Top 10 Real Estate Agents

4 things to consider when purchasing a property

top10realest — Sun, 21 Feb 2021 22:20:38 +0000

One of the most amazing parts of moving, or buying a new house is the entire process. Looking at the different property options…imagining your future with your family (or new family) as you allocate the different rooms and spaces in your forever home….then there’s the entire decorating process that comes with making the house your own.

Although the likes of Pinterest may help you visually in dreaming up your perfect home, there’s absolutely no denying the fact that things can become very confusing, complicated and frustrating especially if you’re a first-time homebuyer and have never had to deal with such matters of administration or financials…

As a result, it’s often the case that many home buyers prefer to go through realtors or hire a professional buyer’s agent to help ease up the entire process and guide them along the way.

When buying any kind of property, or investing, it requires knowledge of a few things. To assist with this, here’s a list of four important factors to consider when purchasing property.

Consider using a buyer’s agent

Never heard of the job spec before? If you’re considering purchasing property, it’s not only important but extremely useful to know what a buyer’s agent actually does – and how utilising one may work to your benefits and what it’s going to cost you to use an agent.

If you’re a first-time homebuyer, you may require the help of a professional. That’s not to say one cannot complete the process individually, however employing a buyer’s agent can help alleviate a lot of stress, pressure and time.

As a home or property buyer, you will employ a buyer’s agent who takes on the role of helping to guide you 100% along the way in helping you to find your ideal home. The agent is employed by the potential home-buyers, not the sellers, and the onus is on the buyer’s agent to help customers find their ideal home.

Some of their roles include helping buyers estimate the value of a potential property, or helping you to find the best deals or houses that are available on the market that you just don’t know about or that are not yet listed…They really aid in the initial stages of property hunting.

The location

Simply put, location is always one of the determining factors when it comes to buying a property, after all, it has such an impact on your day-to-day life.

For starters, the location of the house that you choose is always relative to your family or living setup, for example, if you have kids you would ideally hope for a school nearby.

Other factors such as the number of shopping malls and supermarkets heavily affect location choices, again particularly for families, and you will also want to consider looking at other facilities in the area that are available from lifestyle centres to outdoor parks, and even entertainment options.

It’s beneficial to also consider other determinants such as traffic flow and the level of activity that takes place within and around the property’s location. These could affect aspects such as noise pollution levels, as well as adding timing constraints to daily commutes.

All of these factors don’t even take into consideration one of the biggest concerns of buyers – is property in the area going appreciate or depreciate over time. No one wants to put their hard-earned money into a property only to find it’s worth less than when they purchased it. This is why it’s important to know the up and coming areas so you can purchase before the market has peaked.

There are more expenses than the initial payment

Amongst the excitement of things, it can be easy just to focus on the initial payment costs, and even though buying a house may appear affordable when working out your initial financial situation, there are other expenses that need considering amongst the works of it too.

Apart from all the extra costs that come with purchasing the house itself thanks to administrative, banking and agency fees to name a few, there are oftentimes hidden costs that may only occur only after a few months of purchasing a property. In order to stay smart, there are a few other factors to remember (and consider) such as house repairs or foundational damage, is there mould or has any weathering damage occurred?

Apart from maintenance issues, there are other factors that may add on additional and unforeseen costs if not considered such as travel costs commuting to and from work and schools every day. On that topic, what are tuition fees like for nearby schools, colleges, etc.?

Remember that oftentimes without realising it, different suburbs have different pricing systems that are relative to the resident market living within a given place. This means you’ll also have to remember to check out the price differences at entertainment venues, restaurants, cafes and bars and other food costs since some supermarkets are more expensive than others.

Is the house old or modern?

We know that often older houses have a very charming appeal, and if you’re into your interiors or architecture this may just be your dream. But, remember, with older-standing homes you need to think realistically and properly take note of the state/ condition of the home.

If a house is old, there may be insulation or heating problems for example, and it could be worth your while to check out if any roof damage has occurred or the likes of cracking-painted walls, or mould.

Apart from structural elements, older furnished houses might still contain years-old furniture and ancient appliances. Remember, back in the day we had fewer appliances which meant a need for less electrical outlets within a household. This could mean you’ll have to have those installed, or you may even have to replace the old ones.

