In real estate, perspectives shift dramatically depending on which side of the fence you’re standing on. When you’re selling, the conversation is all about achieving the highest possible price. When you’re buying, that very same pursuit can feel frustrating, even unfair.
Why sellers push for the best price
For most owners, the decision to sell is motivated by more than simply “cashing out.” The extra dollars achieved at sale often serve a clear purpose:
- Upsizing or downsizing: moving into the next chapter of life with a new home that better fits their stage of life.
- Investing in the future: using the proceeds to secure an investment property, fund children’s education, or support retirement plans.
- Covering financial obligations: paying off debt, settling mortgages, or simply improving financial stability.
- Personal goals: from starting a business to taking that long awaited trip, the capital from a sale often fuels big life milestones.
It is no surprise, then, that sellers lean into strategies designed to maximise their return.
Why buyers hate it and what can they do?
On the flip side, buyers are the ones feeling the pinch of these strategies. Competition campaigns, tight deadlines, price guides that feel like moving targets. These tactics are all part of the seller’s playbook to push the price higher. Understandably, buyers see this as stressful, manipulative, or just exhausting.
But here’s the catch: most buyers will one day become sellers. And when that time comes, they’ll want those very same strategies working in their favour.
If you’re buying, it pays to be proactive:
- Consider a Buyer’s Agent: a professional who understands the market, negotiates daily, and can give you an edge when emotions run high.
- Do Your Research: understand recent sales, suburb trends, and what adds value. The more informed you are, the stronger and more confident your offers will be.
- Get Financially Ready: pre approvals, deposit funds, and having your paperwork in order means you can move quickly in a competitive environment.
Raising the bar: What agents can do better
While buyers and sellers naturally have competing interests, agents play a critical role in ensuring the process remains fair, transparent, and productive. A good agent doesn’t just chase the highest sale price, they also manage expectations, guide communication, and foster trust on both sides.
Here’s how:
- KNOW THE LAW AND STICK TO IT
Agents must understand and comply with the Property Occupations Act 2014 and related legislation. Staying compliant not only protects clients but also ensures they don’t end up in the crosshairs of the Office of Fair Trading (OFT).
- BE UPFRONT ABOUT YOUR ROLE
Buyers appreciate honesty. If an agent clearly explains, “I’m here to achieve the best possible result for the seller, but I’ll treat you respectfully and fairly,” it sets the right tone from the start.
- EXCEPTIONAL COMMUNICATION
Clear, timely communication prevents frustration. Buyers don’t expect to win every negotiation, but they do expect to know where they stand, whether that’s updates on offer timing, transparency around deadlines, or clarity on how the process works.
- DELIVER ON PROMISES
Whether it’s providing additional information, following up on a query, or keeping the timeline on track, doing what you say you’ll do builds credibility quickly. Broken promises erode trust faster than anything else.
- EDUCATE BOTH SIDES
An agent who takes the time to explain market conditions, buyer behaviours, or seller strategies helps everyone feel more informed and less blindsided.
- RESPECT THE HUMAN SIDE
Buying and selling a home is emotional. Showing empathy, patience, and professionalism goes a long way in balancing the tension that naturally arises between both parties.
- SET REALISTIC EXPECTATIONS
Over promising to sellers or sugar coating to buyers only creates conflict later. Agents who ground their advice in data and evidence provide stability in what can otherwise feel like an unpredictable process.
At the end of the day, agents who balance strong advocacy for their sellers with fairness and respect for buyers not only achieve better outcomes but also earn long term trust. The kind that builds lasting reputations in the marketplace.
Let’s talk about your property’s potential. Call us today on 0417 756 280.
