Empower Blog Buying Process

Why should you do a Contract Review?

Look in my view, you should absolutely get the contract reviewed by a solicitor or a conveyancer prior to entering into a contract but definitely before you go unconditional on a property. Because let's be honest it's a big decision you're about to make and you going to spend a lot of money and there's a reason why lawyers and solicitors drive arou...

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Sometimes bidding at auction can really pay off

Many buyers like to shy away from auctions altogether, eliminating even the potential for securing that particular asset. It’s fair to say that most buyers tremble at the thought of having to fight it out in a public place, where agent ‘spin’ and underquoting can confuse even the most organised of buyers. But the reality is that most VENDORS...

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Auction: A Love Hate Relationship

Understanding why there's such a love-hate relationship in why buyers and sellers don't really like the auction process but the real estate agents do is really understanding what's in it for the real estate agent and the first thing is basically, vendor paid advertising for them personally and their business's brand. They've got the big billboards ...

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Three Biggest Mistakes Aspiring Investors make

As Buyer Agent, we are often asked to talk about biggest mistakes investors make. The most significant mistake however is not always the obvious one. People associate property investment mistakes with poorly chosen assets in areas which don’t exhibit capital growth, or financial mistakes (like paying too much), or dodgy buildings… or better sti...

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Buying Well vs …well,… buying.

Every aspiring investor is gripped with fear about the impact of their property selection when I first meet with them. Their questions range from “where should I buy?” to “what do you think of off-the-plan apartments?” The answer is simple – there are MANY factors that you need to take into consideration to ensure that you buy well; it’...

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The Effect of Imperfections on Property Values and Saleability

Now, more than ever since the last property run, buyers are looking for clever ways to buy property at a bargain price. Gone are the days of the buyer's market where a buyer could simply be swift and decisive to pick up a great buy. Now we need to be well connected with the agents, fast to make a decision after the first inspection, and willing to ...

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What is Happening in the Melbourne Property Market this Winter?

I recall my reporting mid to late last year - around September/October, our difficult Melbourne market felt as though it had started to turn a corner for the better. I was too cautious to call it until November, when the race to finishing line for the year's auctions became quite apparent that it wasn't the only driver nudging buyer demand up in th...

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TV vs. Reality – what’s the difference?

I often pinch myself when I think about the blessed professional life that I live! As co-host of Location Location Location Australia, I get the opportunity to travel around this amazing country meeting lots of great people from all walks of life as they invite me into their lives and seek help with (potentially) the biggest decision they will e...

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Is the Real Estate Agent a Friend or Foe?

I’m often amused by the antagonistic approach that some buyers adopt when dealing with a real estate agent in the midst of a negotiation.  Sure, the agent is employed by the seller to get them the best price and terms and draw as much money as they possibly can from the buyer but equally, they’re a crucial cog in the chain for you getting the ...

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What to Expect Post Settlement Re: Your Finances

So you have secured the property and settlement has just occurred.  The stress of the last couple of days is sort of behind you as you still try to get your head around the process that just took place and all the parties that made it happen, from the two banks, the two solicitors, the selling agent, the vendor, your buyers agent, your broker and ...

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What is the ONE thing in a negotiation that can get you across the line?

As Buyers Agents, when we are at a party or a BBQ, inevitably the discussion with a new person turns to work. “So, what do you do?” can give way to a whole night of exciting questions and tales about houses, real estate agents, property investing, horror and success stories. It’s almost as interesting a discussion as one you’d have with a c...

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Making Your Offer Irresistible

Real estate negotiation requires creative thinking in any private sale, pre-auction or post-auction negotiation. Buyers make the mistake of assuming that the vendor solely cares about price. Every vendor cares about price, but most vendors care about a combination of price and terms. In a selling situation where the vendor is relaxed about timing, ...

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An early Christmas present?

We are engaged by property buyers for several reasons; ranging from investors who wish to be steered in the right direction for their investment purchases, through to clients who feel their blood run cold at the thought of bidding at auction. In fact, many buyers flick through the pages on the real estate search engines and dismiss properties that...

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