Not only wall sockets, but this could mean the entire electrical board might need to be removed and a newer one added that can handle a heavier electrical load – remember that appliances and devices have advanced a lot in the past 20 years and have greater electrical requirements.

Lastly, don’t forget that new electrical outlets, wiring, replacing or fixing all add to the cost of things, however small they may initially appear.

5 up and coming areas in Brisbane to buy a property

top10realest — Sun, 07 Feb 2021 11:28:07 +0000

If you’re looking to purchase your first family home, or perhaps you’re simply tired of the mundane and are looking to relocate…maybe it’s none of the above and you’re actually interested in development or investment. Whatever the reason, a great up and coming place worth considering is Brisbane.

Littered with green spaces, and a plethora of fine-dining restaurants, trendy bars, and delicious coffee shops, the capital of Queensland also has many quiet and quaint areas, so people can enjoy the best of both worlds with everything you need centred around the central business district (CBD).

With weather that is generally idyllic all-year-round this city is already home to around 2.2 million residents and there are quite a few areas around Brisbane to choose from. Among the somewhat 190 different suburbs, to help make your choices a bit easier we’re going to break down five up and coming areas in Brisbane you should consider when looking to buy a property.

That being said, if you’re looking for some more personalised advice we would recommend talking to a buyers agent based in Brisbane. A buyers agent will have a discussion with you to find out what your wants and needs. They then help to find property options based on your requirements. They spend their entire day immersed in the market so are probably going to find options that fit your requirements that you would have never found or considered. If the idea of using a buyers agent is new to you, we would recommend that you check out our guide which explains what buyers agents do.

Bridgeman Downs

It seems that this area is one that is catching the attention of many new families, whether looking to buy an already existing home or build your own. So what makes this area so special?

Residents and families alike love the fact that it’s super community orientated and you’ll find friendly faces at every turn. It’s also a relatively safe and quiet area and it’s just a 25 to 30 minutes’ drive from Brisbane’s CBD.

Within Bridgeman Downs you’ll find all the amenities you need from public parks to shopping centres, as well as hospitals, schools and even walking tracks.

When you look at the financial side what makes this area so prospective is there have been increasing rents but a fall in vacancies. In the last five years alone, this area has actually grown in population by 13%, meaning there’s a good chance that these trends this will continue.

The average median price for a property in Bridgeman Downs goes for around $785,000.

Red Hill

Within just 3Kms of Brisbane’s CBD, this next area is a popular choice if you’re looking to live extremely close to the CBD but still feel amongst nature with Red Hill’s mountain views and rolling hills.

Here you’ll find super spacious houses and that goes for the apartments too, and some exquisite vintage properties around, catering towards a younger, millennial market.

Residents love the plentiful of convenient and affordable public transport options and it neighbours some other great areas too such as Paddington.

If moving with family, there’s only one school in the area, Red Hill Special School but other areas are close enough and boast some excellent schools.

You can expect to find many hip-and-happening cafes and restaurants, yoga studios and gyms around.

With a median price of $825,000, or rentals of $550 a week, and considering the proximity from Brisbane’s CBD, it makes Red Hill a great investment opportunity.

Carina Heights

Selling at a median house price of $667,500 and situated just 8kms from the CBD, this suburb sold 60 houses in the last year.

It seems this area has become extremely appealing to first-time home-buyers who make up the majority of the market looking to buy in Carina Heights, as well as families and households looking to upsize their homes.

You’ll find many townhouses here, as well as loads of newly-built units filling the market gap for young professionals. It’s also seen a surge in buyers deciding to buy houses, knock them down and rebuild in this area. Such factors make the area a fantastic choice for prospective buyers as there is a large selection of properties to choose from.

Carina Heights is close to shopping centres as well as many other popular surrounding areas such as upper-class Camp Hill, filled with its trendy eateries, shopping, French wine bars and bush walks.

Public transport is easily accessible nearby adding extra convenience for all its residents.

Coorparoo

As one of the oldest suburbs around Brisbane, if you’re looking for an area that has an already working system with all aspects of convenience located within one place, Coorparoo is your best bet.

