Selling a home is one of the biggest financial and emotional decisions you’ll make in your life. With so many professionals involved in the process, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed. Two of the most common roles you’ll come across are real estate agents and vendor advocates. While both can help you sell your property, their roles are quite different.
In this blog, we’ll explain what each professional does, how they differ, and when it might make sense to choose one over the other. This is especially helpful if you’re considering vendor advocacy Melbourne services to make the selling process easier.
What Is a Real Estate Agent?
A real estate agent is licensed to sell property on behalf of a vendor. They work with you to prepare your home for sale, market it to potential buyers, conduct open inspections, and negotiate the best possible sale price. Their primary goal is to close the sale and earn a commission, which is usually a percentage of the final sale price.
Real estate agents are experts in market trends, pricing, and buyer behaviour. A good agent knows how to create appealing property listings, organise advertising campaigns, and present your property to attract strong offers.
What Is a Vendor Advocate?
A vendor advocate is an independent advisor who works for you—the seller—to make sure your interests are protected throughout the sale process. Unlike a real estate agent, a vendor advocate doesn’t sell your home directly. Instead, they help you select the best real estate agent for your needs and work with you and the agent throughout the sale.
Vendor advocacy Melbourne has become more popular in recent years, as more sellers seek professional guidance without having to rely solely on one agent. A vendor advocate’s role includes assessing your property, helping you set realistic expectations, comparing agent proposals, reviewing contracts, and ensuring everything stays on track.
They act as a buffer between you and the selling agent, helping you make smart decisions without pressure.
Key Differences Between Real Estate Agents and Vendor Advocates
1. Who They Work For
The main difference lies in who they represent. A real estate agent represents both you and the buyer during the sales process, although legally, their duty is to the seller. That said, they also need to maintain good relationships with buyers, which can create divided attention.
A vendor advocate, on the other hand, works solely for you. They have no involvement with the buyer and are focused only on getting you the best outcome. Their independence gives you peace of mind, knowing someone is there purely to look after your best interests.
2. Responsibilities
Real estate agents handle the entire sales process, from listing your property to negotiating and closing the sale. They handle advertising, buyer enquiries, inspections, and final offers.
Vendor advocates don’t market your property or deal with buyers directly. Instead, they help you appoint the best agent, guide the overall strategy, and offer advice throughout the journey. Their role is more of an advisor or project manager for the sale.
3. Payment Structure
Real estate agents are paid a commission based on the final sale price. This is typically between 1.5% and 3% of the sale. Some may also charge for marketing costs upfront.
Vendor advocates usually don’t charge you directly. Instead, they receive a portion of the selling agent’s commission once the sale is complete. This is agreed on between the advocate and the agent and does not usually affect your overall costs. Still, it’s always important to check how the payment structure works so there are no surprises.
4. Objectivity
Real estate agents may have their own preferences when it comes to marketing strategies or pricing. Their advice may also be influenced by the need to close a sale quickly.
Vendor advocates offer more objective advice. Since they aren’t paid based on the speed of the sale, they’re more likely to advise you on what’s truly best for your situation, even if it means taking a little more time.
When Should You Choose a Vendor Advocate?
Vendor advocates are especially helpful if you’re feeling unsure about how to choose the right agent or if you’ve had a negative experience selling a home in the past. They are also great for busy people who don’t have the time to manage the process or want professional guidance every step of the way.
In a competitive market like Melbourne, vendor advocacy Melbourne services can add real value by helping you make better-informed decisions. Advocates can save you time, reduce stress, and make sure you’re not being rushed into choices that don’t suit your goals.
When Should You Work Directly with a Real Estate Agent?
If you already have a trusted relationship with a local agent or if you’ve sold homes before and feel confident managing the process, you might not need a vendor advocate. Some sellers prefer to deal directly with one professional from start to finish and are comfortable navigating the sales journey on their own.
Understanding the difference between real estate agents and vendor advocates is key to choosing the right support when selling your home. While agents focus on selling the property and dealing with buyers, vendor advocates help guide you through the process and ensure your interests come first.
If you’re unsure about who to trust or how to make the best decision for your property, consider vendor advocacy Melbourne services. With the right advocate by your side, you can feel confident knowing you’re supported from start to finish, helping you achieve the best possible result with less stress.
