The Risks of Hiring a Dodgy Buyer’s Agent in Queensland

The Risks of Hiring a Dodgy Buyer’s Agent in Queensland

Hiring a Buyer’s Agent should make the home buying journey easier, less stressful, and much safer. A good one will give you confidence, protect your budget, and help you avoid costly mistakes. But here’s the truth Clever Home Buyers need to know: not all Buyer’s Agents are created equal.

Some don’t carry out proper due diligence. Others avoid inspections or rush through the process just to earn a quick fee. And in the worst cases, buyers are left with properties that cost far more than expected in repairs and headaches.

Dodgy Buyer’s Agents are the last thing you need when making the biggest purchase of your life. Let’s look at the real risks, the warning signs to watch for, and how to make sure you only hire someone who genuinely has your back.

When Buyer’s Agents Get It Wrong

Recently, a couple from Sydney purchased a home in regional Victoria through a Buyer’s Agent. The BA never inspected the property in person, relying only on video walk-throughs. After settlement, the buyers discovered broken appliances, damaged plumbing, and a long list of repairs worth more than $15,000.

This isn’t just a bad day — it’s a financial disaster. And sadly, it’s not the only story of its kind. Consumer protection bodies and the Real Estate Buyers Agents Association (REBAA) have raised concerns about inexperienced or unethical operators taking money upfront and delivering very little.

When shortcuts are taken, buyers lose.

Risk 1: Skipping Inspections and Due Diligence

One of the biggest risks comes when a Buyer’s Agent doesn’t physically inspect the property or skips proper checks. This can leave you exposed to:

• Structural issues hidden beneath fresh paint

• Termite damage in Queensland homes

• Drainage problems that lead to flooding in heavy rain

• Expensive repairs that appear after settlement

Buying based on photos or videos is never enough. A dodgy BA might tell you it’s fine — but once you’ve signed, you’re locked in.

Why it matters: Proper due diligence is your safety net. Without it, you’re gambling on one of the biggest financial decisions of your life.

Risk 2: Overpaying Because of Weak Market Analysis

A good Buyer’s Agent will research comparable sales, study local market data, and help you set a fair value range. A poor one might rush you into making an offer or simply repeat what the sales agent claims.

That’s how buyers end up paying far above the true value of a property. Imagine buying at $1.65 million when every comparable sale in the area sits around $1.5 million. That extra $150,000 is money you’ll never get back.

Why it matters: Overpaying doesn’t just hurt your budget — it sets you up for financial stress and limits your future options.

Risk 3: Conflicts of Interest and “Churn and Burn” Practices

Not all Buyer’s Agents operate independently. Some accept referral fees or commissions from developers and sales agents. Others take on dozens of clients at once, charging upfront and then doing the bare minimum.

This approach means you’re not getting tailored advice. Instead, you’re treated as a number on a spreadsheet while your BA rushes to close deals quickly.

Why it matters: You deserve someone loyal only to you, not juggling conflicts or chasing quick wins.

Risk 4: Inexperience or Lack of Training

The Buyer’s Agent industry is still relatively new in Queensland, and entry requirements are not as strict as they could be. Someone can complete a short course and call themselves a BA without years of practical experience.

But here’s the catch: negotiation skills, contract management, and local market knowledge can’t be taught in a weekend. Without them, buyers are left vulnerable.

Why it matters: Inexperience leads to mistakes. And in property, those mistakes can be catastrophic.

Risk 5: Poor Contract Management

In Queensland, once you sign a contract at auction or private treaty, you’re bound. If your BA doesn’t pay attention to the details — like finance clauses, building and pest conditions, or due diligence periods — you could find yourself locked into a property you can’t afford to settle on.

Missing a single clause could mean losing your deposit or facing legal action.

Why it matters: Contracts protect buyers. A sloppy BA who overlooks them puts you directly at risk.

Related: What Does a Buyer’s Agent Actually Do in Queensland? 

Red Flags to Watch Out For

Not sure whether a BA is right for you? Look out for these warning signs:

• They can’t explain their process clearly

• They avoid showing you past due diligence reports

• They don’t attend inspections in person

• They push you to make offers without data

• They handle too many clients at once

• They aren’t members of professional associations like REBAA

• They don’t have professional indemnity insurance

Spotting more than one of these red flags should make you stop and reconsider.

Related: How Much Does a Buyer’s Agent Cost in Brisbane and Queensland? 

How to Protect Yourself

Here’s how Clever Home Buyers can stay safe:

• Ask about process: How do they research and inspect properties?

• Request references: Past clients should be happy to share their experience

• Check memberships: Look for REBAA or other professional groups

• Insist on transparency: Fees and deliverables should be clear

• Meet in person: Trust your instincts when you talk face-to-face

Taking these steps helps you find a BA who works for you, not against you.

Clever Home Buyer Strategies

Clever Home Buyers know that not all Buyer’s Agents are created equal. They ask questions, check credentials, and make sure the BA they hire has the skills and independence to protect their interests.

When you choose carefully, you gain a partner who helps you buy with confidence. When you don’t, the risks are high — from hidden defects to paying far too much.

Final Thoughts for Clever Home Buyers

Hiring a Buyer’s Agent can be a smart move in Queensland, but only if you choose the right one. Dodgy operators cut corners, chase commissions, and put buyers at risk.

By knowing the red flags and asking the right questions, you can protect yourself from costly mistakes. And by working with someone who values thorough research, independent advice, and personal service, you can buy your next home with peace of mind.

Keep learning

• Do I Really Need a Buyer’s Agent? Pros and Cons for Queensland Buyers 

• The Top 5 Reasons Brisbane Home Buyers Hire a Buyer’s Agent 

Disclaimer: This article is for general educational purposes only and is not legal or financial advice. Always seek professional guidance before making property decisions in Queensland.

Written by Sheona Beach, Brisbane Home Buyers, Brisbane QLD