The average median house price goes for around $910,000, with rentals being around $500 per week. You’ll have a diverse group of properties to pick from, whether you want a luxurious apartment or a stunning post-war home there are many architectural delights in Coorparoo.

The neighbourhood that makes up this suburb is a mix of retired families, families with kids and young professionals thanks to its old-town heritage and being situated just 4kms from the city centre.

It’s excellent transport system and selection of many good schools to choose from make Coorparoo highly attractive to many, and you’ll find everything you need without having to travel far, from retailers to supermarkets, coffee shops and cinemas…

Everton Park

Believe it or not, among young professionals and families on the go with busy schedules, the foodie offerings around can play a role in how appealing a suburb appears to be or not.

With tons of great shopping and retail options, close cafes and restaurants, as well as the introduction of Everton Plaza’s recently developed Park Lane, it makes it appealing to many young couples.

The area itself is super safe with basically no crime. This combined with it being a lively community to live in with lots going on is probably why it appeals so much to young families looking to relocate.

Plus, it’s just 9km from Brisbane’s CBD which makes it a popular choice for many that work in the city itself as it’s just a 15 minutes’ drive away.

With a median house price of $605,000, this makes Everton Park a great choice for those looking into development, and especially for first-time home-buyers – in the past year alone, the suburb saw the selloff of 110 houses.

Byron Bay Property

top10realest — Tue, 15 Sep 2020 00:14:54 +0000

Buying property in the Byron Bay area is not easy. It is often in high demand and good properties for sale can often be fought over by multiple bidders. The market has seen a few periods of strong growth and the median house price in many of the towns and villages have overtaken Sydney as the highest real estate prices in Australia.

Byron Bay and the Hinterland are part of the Northern Rivers region. This includes the shires of Byron Bay, Ballina, Lismore, Kyogle and Tweed Heads. The areas that are the most sought after are postcodes 2479 (Bangalow), 2481 (Byron Bay), 2482 (Mullumbimby), 2483 (Brunswick Heads and Ocean Shores).

The strip of coast between Lennox Heads and Ocean Shores has some of the most beautiful beaches in the world. The region also boasts some excellent restaurants, venues and cultural activities like festivals, theatres and galleries. Many locals say it has all the benefits of living in a country town as well as the advantages of the city. This may be one reason why the area is attracting many high net worth individuals and well-known celebrities.

Like many popular international destinations, Byron Bay is popular with tourists and visitors so AirBNB and other home stay platforms are well used. This can be contentious with some locals who insist some housing is being removed from the community housing market. This is an ongoing issue and yet to be permanently resolved.

As well as homes or units close the coast, small acreages in the hinterland are also extremely in demand. Many “Tree Changers” escaping the city have a dream of a few acres with a good view of rolling green hills, 20 minutes from Byron Bay. Unfortunately, there not enough of these to go around. Something that fits this brief can now set you back $2 mil or more – and rising.

Finding a good real estate agent or buyer’s agent is a good idea. Many people moving to the Byron Bay region and not always up to date with the area and its vagaries, especially with rural properties as this involves a lot more issues than a simple purchase of residential home on a suburban block.

Michael Murray, from Byron Property Search has been living in the Byron Shire for over 35 years. His local knowledge is extensive which truly gives the property buyer an expert squarely in their corner.

5 Reasons Why There Has Never Been A Better Time to Buy Property

top10realest — Tue, 23 Jun 2020 11:57:03 +0000

Is investing in real estate now one of those great investment opportunities that presents itself once a decade?

Over the years if you have invested your capital to buy property when there is an economic crisis, you have made a safe, viable, and long-term investment which is likely to grow once the crisis starts to vanish. Historically, If you have invested correctly the real estate market has proved to be one of the most lucrative investments with great potential for income and capital growth.

Here are five reasons why it is the best time to invest in real estate

1. Competition from Buyers in the real estate market is low

There is a lot of uncertainty and fear instilled in the mind’s of people looking at buying a property, particularly the inexperienced buyers since the Virus lockdown was introduced. This has resulted in a lesser number of competitors willing to invest in real estate right now which makes the playing field quieter and more negotiable than usual. It may be worthwhile to take this opportunity of less competition and start to invest if you are aware of what you are looking for. This is where an experienced Buyers Agent can really make a difference to ensure you don’t overpay.

