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We have been quiet of late and wanted to provide a brief update on how we have seen the last 12 months for the buyer’s agent sector.
For the last 5-years Buyers Agent Guide (BAG) has seen steady growth, following a consistent pattern. Over the last 12 months our readership has accelerated, significantly breaking away from the trendline. This can directly be attributed to the increased awareness of and interest in services of the sector.
Buyers Agent Guide would like to introduce you to our new sister site, Clincher.
Clincher promotes the expertise of agents, saving buyers time by acting as a matchmaker between them and agents specialised in specific locations and property types. The site was developed in response to increasing demand for buyers agent recommendations from visitors to Buyers Agent Guide. Clincher wants to see more people get a buyer agent’s help to clinch a great deal.
If you are a buyer’s agent or advocate and want to be added to the database of independent, Australianlicensed buyer’s agents then visit www.clincher.com.au to complete your profile and increase the chances of being matched with buyers looking for property in your area. (more…)
The popularity of granny flats has increased significantly in recent years, driven predominately through media coverage. In this post we touch on some tips and steps to evaluating if you should construct a granny flat on your property.
Granny flats are often pitched as a great investment with strong rental returns as well as adding value to the existing dwelling. At the outset I admit I am not a subscriber to this strategy however do acknowledge in some instances, with the right conditions, they can stack up as an investment decision.
Are you looking to see if you can subdivide your current property or trying to find an investment property that can be subdivided?
This is the second post in a two part series that walks you through the steps and tips, which you should consider in order to identify the key facts about a property. The first post ‘Can I subdivide my property: Planning schemes?’ covered what is classified as subdividing and how to establish if a property lot can be subdivided.
Series Cont. (more…)
Are you looking to see if you can subdivide your current property or trying to find an investment property that can be subdivided?
This is the first post in a two part series that walks you through the steps and tips, which you should consider in order to identify the key facts about a property e.g. lot size, zoning, overlays, neighbourhood plans etc. From these facts you can start applying the subdivision planning approval process of your local council.
Whether you are a property investor, buyer’s agent, or real estate agent at some point you have likely had to deal with the scramble of finding a printer and scanner in the middle of nowhere to execute a real estate contract that is time critical.
Fortunately technology solutions have progressed considerably in online document management and electronic signatures over the prior few years. To the extent that if you can receive a mobile signal, seamless curation and execution of real estate contracts can easily be achieved over mobile devices within minutes, not hours.
When engaging the services of a buyer’s agent you should ensure they, or the buyer’s agency, are licensed to act on your behalf in the state or territory you are purchasing property in. There are different licensing requirements in all states and territories, and there have been instances of agents acting outside legislation by representing buyer’s in jurisdictions where they don’t hold a licence. (more…)
Buyer’s agents offering vendor advocacy services have become far more widespread, particularly in Melbourne. A vendor advocate is an independent agent who acts on the behalf of the seller of a property, predominately to advise on which real estate agent should be used to market a property, and to hold the agent accountable.
One of the most common enquiries I receive is about which buyer’s agents (referred to as buyer’s advocates in Victoria) have bid on properties on the Channel 9 television show, The Block.
Unfortunately frequent work travel means I’m not a close follower of the show, however I thought a post on which buyer’s agents (to the best of my knowledge) have appeared at the Block auctions might be helpful to fans.
Why the fear and loathing on changes to negative gearing?
There has been wall-to-wall coverage and commentary on proposed changes to negative gearing and capital gains tax (CGT) leaving the average punter dazed and confused.
Does Australia need reform and what impact would currently proposed changes have?
The McKell Institute surveyed 51 of Australia’s leading and most respected economists between 29 February and 2 March 2016, the key results were: (more…)