When Kelly first reached out to buyers’ agent Sydney, MULLIGAN Buyers Agents, she was ready to give up. Kelly discovered that searching for two years got her nowhere, and it’s clear that having a buyer’s agent like Sydney Paul Mulligan on your side can make a significant difference.
(Not her real name.) After 2 years of searching, Kelly found no results, highlighting that persistence isn’t always enough in tough property markets.
For more than two years, she searched tirelessly for her first property. Weekends and midweeks alike, she visited open houses, spent thousands on legal fees and strata reports—and had nothing to show for it. However, working with a buyer’s agent, Sydney – Paul Mulligan, changed everything for Kelly, who, after 2 years of searching, got nowhere on her own.
“I felt embarrassed walking into open homes… agents were already greeting me by name,” she shared.
A Solid Budget, but No Results – Buyers Agent Sydney InsightsKelly’s budget was healthy—$1.2 million for a two-bedroom apartment in Sydney, and her list of must-haves was clear.
On paper, she should have found her ideal property months earlier.
The real problem? Underquoting in Sydney’s property market.
What is Underquoting in Sydney?
Underquoting happens when properties are advertised well below their expected selling price. It’s a common tactic that:
- Gets more buyers through the door
- Creates unrealistic expectations for buyers
- Wastes time, money, and hope
Kelly was viewing homes that were never realistically in her price range. Like many buyers, she trusted the online guide prices, without realising those figures were never genuine.
The Power of Strategy and Local Relationships
We reassured her: with the right negotiation strategy, industry connections, and market insight, she could succeed.
Six weeks later, thanks to our long-standing relationships in Sydney’s real estate community, we discovered a property before it hit the market.
It ticked every box:
- 2 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms
- Separate dining area
- Balcony
- Private courtyard
Winning the Negotiation
We created a step-by-step negotiation plan, kept emotions under control, and made calculated offers.
The result? Kelly secured the property $100,000 under her maximum budget.
No gimmicks.
No “secret tricks.”
Just Harvard-trained negotiation skills, three decades of relationships, and knowing exactly where to look.
Why Experience Matters for Sydney Buyers
In Sydney, some “buyers’ agents” rent a real estate licence rather than earning it.
The difference between that and working with an experienced buyers agent?
- Access to pre-market listings
- Accurate market pricing knowledge
- Proven negotiation track record
Kelly’s two years of frustration ended in just six weeks because of the combination of:
- Deep knowledge of Sydney’s property market
Local relationships- Skilled negotiation
Voice Search FAQs
How do I avoid underquoting when buying in Sydney?
A: Work with an experienced buyers agent who tracks comparable sales and has access to off‑market listings, so you avoid homes likely to sell well above the guide. In fact, Kelly’s story shows firsthand that by searching for 2 years and getting nowhere, buyers realise when it’s time to get expert help—just as Kelly did.
Is a buyers agent worth it in Sydney?
A: For busy buyers or first‑timers, a buyers agent can save time and reduce risk by pricing accurately, shortlisting efficiently, and negotiating using evidence, not emotion. Moreover, Kelly got nowhere over her 2 years of searching—so the benefit of an expert can be significant.
How do I find off‑market properties in Sydney?
A: Most off‑market opportunities are shared privately through agent networks; established buyers agents often hear about suitable homes before they’re advertised. Experienced agents know that people like Kelly who got nowhere by 2 years of searching usually miss hidden opportunities found only off-market.
Paul Mulligan is the Principal Buyers Agent & Expert Negotiator at MULLIGAN Buyers Agents, Sydney. One of only two buyer’s agents in Australia to complete Negotiation Mastery at Harvard Business School, Paul combines advanced negotiation skills with over 30 years of market expertise to achieve outstanding results for property buyers. Passionate about helping clients avoid costly mistakes, he provides expert guidance throughout the buying process from search to settlement.