2. Mortgage interest rates have reached the lowest levels in history

Paying off your home loan has never been this cheap. It is suggested by CoreLogic data that many Australian properties’ mortgage repayments would now be lower than the local weekly rentals. This means you get to buy a property with home loans at very cheap mortgage interest rates in a period of uncertainty and this seems to be an excellent opportunity for the investors who do not want to risk losing money buying into a hot and difficult property market. This gives you a golden opportunity to pay less for your property and save more with such low interest rates.

Home Loans are at all time lows

3. The real estate market is the buyer’s market and the banks are eager for business

Due to the lockdown and virus restrictions, the banks are not generating the normal level of revenue. Not many people are signing up for home loans at the moment and the banks are feeling it. Right now, the major banks are luring people with many marketing incentives to attract solid borrowers and currently paying them around $4,000 for each property loan and similar amounts to refinance other loans.

4. Many owners are reluctant to sell their properties in the current restrictive situation

With the introduction of the Virus lockdown and social distancing rules that came with it, a lot of owners are reluctant to risk selling their property right now. However, there is alway owners that want or need to sell. This is where uncertainty becomes an opportunity. Take advantage of the smaller number of listings as they may be people that really do need to sell in a tough environment.

Some sellers can be reluctant to sell due to social distancing risks.

5. The Market often booms after a crisis

After every previous crisis, recession or even depression, the property market generally experiences a strong period. Historically, after the Global Financial Crisis of 2008 or the Great Depression of the 1930s, the global economy was pushed to the edge for a period of time. In the midst of very difficult times , prices slowly started to rise.

This often happens when investors take their money out of unstable share markets and invest it in safer and less volatile assets such as the real estate market. This leads the property market to ultimately experience an unexpected expansion in demand. History suggests this happens almost every time after a crisis in financial markets. During the boom, prices rise then fall and this slowly draws people into understanding that investing in real estate is a good idea during an economic crisis as prices can go down a long way. A patient investor can reap very handsome gains during a post Virus crisis period.

If you are looking to buy or sell property, let us put you in touch with the right agent!

REAL ESTATE AGENT REQUEST

BUYERS AGENT REQUEST

The Australian Property Market and COVID-19

top10realest — Tue, 23 Jun 2020 11:54:29 +0000

COVID-19 is a pandemic that has significantly affected the Australian economy. The property market has not been spared, although the impact is significantly less to date than what many industries are currently suffering, that may change. According to Nerida Conisbee, who is the current chief economist at realestate.com.au, we are only experiencing the early effects of the health crisis.

The following guide will play a critical role in making any decision on the property market:

There is a need for wise decisions

According to Cameron Kusher, who is the acting executive director at realestate.com, there is a dynamic change taking place in the property market. Regardless of the borrowing costs being much lower than in previous years, buyers are reluctant to borrow during the health crisis. Consumers are showing caution and trying to make wise decisions as their primary concern now is their job security.

Economic stimulus is helping reduce the economic pain of the pandemic

Conisbee has been keen to note that various sectors in the economy have been affected differently. For instance, hospitality and tourism have received the worst-hit globally. With the lock-down of multiple borders in Australia , the industry is not seeing any revenue. On the other hand, the retail sector, mainly the supermarkets and food related stores , are seeing a large rise in demand due to panic buying.
Although it is important to note once the pandemic has subsided, the economy will normalise. The property market at that time will most likely recover, and buyers and sellers will return. Kusher also predicts that once the pandemic is over the demand and supply of the real estate will slowly return to normal. The various government stimulus packages will definitely help alleviate some of the economic pain of the pandemic but it will take time for that to work through the economy.

The share-market is not a direct reflection of the real estate

The financial markets are facing volatility. Though the volatility does not necessarily manifest in the real estate market. Consibee says that even when the health crisis subsidies, there will be a continuation of uneven equalisation of all economic sectors. Some sectors will boom very well while others will enter the recession stage.

It is worth noting that China is trying to return to normalcy in its retail and manufacturing sectors. The US is making a move to cut its interest rates. Italy, which is experiencing the worst hit by COVID 19, is trying to provide relief to consumers and banks to those with a mortgage.

