Right now, in WA, buyers are competing hard.
Homes are selling fast.
Multiple offers are the norm.
You’re under pressure to act quickly — sometimes within hours.
But here’s the thing: speed shouldn’t replace strategy.
And while agents may be helpful and professional, remember they work for the seller. In a market like this, they’re under huge pressure to get the best price and terms for their client — not to protect you.
If you want to avoid costly mistakes in a hot market, you need to know what agents won’t tell you — and what you should be asking instead and doing your own research to protect yourself.
1. No price guide on properties.
In a competitive market, some sellers are pushing prices — and some buyers are paying over to secure a property. The joys of demand outweighing supply.
Agents won’t necessarily warn you when the price is above comparable sales (which doesn’t help you and your research in determining price) — they’re hoping competition will drive the price up.
🔍 What to ask instead:
“How was the price determined?”
“Are there comparable sales you can show me?”
“ Is there a price guide you can give me based off other buyer feedback?”
2. They won’t tell you what other buyers are offering because they can’t.
In a multiple-offer scenario (which is very common right now), agents can’t disclose offer prices — and they won’t give you much detail unless you ask smart questions.
🔍 What to ask instead:
“Are there other offers already submitted?”
“How many buyers have expressed serious interest?”
“Is there a deadline for offers?”
“How are offers presented? Are they done online through a portal or is there a form I need to complete?”
“Besides price, what settlement time frame is the selling looking for?”
“Have they purchased another property?”
This helps you present the strongest offer possible — not just the highest one.
3. They won’t explain to you how important it is to protect yourself in your offer.
In a hot market, you’ll feel pressure to waive conditions to make your offer more attractive. But please DON’T. You still need to protect yourself and one of your most expensive purchases.
Agents won’t sit you down and explain the risks of not including important conditions like finance or inspections. (One of the main reasons I developed Property Uncut is contracts are sent digitally, and people are just expected to sign and not know what they are signing).
🔍 What to ask instead:
“What conditions can be included in the sale?” (Be sure to check for finance, building & pest inspection, good working order of plant & equipment)
“What conditions would a smart buyer include here?”
“What would the seller expect to see in a strong offer?”
And always: get advice before waiving any conditions. By waiving building & pest inspections your bank may not approve your finance as they need protection that the property is structurally sound. (Unless the property is being sold in ‘as is’ condition)
4. They won’t mention red flags unless you ask directly.
When homes are selling fast, there’s little time for due diligence — and that’s where buyers can get caught out.
Agents won’t necessarily volunteer past issues unless you ask clearly.
🔍 What to ask instead:
“Are there any material facts that I need to be aware of?” – this question is incredibly crucial
but if you don’t feel comfortable asking that exact question other ways to ask:
“Are there any known issues or repairs the seller is aware of?”
“Has the property had any pest treatments, structural issues, or disputes?”
“Are there any upcoming area changes (rezoning, development, special levies) I should be aware of?”
“Anything else I need to know?”
5. They won’t remind you they work for the seller.
It’s easy to forget in a fast-paced market — but agents are legally and contractually working in the seller’s best interest.
Even if they seem friendly and helpful (and most are), you need to protect yourself.
🔍 What to ask instead:
“What terms besides price would appeal to the seller?”
“Are there any conditions the seller would not accept?”
“Would the sellers need a rent back?” Only ask this question if this suits your situation – for example you have a lease, need to sell your house or can find temporary accommodation in the interim.
Final Thoughts: In a Hot Market, Knowledge = Power
Right now, in WA, buyers are competing hard — and emotions run high. That’s when mistakes happen. And they can be VERY COSTLY MISTAKES.
👉 The smartest buyers ask better questions.
👉 They stay calm under pressure.
👉 They protect their interests first — even when the market feels frantic.
Want to feel more confident when dealing with agents in this market?
Property Uncut will help you understand the process, ask the right questions, and avoid costly mistakes.
Join the Waitlist today.