Can a buyer’s agent also act as a vendor advocate?

Yes, but that raises conflict of interest concerns. At Joris Advocacy, we only ever represent one party per transaction. A property we represent as a vendor advocate is never offered to our buyer clients. If a crossover exists, we refer the client to a trusted third party to maintain integrity.

If vendor advocates are free, how do they earn money?

We are typically paid from the commission the selling agent earns. Most agents welcome vendor advocates because we bring prepared, decisive clients and reduce delays. In some states, a small flat fee may apply, but this is agreed in advance.

Will a vendor advocate just recommend agents they know?

We use independent, data-driven selection. While we often encounter high-performing agents repeatedly, our recommendations are always based on recent results, local market fit, and transparency around any referral arrangements.

Do I need a vendor advocate for every sale?

Not always. Some sellers are confident, experienced and have the time to manage the process. But most find that having an expert at their side - particularly during high-stakes moments - leads to better financial and emotional outcomes.

How much more do vendors earn using a vendor advocate?

While figures vary, data from Domain and CoreLogic shows that properties with correct pricing, optimal presentation and strong campaigns sell up to 10-15% above suburb medians. Vendor advocates help sellers tap into that potential - without adding cost.

Vendor Advocate vs Buyer’s Agent

It’s easy to confuse a vendor advocate with a buyer’s agent - especially when both are part of the property ecosystem, yet they serve completely opposite sides. That confusion can cost you in both stress and financial outcome. In this article, we'll compassionate clarity: explaining exactly how a vendor advocate differs from a buyer’s agent, why sellers might choose one over the other, and how making the right decision early can significantly improve your selling outcome.

What Each Role Represents

Vendor Advocate (Seller’s Specialist)

Works only for sellers
Provides objective advice, agent comparison, property presentation, negotiation support, sale strategy and campaign oversight
Paid through the selling agent’s commission split, meaning most sellers pay no additional fees

Buyer’s Agent (Buyer’s Representative)

Works only for buyers
Sources, vets, negotiates and acquires properties on behalf of the buyer
Typically paid a fee of 1-3% of the purchase price (we do flat fees)
According to the REBAA Buyer Barometer, almost one third of Australian buyers now engage a buyer’s agent

At-a-Glance Comparison Table

Aspect	Vendor Advocate	Buyer’s Agent
Primary Client	Property seller	Property buyer
Main Purpose	Maximise sale outcome and reduce stress	Secure best purchase at optimal price
How Paid	From selling agent’s commission split	Buyer fee or commission (approx. 1-3% of purchase - we do flat fees)
Agent Selection Role	Recommends and negotiates selling agents	Not applicable
Negotiation Focus	Sale terms, agent performance, vendor commission	Purchase price and buyer conditions
Property Presentation	May guide refresh, organise styling and presentation advice	Not applicable
Conflict of Interest	Must remain independent of the selling agent	Independent of seller

Why Choose a Vendor Advocate Instead of a Buyer’s Agent

1. You are selling - not buying

If you’re preparing to sell, it makes sense to work with someone focused on maximising your result as a seller. Vendor advocates understand the strategy behind timing, presentation and negotiation. Buyer’s agents, while skilled, are focused on acquisition - not sale optimisation.

2. You want objective and expert guidance

Vendor advocates offer impartial advice. They don’t inflate your price to win your business or push unnecessary upgrades. Instead, they provide strategic clarity grounded in current market conditions.

3. Reduced stress, higher control

Your advocate coordinates agent interviews, appraisals, home presentation, staging, marketing and buyer feedback - so you can stay focused on life while your sale is handled professionally.

4. Likely stronger sale outcome, without extra cost

By selecting the right agent, negotiating commission, and managing buyer interest, vendor advocates often help sellers outperform their market expectations. And because they’re paid from the selling agent’s commission split, there’s rarely an extra cost to you.

Case Snapshot

Family from Terrigal, NSW
A family with a large coastal property near Terrigal engaged us ahead of their sale. We provided a curated presentation plan that included a recommended cosmetic refresh and styling aligned with both the home’s character and the market expectations for this property type. We negotiated the agent selection and commission, ensured the staging reflected the lifestyle appeal, and oversaw the campaign rollout. The property sold within two weeks, $350,000 above the original estimate, delivering significant net benefit - all without the family paying any additional fees.

Thinking of selling soon? Let us offer a free call before you speak to any agent. We’ll help you understand if a vendor advocate can add value to your sale, and what success might look like.

No obligation. Just clear, professional advice - Book your call today

Who Does What: Vendor Advocate vs Buyer’s Agent