The stock market is not a direct reflection of what will happen with the property market.

Don’t rush to make important decisions

There is a tendency to panic in the current health crisis. Some people will end up selling their property at the wrong time and others will invest in unworthy ventures due to FOMO . Those who are afraid of the pandemic may end up making critical mistakes in the real estate market. Craig Greer-Smith, a buyers agent in Brisbane, says that those who make decisions based on inaccurate data could suffer significant losses.

It is critical not to make panic decisions when the market is at its bottom. You need to take a lot of things into consideration before deciding whether to buy or dispose of a property. If you want to sell your property, it is essential to investigate where you will rent when you dispose of your property. Also, it is critical to think if you will want to repurchase the property. If you make the repurchasing decision after the pandemic, the price of your property might be higher, and you may not afford it.

There is a probability of some astute buying by investors

If an investor has owned a property for a considerable amount of time, it should be generating decent income. Such an investor, despite the current hardships in the economy, should not see the need to liquidate the asset. It actually may be an opportunity to use your equity and buy another property.

Interest rates are lower

The cost of borrowing with interest rates is now lower than ever. It means it may spell opportunity for potential buyers with cash as they can access loans at reduced prices.

Record low interest rates could provide great buying opportunity.

Reduction in the supply

Due to the pandemic, there is an increase in cancellation of auctions. This dynamic is yet to still fully play out with property prices. Though our primary focus at the current situation should be on our health, it is unwise to ignore the post-pandemic effects. Our current real estate market is a bit pale, but when the pandemic is over, we can predict an increase in demand and supply.

Real estate sales are still being made

Despite the effect of the pandemic, the real estate market is still recording transactions. Although, the recent sales have recorded selling prices that are a bit lower than the market price. The bidders of the property in specific auctions were limited so it is too early to tell.

If you are looking to buy or sell property, let us put you in touch with the right agent!

REAL ESTATE AGENT REQUEST

BUYERS AGENT REQUEST

Buyers Agents Fees and Commission Charges

top10realest — Tue, 23 Jun 2020 11:51:17 +0000

What does it cost to use a Buyers Agent or Advocate to buy a property?

A good buyer’s agent can be an invaluable asset in being able to secure a great property at a very good price in today’s competitive property market. How much do buyers agents usually charge and what type of Fees or Commission can you expect to pay?

Well, it varies quite a bit depending upon which city you wish to buy in and which agent you use. There are a couple of different fee and commission structures based around a percentage for service and a flat fee.

Most buyers agents also charge an initial signing engagement fee that is usually non-refundable. The engagement fee varies from $990.00 +gst to $2,500 +gst depending upon the buyer’s agent used and what type of service you require.

Here is an explanation of the two common payment models :

% Commission vs Fixed Fee Model

Fixed fee model

Some buyers agents charge a fixed fee for their services. This is very much the minority for a number of different reasons. What fee they charge will vary depending on the type of service you require from the agent (full search, negotiating a sale or auction bidding only), . Some buyers agents will also have a multi-tiered fee structures based on the value or purchase price of the property you are looking to purchase.

As a general guide, Fixed Fees for buyer’s agents and advocates typically range from around $6,000 dollars up to $15,000 for most homes or units, although the fee may be higher for substantial premium properties. The fee can be as low as $3000 for the most basic level of service from your agent, such as bidding at an auction or negotiating a purchase on your behalf where you have identified the property.

Commission model

The majority of buyers agents charge a commission for their services, calculating their fee as a percentage of the purchase price of your property. Very similar to what sales agents do. The Buying Fee is usually lower than what the sales agents charge though. The size or percentage of this commission could vary depending on the price bracket your property falls into, and what level of service you require.

As a general guide, Buyers Agents fees/commissions range from 1.5 % to 2.8% + gst of the purchase price. To give you an idea of how much you could pay in fees under a commission model, here is a fee range calculation 1.8% to 2.7% + gst fee range for a variety of properties:

$400,000 – Fee : $7,200.00 +gst – $10,800.00 +gst
$600,000 – Fee : $10,800.00 +gst – $16,200.00 +gst
$800,000 – Fee : $14,400.00 +gst – $21,600.00 +gst
$1,000,000 – Fee : $18,000.00 +gst – $27,000.00 +gst

Buyers agents fees and commissions

Brisbane
Our research shows the lower rate of commissions is 1.7 %+GST and the highest is 2.7 % +gst. Flat Fees are usually around $12,000

Sydney
Our research indicates the lower rate of commissions is 1.5%+GST on and the highest is 3.0 % +gst. Flat Fees are usually around $14,000
Sydney’s higher property prices make for a lot of variation in agents fees.

