Vendor Advocate vs Real Estate Agent - What’s the Difference?
We’re often asked, “So what exactly is a vendor advocate?”
It’s a fair question and one we love to answer, because vendor advocacy is a deeply human service that many people don’t know exists until they need it most.
When it comes time to sell, most people naturally begin by thinking about which agent or agency to go with. But there’s another layer of support available. One that’s independent, client-first, and designed to give you clarity, confidence, and a calm path forward.
That layer of support is vendor advocacy.
The Real Difference: Agent vs. Advocate
A real estate agent is primarily engaged in selling a property. They:
Represent the vendor during the sale.
Communicate with buyers.
Handle offers, marketing, and negotiations.
Are still part of a transactional model, even when doing their best.
A vendor advocate:
Walks beside the client.
Serves as the independent guide, not part of the sales team.
Helps select and manage the right agent.
Offers unbiased, emotionally intelligent advice, especially during life transitions.
Shields the client from pressure and complexity.
Represents the client’s best interest, not the deal’s.
What Does a Vendor Advocate Actually Do?
A vendor advocate is engaged by you, the person selling, to support, advise, and represent your best interests throughout the sales journey. Not to replace the real estate agent, but to work alongside them, ensuring your needs remain the priority.
We:
Advise you at every step
Communicate directly with agents on your behalf
Remove overwhelm by managing the process
Help you make clear, confident, and pressure-free decisions
And most importantly, we help you feel supported, not sold to.
It Starts Well Before the “For Sale” Sign Goes Up
Before your property even hits the market, a vendor advocate will take the time to understand your priorities, your timing, and what really matters to you. Whether you're selling after years in a beloved home, navigating a big change, or simply ready for something new, the plan we build is specific and curated for your property and for you.
From there, we guide everything from sale preparation and presentation to small improvements, helping ensure the process is considered, calm, and well-executed.
Choosing the Right Agent (Without the Stress)
One of the most misunderstood parts of the process is selecting the right agent. Most sellers don’t know the questions to ask or who to trust.
We do.
We interview agents, ask the tough questions, assess proposals, and provide unbiased recommendations based on experience and market insights, not commissions. Our long-standing relationships across the industry mean we know who to involve and why. We then oversee the appointment, guide pricing and marketing strategy, and ensure the sales approach suits the property, the market, and most importantly, you.
Your Advocate, All the Way to Settlement
Once the agent is appointed, we don’t disappear. We stay beside you.
We manage communication, keep the agent aligned with your agreed strategy, review updates, and guide any decisions along the way. We help you know when to hold firm and when to pivot. You never have to chase for updates or feel unsure about where things stand.
It’s seamless. It’s strategic. It’s deeply supportive.
And surprisingly to many, there’s no additional cost.
Vendor advocacy is covered by the selling agent’s commission, meaning you get a high-touch, expert-led service without paying more.
What Do Agents Think About This?
The best agents welcome vendor advocates. Why? Because when everyone is aligned and communication is smooth, the result is a more efficient, strategic, and successful campaign. Agents get to do what they do best - sell - while we ensure the bigger picture stays on track.
So, Do I Need a Vendor Advocate?
Not everyone does.
If you already have a trusted, experienced agent who truly understands you and your goals, you may feel confident managing the sale alongside them.
But if you’re feeling unsure, overwhelmed, or unsupported or simply want expert guidance without the pressure, a vendor advocate can be a game-changer.
Because the real difference between a real estate agent and a vendor advocate is this:
An agent works for the sale.
A vendor advocate works for you.
At Orium & Co, we guide people through real estate decisions that are often part of something much bigger - the end of a chapter, the beginning of a new one, or a major turning point in life.
Want to Learn More?
If you’re thinking about selling and want to feel fully supported by a Vendor Advocate in Melbourne, we provide a free face to face or online consultation.
We’ll help you clarify your next steps, outline your options, and show you what working with a vendor advocate can look like without pressure or obligation.
To book a Consultation → Email lisa@oriumandco.com