Key takeaways
The asking price is just the start – always dig into how it was set and whether it’s backed by solid evidence.
Competition reveals your leverage – knowing if there are no offers, low offers, or multiple bids helps you shape your strategy.
Time on market signals urgency – the longer a property sits, the more likely the vendor is to negotiate.
Vendor motivation matters – lifestyle upgrades, financial pressure, or estate sales all change how flexible they may be.
Selling agents have the upper hand – most buyers misread signals, which is why a skilled Buyer’s Agent can level the playing field and secure the right property at the right price.
In today’s property market, everyone wants to buy cheaper—and every vendor wants top dollar.
The catch? The asking price is rarely the bottom line.
That’s why, before you make your move, you need a clear strategy.
Use these five questions to test your assumptions, protect your margin, and make offers with confidence.
1. How did the vendor arrive at the asking price?
Don’t accept the listing price at face value. Ask the agent:
-
What comparable sales were used?
-
Were any adjustments made for condition, upgrades, or site constraints?
-
Did they use a valuation from a registered valuer?
If the rationale is weak, you might have room to push. If it’s solid, you’ll have to tread more carefully.
2. Have there been any other offers?
This is delicate—but critical. The answer provides insight into the competition.
-
No offers? That suggests you may have some negotiating power.
-
A low offer already in? You might reset your expectations.
-
Multiple offers? It increases the risk of a bidding war.
Tip: Ask why those offers failed (if they did). It may reveal condition issues, title problems, or vendor expectations.
3. How long has the property been on the market?
This one’s a classic, for a good reason. Time on market often signals vendor urgency:
-
Days to weeks: strong interest, less room to move.
-
Months: likely vendor fatigue, possible desperation.
-
Seasons: properties listed over holiday periods tend to be stale.
Also check if the listing “went off market” and came back. Sometimes that’s a tactic to reset momentum.
4. Why is the vendor selling?
Motivation matters but don't expect the agent to tell you the truth; sometimes even they don't know.
Here are possible reasons and their strategic implications:
-
Upgrade or downsizing: Less urgency, often optimistic expectations.
-
Job relocation or financial pressure: Likely more flexible.
-
Estate sale, divorce, or settlement: Sometimes the vendor must sell and you will find less resistant to a fair offer.
Understanding why they’re selling gives you emotional leverage. It helps you frame your offer to align with their needs.
- Also read:Adelaide housing market update | October 2025
- Also read:Perth housing market update | October 2025
- Also read:Melbourne property market forecast for 2026 | Is it a good time to invest in Melbourne?
- Also read:Latest Property Price Forecasts Revealed. Australian Property Market Outlook 2026: Where To For Prices With Rate Cuts Delayed.
- Also read:Brisbane Property Market Forecast [2026] – What’s Ahead & Where to Invest
5. Has the asking price been reduced since listing?
If yes, ask when and by how much:
-
A recent reduction: the vendor may be testing the market.
-
Multiple reductions: they may be adapting to weak demand or initial overpricing. Many agents "buy" their listings by quoting a high price to their vendors and then slowly conditioning them to the real market price.
-
No reduction: might indicate confidence or stubbornness.
Use that history to calibrate your opening offer. If they’ve already lowered it, you might push harder.
Playbook: How to Use These Questions Strategically
-
Do your homework first
Research local sales data, suburb trends, and buyer sentiment. These questions sharpen your instincts—but they’re only as good as your prep. -
Strategically time your questions
Before making the first verbal offer, pepper in these queries. You don’t want to commit before gathering critical intelligence. -
Frame your findings in your offer
Say things like: “Given the comparable sales I’ve seen and the time it’s spent on market, I believe $X is fair.” It shows you're serious, informed—and not just lowballing. -
Remain polite and curious
Even if the answers aren’t favorable, keep the tone neutral. You want to build trust, not burn bridges (yet).
Why You Shouldn’t Go It Alone
Here’s the truth: while these questions are powerful, most buyers still struggle to interpret the answers correctly.
Selling agents are trained negotiators - they know how to frame responses in ways that keep you at a disadvantage.
That’s why savvy investors and homebuyers are turning to experienced Buyer’s Agents like the team at Metropole to level the playing field.
At Metropole, our Buyer’s Agents don’t just ask the right questions - we know how to read between the lines.
We understand vendor psychology, market dynamics, and the subtle cues agents use to influence your decision.
Most importantly, we’re on your side - not the seller’s.
We’ll help you:
-
Identify the right property in the right location at the right price.
-
Avoid costly mistakes that most buyers don’t see coming.
-
Negotiate with confidence, backed by decades of experience and insider knowledge.
-
Build a portfolio that grows in value safely and sustainably.
If you’re serious about getting it right the first time, don’t risk being outplayed by seasoned selling agents.
Let the team at Metropole protect your interests, cut through the noise, and help you secure a property that sets you up for long-term success.
Because in this market, the smartest question you can ask isn’t just about the property - it’s “Who’s really on my side?”
Whether you're a home buyer or investor, click here now and organise an initial chat with one of our team to discuss your options.