Melbourne
Recent analysis indicates the lower rate of commissions is 1.6%+GST on and the highest is 2.8 % +gst. Flat Fees are usually around $13,000.
Melbourne’s high property prices see a lot of variation in agents fees.

Perth
A poll of agents indicates the lower rate of commissions is 1.8%+GST on and the highest is 2.5 % +gst. Flat Fees are usually around $11,000.
Perth prices are recovering so we are seeing a lot of variation in agents fees.

Gold Coast
Recent analysis indicates the lower rate of commissions is 1.8 %+GST on and the highest is 2.6 +gst Flat Fees are usually around $12,000.
Gold Coast property prices are starting to move so agents are adjusting their rate.

Adelaide
Recent analysis indicates the lower rate of commissions is 1.5%+GST on and the highest is 2.4 % +gst. Flat Fees are usually around $10,000.
Adelaide has some of the lowest levels of agents fees.

Canberra
Our research indicates the lower rate of commissions is 1.8%+GST on and the highest is 2.8 % +gst. Flat Fees are usually around $12,000.
Canberra agents are about middle of the road for their fees.

What is a Buyers Agent?

top10realest — Fri, 17 Apr 2020 12:39:53 +0000

Purchasing property or a new home can be an overwhelming process. Whether it’s your first home, a holiday home, or investment properties, having a Buyer’s advocate on your side can save you time and money.

Experience in what property to buy, in what location and at what price is what a good buyers agent brings to the table.

Property is one of the most significant purchases you will make in your lifetime. If you’re going to spend anywhere from five to thirty years making loan payments on your home, you need to be sure you’re getting the best deal you can.

what does a real estate buyer’s agent do?

In simple terms, a buyer’s agent, or buyer’s advocate, is exactly that—your advocate during the property purchase process.

As licensed professionals, it’s their job to help your property purchase go smoothly. Their real estate expertise means they can help find the right property, keep you informed, negotiate the purchase price on your behalf, and make sure you get the best deal on your property purchase. They can also bid as your proxy at housing auctions or negotiate by private treaty.

Their efforts streamline and protect your entire experience, from finding the perfect home to signing your name on the dotted line.

They work for you.

should you use a buyer’s advocate?

Yes. A property or home is one of the most important purchases you’ll ever make. Australians borrowed nearly $20 billion to purchase homes last year, according to the Australian Bureau of Statistics.

You can’t afford to trip over real estate jargon or not understand the implications of an inspection report.

Whether you involve a buyer’s agent from the very start or bring them in during the home or rental property purchase, they can save you time, stress, and money. They work 100 percent on your behalf and are there to protect your interests.

After all, sellers have an expert on their side. Why shouldn’t you?

when should i use a buyer’s agent?

The best time to talk to a buyer’s agent is before you’ve even looked at a property. Their knowledge of the area where you plan to purchase property will save you time and reduce stress.

You won’t have to spend hours researching properties and visiting homes ill-suited to your needs. A buyer’s advocate can help you separate your home wish list into needs vs. wants, allowing you to focus on what really matters in your home.

They can help shortlist your available choices and be your point of contact with the seller’s real estate agent. A buyer’s agent may also have access to silent listings and pre-market listings. This means your agent can show you more properties than you would find on your own, increasing the chance that you’ll find your dream property.

When brought in at the beginning, a buyer’s agent can also take care of inspections and surveys for you. They interpret real estate jargon and make sure you understand what each report and contract means, preventing costly surprises once the purchase is complete.

Property buyers that work with a buyer’s agent are more informed, their home or property purchase go more smoothly, and they pay less overall. Using a buyer’s agent can protect your interests and assets.

what to look for when choosing a real estate buyer’s advocate

Buyer’s agents can have a tremendous effect on your home purchase, so you want to make sure you’re choosing an experienced professional. There are a few things you should consider when making your choice.

