How to choose an agent to represent you as a buyer

You've found a property you like—or you're starting to look. Either way, you're wondering whether an agent will actually help, and if so, which one. The real question isn't whether agents are useful; it's whether a particular agent will prioritise finding you the right property at the right price, or simply move deals through as quickly as possible.

Representation means someone working on your timeline, within your budget, and with your goals stated upfront. Not every agent does that equally. The difference lies in a few concrete factors: their knowledge of your target area and price band, how they handle information about comparable sales, their willingness to say "not yet" or "keep looking", and how they communicate when you disagree.

Track record in your price band and area

An agent who has sold dozens of properties in the exact neighbourhood and price range you're looking at knows what's overpriced, which vendors are serious, and what deal structures work locally. That experience is worth something. An agent moving between suburbs, chasing any sale at any price point, learns slowly and broadly—not deeply.

Ask a prospective agent how many transactions they've completed in your target area in the last two years, and what price band they know best. If they've done three sales above R2 million in Sandton, that doesn't mean they understand the R900k market in Rosettenville. Don't accept vague answers. If they hesitate or deflect, that's a signal.

Also ask whether they list properties (act for sellers) in the area you're buying. That gives them real-time information about what's on the market, what's selling, and what's sitting. An agent representing only buyers in an area is at an information disadvantage.

How they use comparable sales data

When negotiating an offer, both of you will reference comparable sales—the nearby properties sold recently at similar prices. An agent who digs into comparables carefully, understands what made each sale happen (desperate seller, urgent buyer, unusual condition, extended timeline), and frames offers around that reasoning is doing the work.

An agent who says "the market's at R1.2 million per square metre" without digging into specifics is being lazy. Ask how they build their comparable argument. What properties do they use? How recent are they? Do they adjust for condition, size, timing? A good agent walks you through this; a poor one tells you what to offer and expects compliance.

Willingness to walk away

This is a blindingly simple test and most agents fail it. A buyer's agent who is genuinely representing you should be comfortable saying: "This property isn't worth what you'd have to pay," or "We can find better for this money," or "The inspection raised issues that need serious consideration." If an agent only ever encourages you forward and never pumps the brakes, they're managing the transaction, not representing you.

In conversation before you commit, describe a scenario: you've made an offer on a property, but a building inspection finds foundation cracks, and the vendor won't negotiate. What does your agent suggest? If they immediately push you toward specialist reports and proceeding anyway, they're protecting the deal. If they ask you about your risk tolerance, timeline pressure, and alternative options, they're thinking about your interests first.

Communication style and responsiveness

You'll be in contact with this person regularly, sometimes when stressed or confused. Some agents are chatty and reassuring; others are efficient and brief. Neither is wrong, but you need to know which you're getting. More importantly, an agent should explain decisions and market moves to you, not just execute them.

If you ask why a property is listed at that price, a good agent tells you the thinking. If you disagree with their advice, they should engage with your reasoning, not dismiss it. And if they're slow to return messages, or vague when you press for clarity, that won't improve once you're locked in.

When you're comparing agents, meet at least two or three. Ask the same questions, listen for how directly they answer, and notice whether they're curious about your situation or just pitching themselves. The agent who asks the most thoughtful questions about what you're looking for is usually the one thinking about fit, not just commission.

Finding an agent who knows your market, reasons carefully, stays honest about trade-offs, and communicates clearly is worth the effort. Strove's verified agent profiles let you review experience, read client feedback, and contact several candidates at once to test these factors yourself.