If you have found a property yourself, a negotiation-only engagement may address a different need from a full search. Clarify whether you want price research, inspection support, offer strategy or representation in discussions with the selling agent.
Define the deliverables
Ask whether the service includes a physical inspection, comparable-sales analysis and a written appraisal. Confirm whether negotiations cover price alone or also proposed terms, with legal questions referred to your adviser. Do not assume a short service name means the same package at every agency.
Agree on information and authority
Provide the property details, available documents, your confirmed budget and deadlines. State who may approve an offer and how changes will be recorded. Ask the agent to identify missing information before making a recommendation rather than treating the listing as complete research.
Practical rule: record the evidence behind each option before you compare it. A consistent written process makes the final decision easier to explain and revisit.
Compare payment triggers
Request the fee, GST treatment and any upfront charge in writing. Ask what happens if the seller declines, the property is withdrawn or you move to another home. Clarify whether an auction requires a separate engagement and whether post-auction discussions are included.
Keep the rest of your team involved
Arrange relevant legal, building and financing work separately. The negotiator should know which questions remain unresolved and which deadlines matter. A lower agreed price does not resolve an unsuitable contract or a defect you cannot afford to address.
Your practical checklist
- ✓Specify appraisal and inspection work.
- ✓Record offer limits and approvals.
- ✓Clarify unsuccessful-purchase fees.
What to record before you decide
| Decision point | What to keep |
|---|---|
| Define the deliverables | Record the facts, documents and questions relevant to this step before moving on. |
| Agree on information and authority | Record the facts, documents and questions relevant to this step before moving on. |
| Compare payment triggers | Record the facts, documents and questions relevant to this step before moving on. |
| Keep the rest of your team involved | Record the facts, documents and questions relevant to this step before moving on. |
Frequently asked question
Can you hire an agent after speaking with the seller’s agent yourself?
Ask the agency about taking over communication and any constraints. Make representation clear so the seller does not receive conflicting instructions.
Sources and further reading