Are They Licensed and Insured?

Every state in Australia has different laws and licensing regulations. A buyer’s agent must have the proper credentials to practice. Also, check the consumer affairs or real estate agent institute office in the territory you’re considering to ensure your agent is licensed there.

What Experience Do They Have in the Area Where You’re Searching?

Local knowledge of the neighbourhoods you’re considering is invaluable. Agents should have a minimum of 24 months actively working in the area you’re interested in and should have several recent purchases there.

How Much Experience as a Buyer’s Agent Do They Have?

You want someone with a proven ability to work with real estate agents on a buyer’s behalf. The more experience an advocate has, the broader their network of contacts. These networks are important—it gives them access to pre-listed and off-market properties before they’re made public, increasing your chance of getting the perfect property. Their connections are also useful in referring you to other representatives you might need during your property purchase.

Are They Working Exclusively as a Buyer’s Agent?

Some buyer’s agents also work as real estate agents. Knowing the answer to this question can help prevent any conflicts of interest. If your advocate also accepts sales listings, they are not independent agents working exclusively as a buyer’s advocate.

Are They Familiar with the Kind of Home You Want to Purchase?

Knowledge of investment properties, first-time buyer plans and incentives, and any government savings opportunities can save you hundreds, if not thousands, of dollars.

Can They Share Any Referrals from Previous Clients?

Most buyer’s agents proudly display testimonials from their happy clients. You can typically find this information on their personal or business website. If it’s not there, proceed with caution.

What is Their Fee and Cost Structure?

When purchasing property, costs and fees can add up quickly. Understanding how your agent gets paid and what they charge for can not only add clarity on the value of their services but whether or not they’re charging industry standard.

Do You Have to Pay a Buyer’s Agent?

Yes. And many buyer’s agents will offer several different options when it comes time to cut that check.

Buyer’s Agents costs and fees will change based on when you brought them into the process. If you’ve involved them from the beginning, their fees will be higher. Their time and the services you use will also affect the final cost of their bill.

Some buyer’s agents will offer a fixed fee structure, while others work for a percentage of the sales price. According to REBAA, buyer’s agents’ full-service commission should work out to approximately 1.5-2 percent of the purchase price.

An experienced buyer’s agent can pave the journey to your dream home. Trust Top 10 Real Estate Agent to help you find the right advocate to represent your interests. Answer our five easy questions and let us send you a referral. Our free service comes with no obligation and may save you thousands.

Source: https://www.abs.gov.au/ausstats/[email protected]/mf/5601.0

2018 Russell Investments/ASX Long Term Investing Report

top10realest — Tue, 07 Apr 2020 00:00:00 +0000

Australian residential property has proven to be the best performing investment over the last 10 and 20 years according to the 2018 Russell Investments/ASX Long Term Investing Report.

According to the report returns for Australian Residential Property have been.

8.0% pa over 10 years
10.2% pa ovr 20 years

The returns above are averages and individual suburbs may have returned more or less than figures above.

For more detail you can access the full report using the link below.

https://russellinvestments.com/au/insights/asx-long-term-investing-report

Top 10 Real Estate Agents

4 things to consider when purchasing a property

Consider using a buyer’s agent

The location

There are more expenses than the initial payment

Is the house old or modern?

5 up and coming areas in Brisbane to buy a property

Bridgeman Downs

Red Hill

Carina Heights

Coorparoo

Everton Park

Byron Bay Property

5 Reasons Why There Has Never Been A Better Time to Buy Property

​​​Here are five reasons why it is the best time to invest in real estate

If you are looking to buy or sell property, let us put you in touch with the right agent!

The Australian Property Market and COVID-19

If you are looking to buy or sell property, let us put you in touch with the right agent!

Buyers Agents Fees and Commission Charges

Buyers agents fees and commissions

What is a Buyers Agent?

what does a real estate buyer’s agent do?

should you use a buyer’s advocate?

when should i use a buyer’s agent?

what to look for when choosing a real estate buyer’s advocate

2018 Russell Investments/ASX Long Term Investing Report

Here are five reasons why it is the best time to invest in real estate