Introduction
It’s an unfortunate reality: when it comes to real estate agent tricks to avoid, Australian buyers know all too well why agents consistently rank among the least trusted professions. Surveys and ethics indexes, alongside car salespeople and politicians, put them right at the bottom. For anyone who’s been on the house-hunting journey, this probably isn’t shocking. We will also look at how to avoid underquoting in NSW.
Buying property – especially in competitive areas like Sydney’s North Shore and Northern Beaches – can feel like navigating a minefield of half-truths and tactical games. In this article, we’ll pull back the curtain on why agents have earned this dubious honour. From price underquoting to phantom “vendor bids,” gazumping and “off-market” spin, we’ll expose the common sales tricks that leave buyers wary. And we’ll discuss how, without independent advocacy, regular buyers are often left vulnerable in this high-stakes game.
Before we go further, we know many very good real estate agents that we trust and work with closely. Unfortunately, from our experience, it’s the minority that impacts the standing of the entire profession.
The Trust Deficit in Real Estate
First, let’s quantify the trust issue. The Governance Institute of Australia’s Ethics Index delivered a harsh verdict: Real estate agents are the nation’s least trusted professionals. They even scored below politicians. This perception doesn’t come out of nowhere – it results in many buyers and sellers feeling burned by their experiences.
Aussies have long memories of property stories: the agent who told you “This one’s within your budget” only for it to sell far above your range, or the one who said “No other offers on the table” right before another buyer swooped in. These experiences accumulate into a general wariness. According to one news report, buyers clearly don’t trust agents to look out for them during such major life transactions. And candidly, why should they?
Common Real Estate Tricks
Let’s examine a few of the major real estate agent tricks to avoid that continue to erode trust:
- Underquoting – Baiting the Hook: How to Avoid Underquoting in NSW. Underquoting is perhaps the most infamous tactic. Agents advertise a price guide far below expectations to lure buyers in. While technically illegal in NSW, it remains widespread. If you’re wondering how to avoid underquoting in NSW, the answer lies in doing your own homework. Always research recent sales data and never rely solely on an agent’s price guide. If it looks too good to be true, assume it is. Regulators issue fines, but they’re minor compared to agent commissions, so the practice continues.
- Auction Tricks: Phantom Bids and Vendor Bids.
Auctions are prime territory for manipulation. Vendor bids are legal but often misunderstood by buyers, creating false competition. Private treaty sales also suffer from vague claims like “another offer just came in.” Without transparency, buyers are left guessing—a key reason trust remains low. - Gazumping – Losing at the Last Second.
Gazumping is legal in NSW until contracts are exchanged, but it feels like betrayal to buyers. It’s one of the most frustrating real estate agent tricks to avoid, yet hard to control without swift legal action and experienced guidance. - Off-Market Spin – The Illusion of Exclusivity.
Agents often overplay the concept of “off-market” deals to create urgency. While genuine cases exist, many are just pre-market tests designed to pressure buyers.
Why Buyers Without Advocates Are Vulnerable
These tactics highlight how unrepresented buyers face an uphill battle. Knowing how to avoid underquoting in NSW and recognising other common tricks can save you thousands—not to mention stress.
This is where a truly independent buyer’s agent becomes invaluable, levelling the playing field and shielding clients from these industry pitfalls.
Pushing for Transparency and Trust
Real estate’s trust problem won’t vanish overnight. However, understanding the tricks of real estate agents to avoid and knowing how to prevent underquoting in NSW can put buyers back in control.
At Sarah Kaye & Co, we champion transparency, independence, and client-first advocacy—because buying property shouldn’t feel like a game rigged against you. Trust isn’t given freely in this industry, but with the proper support, you won’t have to rely on trust alone. You’ll have facts, strategy, and someone truly on your side.
