers Agency, we have a strict no-kickback policy. We are paid solely by our clients — the buyers. We do not accept any form of payment, referral fee, or incentive from sellers, developers, or anyone on the selling side.

This independence is at the heart of everything we do. It means when we tell you a property is a great opportunity, it’s because it truly meets your needs and objectives, not because there’s something in it for us.

It also means we can negotiate without hesitation or bias, pushing hard for the best price and terms on your behalf. There is no split loyalty, no hidden agenda, and no second set of “clients” on the other side.

Why Independence Matters So Much

Buying a property especially on the Sunshine Coast, where competition for quality homes is strong — is one of the biggest financial and emotional investments you will ever make. You deserve representation you can trust completely.

When your buyer’s agent is independent, you can be confident every decision, recommendation, and negotiation is designed to get you the best outcome. There’s no question about whose side they are on — they are entirely on yours.

If you’re relocating, buying interstate, or investing in the Sunshine Coast market, choosing a truly independent buyer’s agent can give you a significant advantage. You’ll have access to unbiased advice, off-market opportunities, and expert negotiation all with your best interests front and centre.

Looking for a buyer’s agent you can trust?

I’m Keeta Gibson, Principal Buyer’s Agent at Ocean Buyers Agency, and I work exclusively for buyers never sellers. If you’d like to find your ideal property on the Sunshine Coast with complete confidence, get in touch today.

A true buyer’s agent works exclusively for the purchaser. They are paid only by the buyer, and their loyalty, focus, and legal responsibility are 100% to you. This ensures that every piece of advice, every negotiation, and every property recommendation is in your best interest not influenced by the seller or any third party.

Unfortunately, not all buyer’s agents operate this way. Some agencies accept payments, commissions, or “referral fees” from sellers, developers, or project marketers. Others may work as a buyer’s agent in some cases but also sell property or manage sales campaigns in others.

When a buyer’s agent receives income from the selling side, it creates a clear conflict of interest. Their duty to negotiate the very best deal for you is compromised because they’re also being paid by the party on the other side of the table.

Why Kickbacks and Incentives Are a Problem

Let’s say a developer is offering a financial incentive to any agent who introduces a buyer to their project — perhaps a lump sum or a percentage of the sale price. If your “buyer’s agent” is being paid by that developer, their recommendation for you to purchase there is no longer purely based on what’s best for you.

They might downplay better opportunities elsewhere, overlook potential drawbacks, or push you towards properties that earn them more money — even if it’s not the right fit for your goals.

The whole point of hiring a buyer’s agent is to have someone 100% in your corner, advocating for you, without any competing priorities. That’s impossible if they are also tied to the seller’s interests.

How to Check If a Buyer’s Agent Is Independent

The simplest way to find out is to ask direct, clear questions before you sign any agreement:

• Do you accept any commissions, referral fees, gifts, or incentives from sellers, developers, or project marketers?

• Will you put in writing that you are paid only by me, and that you work exclusively for the buyer?

• Do you sell property or act for sellers in any capacity?

A professional, ethical buyer’s agent will be upfront, transparent, and happy to confirm that they operate with no financial links to sellers. They will also be comfortable putting that commitment in their agreement with you.

Our Commitment at Ocean Buyers Agency

At Ocean Buyers Agency, we have a strict no-kickback policy. We are paid solely by our clients the buyers. We do not accept any form of payment, referral fee, or incentive from sellers, developers, or anyone on the selling side.

This independence is at the heart of everything we do. It means when we tell you a property is a great opportunity, it’s because it truly meets your needs and objectives, not because there’s something in it for us.

It also means we can negotiate without hesitation or bias, pushing hard for the best price and terms on your behalf. There is no split loyalty, no hidden agenda, and no second set of “clients” on the other side.

Why Independence Matters So Much

Buying a property especially on the Sunshine Coast, where competition for quality homes is strong is one of the biggest financial and emotional investments you will ever make. You deserve representation you can trust completely.

When your buyer’s agent is independent, you can be confident every decision, recommendation, and negotiation is designed to get you the best outcome. There’s no question about whose side they are on they are entirely on yours.

If you’re relocating, buying interstate, or investing in the Sunshine Coast market, choosing a truly independent buyer’s agent can give you a significant advantage. You’ll have access to unbiased advice, off-market opportunities, and expert negotiation all with your best interests front and centre.

Looking for a buyer’s agent you can trust?

I’m Keeta Gibson, Principal Buyer’s Agent at Ocean Buyers Agency, and I work exclusively for buyers never sellers. If you’d like to find your ideal property on the Sunshine Coast with complete confidence, get in touch today.