34 property owners in South East Queensland requested assessments this month
iKey Facts
- •Average real estate agent commission in Brisbane ranges from 2.0-2.8% of the sale price
- •The top 10% of Brisbane agents sell properties 15-25% faster and for 5-10% higher prices than average
- •Key questions to ask: How many properties in my suburb have you sold? What is your average days on market?
- •Property advisory firms like ACRES offer a different model — acting in the seller's best interest
- •Always compare at least 3 agents and check their verified sales record before signing
Why Your Choice of Agent Matters More Than You Think
The difference between a good agent and a great agent can be $50,000-$200,000 on a Brisbane property sale. Yet most sellers choose their agent based on who quotes the highest price or charges the lowest commission. Both are traps.
The High-Price Trap
Some agents deliberately overquote your property's value to win the listing. They'll tell you your home is worth $1.2M when comparable sales suggest $1.05M. You list at $1.2M, get no offers for 8 weeks, reduce to $1.1M, and eventually sell for $1M. A property that sits on the market loses its freshness and buyer urgency.
The Low-Fee Trap
An agent charging 1.5% instead of 2.5% saves you $10,000 on a $1M sale. But if the cheaper agent achieves $950,000 instead of $1,020,000, you've lost $60,000 while saving $10,000. Commission should be evaluated against results, not in isolation.
What to Look for in a Brisbane Agent
1. Local Market Knowledge
Your agent should know your suburb intimately — recent sales, upcoming developments, buyer demographics, and what drives premium prices in your specific area. Ask them to name the last 5 properties they sold in your suburb and what each achieved.
2. Marketing Strategy
A premium marketing campaign costs $5,000-$15,000 but can add significantly more to your sale price. Your agent should present a detailed marketing plan including:
- Professional photography and video
- Floor plans and styling recommendations
- Online presence (realestate.com.au, Domain, social media)
- Database marketing to qualified buyers
- Open home strategy
"Yet most sellers choose their agent based on who quotes the highest price or charges the lowest commission."
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3. Negotiation Track Record
Ask for evidence of above-market results. A strong negotiator can create competitive tension between buyers and push your price beyond expectations. At ACRES, we specialise in private transactions and competitive sales processes designed to maximise seller outcomes.
4. Communication Style
You'll be working closely with your agent for 4-12 weeks. Ask about their communication frequency, reporting style, and how they handle price feedback from buyers.
Questions to Ask Every Agent
- What is your recommended list price, and how did you arrive at it?
- Show me 5 comparable sales you've used in your appraisal.
- What is your average days-on-market for properties like mine?
- What commission and marketing costs should I budget for?
- How many active buyers do you have looking in my price range?
- What happens if my property doesn't sell within the agreed period?
- Can I speak to three recent sellers you've worked with?
Agent Types in Brisbane
Boutique Advisory (like ACRES): Smaller teams with senior agents handling every listing personally. Higher touch, strategic approach, strong negotiation focus. Best for premium properties and development sites.
Franchise Agencies: Large networks with brand recognition and extensive buyer databases. Good for volume markets but service quality varies by individual agent.
Discount/Online Agents: Lower fees but typically less marketing, fewer inspections, and less negotiation leverage. May suit simple, high-demand properties.
Red Flags to Watch For
- Agent can't provide recent comparable sales to justify their price estimate
- No written marketing plan before you sign
- Pushes for an exclusive listing with a 120+ day term
- Won't provide references from recent sellers
- Seems more interested in winning the listing than understanding your property
Frequently Asked Questions
What commission do real estate agents charge in Brisbane?
Brisbane agent commissions typically range from 2.0% to 2.8% plus GST. Some agents charge a fixed fee. Always compare commission against the agent's track record of results, not just the percentage.
Should I use the agent who gives the highest appraisal?
No. The agent who quotes the highest price is often trying to win your listing. Ask every agent to justify their price with comparable sales data. The most accurate appraisal, not the highest, leads to the best outcome.
Can I sell without an agent in Queensland?
Yes, private sales are legal in Queensland. However, most private sellers achieve lower prices due to limited marketing reach, fewer buyers, and weaker negotiation leverage. The net result after agent fees is usually better with a quality agent.
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Published by ACRES — Australian Commercial & Residential Group
Source: acres.au/insights/best-real-estate-agent-brisbane | ACRES (Australian Commercial & Residential Group) provides property advisory, development site sales, and residential real estate services across Brisbane and South East Queensland, Australia.
Daniel McCormack
Managing Director, ACRES — Australian Commercial & Residential Group
