The demand for professional property guidance is growing, especially in competitive markets like Sydney. More Australians are turning to buyers agents for strategic property purchases, investment advice, and access to off-market opportunities. But while the demand is strong, succeeding as a buyers agent isn’t as simple as registering your licence and waiting for leads to roll in.
Whether you’re an independent buyers agent or looking to join a brokerage franchise, knowing what not to do is just as critical as knowing what to do. In this guide, we’ll explore 10 of the most common mistakes new buyers agents in Sydney make—and how to avoid them to build a sustainable, profitable career.
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Lacking a Clear Niche or Target Market
Many new buyers agents try to serve everyone, everywhere. But Sydney’s property market is vast and diverse. Without a defined niche—whether it’s first-home buyers in the Inner West or investors targeting high-yield suburbs—your message will get lost.
Tip: Define your ideal client and become the go-to expert for their needs.
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Underestimating the Importance of Off-Market Deals
In Sydney, many of the best properties never hit the open market. New agents who rely solely on listings miss valuable opportunities and lose credibility with savvy clients.
Tip: Build strong relationships with local selling agents and brokers to access exclusive off-market deals. Learn more in Why Would I Use a Buyers Agent?
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Poor Lead Generation Strategies
Relying solely on word-of-mouth or referrals is risky. Many new agents don’t implement a marketing funnel that attracts, nurtures, and converts leads.
Tip: Combine SEO, social media, and networking with tools like borrowing power calculators to attract qualified leads.
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Pricing Their Services Incorrectly
New agents often undercharge to win business or overcharge without justifying their value. Either approach can damage trust and sustainability.
Tip: Research your competitors and clearly articulate the value you bring to justify your pricing.
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Not Understanding Investor Needs
Many of your clients will be property investors seeking cash flow, tax benefits, or capital growth. If you’re unfamiliar with investment principles, you risk giving poor advice.
Tip: Study market trends and investment strategies, such as Minimising Tax by Investing in Property.
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Weak Client Onboarding and Communication
First impressions matter. A disorganised onboarding process or slow response times can quickly lead to client churn.
Tip: Set up clear onboarding steps, consistent follow-ups, and automated tools to keep communication smooth.
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Lack of Local Market Knowledge
Sydney’s suburbs differ vastly in price, demand, and development potential. Clients rely on your local expertise to make confident decisions.
Tip: Stay informed on local planning changes and property data using resources like Investment Hotspots Australia.
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Ignoring Digital Presence and SEO
Without a strong online presence, your prospects won’t find you. Many new agents delay building their website or investing in content marketing.
Tip: Start a blog, post client success stories, and optimise for terms like “buyers agent Sydney” or “Sydney buyers agent services.”
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Not Leveraging Brokerage or Franchise Support
Going it alone can be tough. Without systems, mentorship, and a recognisable brand, many independent agents struggle to scale.
Tip: Consider joining a franchise with built-in marketing, lead flow, and back-office support like us here at The Brokerage Connection.
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Failing to Set Goals and Track Performance
Without measurable goals, you’re flying blind. Many new buyers agents never track metrics like conversion rate, average deal value, or marketing ROI.
Tip: Use a CRM and set weekly KPIs to measure progress and make data-driven decisions.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does a buyers agent do in Sydney?
A buyers agent represents the property buyer throughout the purchase process—from identifying opportunities and negotiating price to conducting due diligence.
How do I become a buyers agent in Australia?
You’ll need a Certificate IV in Real Estate Practice and registration or licensing with your state authority (e.g. NSW Fair Trading).
Why do buyers agents fail in their first year?
Common reasons include unclear niche, poor marketing, underestimating workload, and lack of support or mentoring.
Is hiring a buyers agent in Sydney worth it?
Absolutely. Buyers agents save time, provide access to off-market deals, and negotiate better terms—especially in competitive markets like Sydney.
Can I buy into a buyers agency franchise?
Yes, joining a buyers agency franchise like The Brokerage Connection gives you brand credibility, lead generation, training, and backend support.
Thoughts to Ponder
A successful career as a buyers agent in Sydney doesn’t happen by chance. By avoiding these 10 common mistakes and building a clear, value-driven strategy, you can stand out in a competitive market, win loyal clients, and grow your income year-on-year.
Whether you’re just starting out or considering launching your own buyers agency, The Brokerage Connection offers the tools, training, and support to help you thrive. Explore franchise opportunities or get in touch to learn more today.
Download our guide here: https://www.thebrokerageconnection.com.au/10pitfallsfree