If you’re thinking about buying a home or investment property, there’s a good chance you’ve come across two professionals people keep mentioning buyers’ agents and mortgage brokers. Both play key roles in helping you buy the right property and secure the right loan. But when you’re starting, it’s common to ask: who do I speak to first?

The short answer is that it depends on your situation. But by understanding what each one does and how they work together, it becomes easier to figure out where to begin.

What a Mortgage Broker Does

A mortgage broker’s main job is to help you find a loan that suits your financial position and goals. They don’t work for a specific bank or lender. Instead, they have access to a panel of lenders, allowing them to compare loan products across the market.

They’ll start by reviewing your income, debts, credit history, and living expenses. From there, they’ll help calculate your borrowing power, explain your options, and apply for pre-approval on your behalf.

The broker also becomes your go-to throughout the loan process, liaising with lenders, answering paperwork questions, and troubleshooting any delays or complications.

If you don’t know how much you can borrow or you’re unsure whether you’d qualify for a loan, a mortgage broker is often the best person to speak with first.

What a Buyer’s Agent Does

While a broker focuses on the financial side, a buyer’s agent is all about the property itself. They act exclusively on your behalf to help you find, assess, and negotiate the purchase of a home or investment. They aren’t selling property, they’re buying it for you.

Buyers’ agents can help define your brief, research suburbs, identify properties (including off-market opportunities), and negotiate deals. They also offer insights into property values, growth potential, rental yields, and hidden risks.

For first-home buyers, a buyer’s agent can offer much-needed clarity in a market that feels overwhelming. For seasoned investors, they can streamline the process and make sure every purchase is a strategic one.

When to Speak with a Mortgage Broker First

If you’re early in your property journey, speaking with a mortgage broker first makes a lot of sense, especially if you’re not sure what your budget looks like. Without knowing how much you can borrow or what your repayments might be, it’s easy to fall in love with properties that are outside your financial reach.

Your broker will also help with getting pre-approval. This isn’t just helpful, it’s essential when working with a buyer’s agent. Pre-approval allows your agent to search within a set price range and act quickly when the right property appears.

For buyers in competitive cities like Melbourne, where auction timelines can move fast, having a trusted mortgage broker in Melbourne who knows how to work under tight deadlines is incredibly useful.

When It Makes Sense to Start with a Buyer’s Agent

On the other hand, if you’ve already sorted out your financing or you have a strong understanding of your borrowing capacity, starting with a buyer’s agent can be the next logical step.

This is especially true for people who are time-poor, unfamiliar with the property market, or looking for a specific type of property (like an investment or off-market opportunity). A buyer’s agent will help you refine your brief, focus your search, and avoid wasting time on unsuitable listings.

If you’ve already been pre-approved or you’ve recently spoken with a broker, a buyer’s agent will use that information to guide their recommendations.

The Best Approach? Let Them Work as a Team

Here’s the thing: buying property isn’t a solo mission. When a mortgage broker and a buyer’s agent work together, the process becomes far more streamlined.

The broker ensures the financing is secure, while the buyer’s agent makes sure the property fits your brief and budget. If one encounters a hurdle, they can update the other. For example, if a lender’s valuation comes in low, the agent can negotiate accordingly, or the broker can look at alternative lenders.

Having both professionals working side by side often leads to faster turnarounds, better deals, and fewer surprises.

So, Who Should You Call First?

If you’re just starting and don’t know your budget yet, start with a mortgage broker. If you’ve got pre-approval in hand or you’re confident in your numbers, a buyer’s agent can help you hit the ground running.

Ultimately, both play essential roles. And the sooner you involve both, the more supported and informed you’ll feel throughout the process.

Final Thoughts

There’s no strict rule about who to contact first, but timing and planning matter. Starting with a mortgage broker helps you prepare financially, while working with a buyer’s agent ensures you buy the right property at the right price.

Together, they help take the guesswork out of buying, turning what could be a stressful process into a well-guided journey toward your next home or investment.

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