Buying or selling a home is one of the most significant decisions you’ll make, and it can be stressful. That’s why it’s important to hire a knowledgeable Sunshine Coast real estate agent to guide you through the entire process. Below are tips for finding the right agent, and a selection of reputable local agencies to consider. Remember to choose an agent who specialises in your specific needs—whether you’re buying, selling, investing, or renting.
GJ Gardner Homes Sunshine Coast South
GJ Gardner Homes is a well-established builder and property specialist with a long history in Australia (since 1971) and offices across New South Wales and Queensland. While they are best known for residential building services, many of their local branches or partner networks provide assistance with sales and property marketing. If you need guidance on home loans or title-related services, GJ Gardner can often point you to trusted local providers or partners who handle finance and insurance matters.
Noosa Estate Agents
Noosa is renowned for its pleasant climate, beautiful beaches, and proximity to natural attractions such as Fraser Island. If you’re considering moving here, local agents are invaluable because they live and work in the area year-round. Sutton Realty and other local teams combine deep local knowledge with professional expertise to help buyers and sellers navigate the market. A strong local agent will know neighbourhood trends, school catchments, and lifestyle drivers that influence property values.
Ray White Maroochydore
Ray White Maroochydore offers a broad range of services across residential and commercial property. With decades of experience, they assist with buying, selling, property management and insurance referrals. Their large database and local market presence make it easier for buyers to find specific property types and for sellers to reach established buyer networks.
PerryCooper Property
PerryCooper Property focuses on delivering personalised service and competitive pricing across the Sunshine Coast region, including towns like Maleny and Nambour. Their team helps buyers at every step—from property search and negotiation through to settlement—aiming to match clients to homes that suit their budget and lifestyle.
Maroochy North Shore Realty
Maroochy North Shore Realty serves both buyers and sellers with a commitment to efficient, reliable service. With many years of combined experience on the team, they work to meet clients’ timelines and budgets, whether the goal is a quick sale or a careful purchase.
Tom Offermann Real Estate Noosa
Tom Offermann Real Estate Noosa is known for strong local market knowledge and personalised client service. Their team treats clients with close attention, delivering tailored advice whether you’re buying, selling, or investing in Noosa real estate.
Frequently asked questions
What is a real estate commission in Australia?
A real estate commission is the fee paid to an agent for marketing, negotiating and managing the sale of a property. Commission rates vary by region, agency and the services provided. In Australia they can range widely depending on the market and the package of services—sellers should always request a written agency agreement showing the commission breakdown. For general industry guidance, see the Real Estate Institute of Australia REIA.
What percentage do most realtors charge?
Commission rates vary, but many agents charge somewhere between 2% and 6% of the sale price. The exact percentage depends on the local market, the agent’s reputation and the level of marketing and negotiation required. Always compare written proposals from several agents before deciding.
Do estate agents charge upfront?
Most sales agents are paid when the property sells and contracts are exchanged, but some agencies may require upfront costs for marketing (photography, premium listings, or staging). These costs should be explained in your agency agreement. For rentals, landlords typically pay letting fees or management fees rather than charging tenants directly.
Does the tenant pay commission to an agent?
In most Australian jurisdictions, tenants do not pay a commission to the agent who finds or manages the rental property—these fees are usually paid by the landlord as part of property management costs. Tenants typically pay rent in advance and a security deposit (bond), plus any permitted application or administrative fees where allowed by local laws.
What are the closing costs on a house?
Closing costs (also called settlement costs) are the fees and charges associated with completing a property purchase. These commonly include stamp duty (where applicable), conveyancing or legal fees, loan establishment and lender fees, title searches, inspections, and sometimes lender-required insurance. The exact items and amounts vary by state and by the type of transaction.
How do I estimate closing costs?
Closing costs depend on location, price and the services you choose. As a rough guide, total closing costs can range from 2% to 6% of the purchase price, but this varies widely—stamp duty alone can be a significant portion in some states. Use official calculators and buyer guides to get tailored estimates; the Australian Government’s MoneySmart site offers helpful resources for buyers: MoneySmart – Home loans and buying a home.
Can closing costs be rolled into a mortgage?
Some lenders allow you to include certain fees in the mortgage or offer a loan that covers some settlement costs, but inclusion depends on the lender’s policy and your loan structure. Rolling costs into the mortgage increases your loan balance and interest payable, so weigh this option carefully and check with your lender or broker.
When looking at houses, what does the term “comparables” mean?
“Comparables” (or “comps”) are recently sold properties that are similar in size, condition and location to the property you’re assessing. Appraisers and agents use comparables to estimate market value by comparing features such as land size, number of bedrooms and recent sale prices in the same area.
How do you avoid estate agent fees when renting?
To avoid paying letting or tenant fees when renting, consider the following options:
- Search for private rentals where landlords advertise directly and do not use an agent.
- Look for property managers or agencies that advertise “no tenant fees” (these are sometimes absorbed by landlords).
- Negotiate with the landlord or agent—some fees may be reduced or waived depending on market conditions.
