How to negotiate when a house is passed in at auction to you
When you’re buying a home and a house is passed in at auction to you, it’s time to negotiate. This can be a bit daunting, as estate agents are ready with a strategy to encourage you to buy. So you need a strategy too. When the house is passed in at auction, it means...
Three surprising benefits to selling a house in winter
by Carly Susic, Melbourne property advocate Some say you should avoid selling a house in winter. But I disagree. When you are selling, regardless of the time of year, you should always take advantage of market conditions. Even though the weather is dark and gloomy,...
Melbourne property market predictions for 2022
by Carly Susic, Melbourne property advocate With 2022 now well underway, many buyers and vendors are asking me: ‘where is the Melbourne property market headed in 2022?’ After the epic highs and lows of the previous two years, we’re hoping for a calmer year....
What to do when you can’t afford to buy a house in Melbourne
Owning a house is the Australian dream. But for many, it’s increasingly out of reach. Here in Melbourne, many buyers are getting frustrated because they can’t afford to buy a house. Particularly the house they want, a forever home in their ideal suburb. Today, I’m...
Selling a house privately: is it right for you?
If you’re thinking of selling a house privately, there’s two ways you can go about it: you can sell it yourself, without an agent you can retain an agent, but avoid an auction and choose a private sale campaign In this guide, I’ll cover the pros and cons of...
How to bid at an online auction
If you are purchasing a home in Melbourne in 2021 (or 2022) it’s likely you’ll need to know how to bid at an online auction. Taking away the drama of the in-street auction changes the playing field somewhat—so it’s important for you to understand how online auctions...
Don’t risk buying a home sight unseen
Are you thinking of buying a home sight unseen? As Melbourne’s lockdown continues, buyers are increasingly purchasing properties without inspecting them first. But in our view, it’s incredibly risky. Buying property is one of the biggest financial decisions you’ll...
Four (strong) reasons to avoid an out of suburb agent
by Melbourne buyers advocate Carly Susic When you are selling your home, you may be tempted to consider an out of suburb agent. But beware the pitfalls. When you are selling a home, the right agent can make or break your campaign. So it’s important to choose the best...
Can you buy a house before the auction?
by Melbourne buyers advocate, Carly Susic Many home buyers ask me about how to buy a house before the auction. They’ve been to dinner and a well-meaning friend has told them to swoop in early with an offer. The assumption is that the vendor will be delighted by the...
Missing out on houses: how to avoid FOMO buying and revisit your property strategy
When you’re buying property in Melbourne you may find yourself missing out on houses. You attend open houses and auctions week after week, only to be pipped at the post by competitors with deeper pockets. Your frustration builds and you start to worry that you’ll...
Selling your house privately: responding to a house offer letter in your letterbox
by Melbourne buyers' advocate, Carly Susic Have you been surprised by a house offer letter from an interested buyer? You’ve opened the mailbox, and amongst the bills is a letter from a potential buyer who thinks your home is perfect. And they want to talk about...
13 Reasons You Need A Vendor Advocate
Are you thinking of selling your home in 2021? A vendor advocate may be the game changer you need. Just like a coach brings out the best in the athlete, the vendor advocate manages the smooth sale of the home. Selling a home is stressful. You need to get the timing...
Melbourne housing market analysis: must-read tips for buying and selling this summer
by Carly Susic Looking for comprehensive and up-to-date Melbourne housing market analysis? As independent property advocates, we see all sides of the market. We listen to what vendors are saying, speak to buyers about what they want, and closely observe what agents...
Buying a house after lockdown
by Carly Susic Are you thinking of buying a house after lockdown? If supply increases and demand drops, so should prices. Suddenly, the home you thought you could not afford may now be within your budget. It’s an exciting opportunity. We all want to ‘buy low, sell...
Selling your home during restrictions – how to sell during lockdown
by Carly Susic Were you planning to sell your home in 2020? You’ve been thrown a huge curveball, thanks to covid. Selling your home at this time is far from ideal. There’s limits on inspections and auctions, pressure on agents, low stock and fluctuating demand. So,...
Melbourne property market predictions: is now a good time to buy or sell?
by Carly Susic Are you wondering what’s happening with the Melbourne property market? As lockdown begins again in July, inspections have moved again to private one-on-one inspections and online-only auctions. We have been here before but this lockdown is different...
How will coronavirus hit the property market in Melbourne?
Many are asking us how will coronavirus hit the property market in Melbourne. Naturally, the current circumstances are unlike anything we’ve witnessed in our lifetime, let alone in our combined 40 years of real estate experience. We feel for the many people who are...
Making an offer prior to auction
by Michelle Lee You’re in love. You’ve found the property of your dreams, and it just feels ‘right’. You imagine yourself opening the front door, relaxing in the lounge and entertaining on the deck. You really want this one. Do you wait for auction day? Or is making...
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