Empower Blog Negotiation

Private Sales vs Auctions

Have you ever wondered why some properties are sold privately and some others via auction? Who determines which method should be used to sell a property, and why? This time on 774 ABC Radio Melbourne, Ben Kingsley put on his buyer’s agent hat to talk about private sales vs auctions. In some states such as Victoria, we often see more auction act...

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How to negotiate a great property deal out there?

Buying a property in a buyer’s market is a lot easier than buying in a seller’s market. With abundant properties, slow-moving sales, and low prices, you can snag a good deal even with rusty negotiation skills. Unfortunately, the Australian property market is not currently a buyer’s paradise. Across the country, prices have been steadily risin...

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Buyers’ Agent Brief

Armed with an upwardly mobile couple's investment goals, three local experts set about finding the perfect strategy for kicking off their portfolio. In the January 2015 issue of Australian Property Investor Magazine (API), they introduced a new series called 'Buyers's Agent Brief'. Kieran Clair presented Bryce Holdaway with a hypothetical client...

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Negotiable Terms in the Contract of Sale

There are terms that are negotiable on a Contract (Contract of Sale). Most notably, deposit, settlement date, price and sometimes there might be some subject to condition that the purchaser requires to be imported into the contract unless of course, if you're buying in an auction, you won't have the opportunity to negotiate such terms. The depos...

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Tips for Buying at Auction – Part 3

Auction Tip No.4 Now my fourth tip is actually, don't be afraid of the Auction process because I know a lot of buyers are really scared off by bidding at auction. It's a really transparent process. If we're buying something at a private sale, say the agent rings you up and say, "Hey, I've got 2 people interested and I need you to put your best and ...

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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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8 Tips to Buy in a Hot Market

I’ve been buying property on behalf of clients since October 1998 and in that time I have experienced many hot property markets.  Having moved from Perth to Queensland in 2002 and then to Melbourne in 2006 as well as travelling around the country filming Location Location Location Australia for the last 3 years, it sometimes seemed like I was of...

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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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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 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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The 7 Biggest Property Investment Mistakes

If I were to ask you what do you feel more comfortable with, investing in shares or property? The majority of people would say property.  The reason for this is because property is something that we all have experienced in our lives, so naturally we automatically assume we understand it better than shares or managed funds.  Shares on the other h...

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