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This purchase back in 2023 in inner City Melbourne suburb of Ashwood for a client is a powerful reminder of what can be achieved with the right market intelligence, right guidance and strategy. At Concierge Buyers Advocates , we make it our mission to negotiate the best price for every client. And in this case, we delivered a jaw-dropping $500,000 below the auction reserve ! That’s half a million dollars saved, and it resulted in an astonishing 25 times return on investment (ROI) on the buyers advocacy fees paid by our client. Here’s how we turned a dream into reality. This double-storey, modern $3million house had been on the market for about a month. It was passed in at auction, with a highest bid of $2,750,000 . Falling short of the “close to $3 million” reserve. Naturally, it didn’t sell. We knew the vendor's situation from our research, and we knew it will soon become a distress sale. It was relisted for $2,550,000 days later, we saw potential where others saw uncertainty. Together with our support team of legal, finance and client's mortgage broker, we devised an acquisition strategy. Weeks later, we strategised and negotiated a further $100,000 off the re-listed price for our first home buyer. Here the breakdown of this incredible win for our client: Auction highest bid : $$2,750,000 Auction reserve : "around $3,000,000" Relisted at: $2,550,000 Bought for: $2,450,000 (exact price withheld at client's request) When we first inspected the property, we knew it was perfect for our client, but our on-site inspection and appraisal showed the asking price was too high. We let the sales agent know we are buyers advocates for our client, who might be interested. We organized inspections, conducted due diligence, and attended the auction, but we knew the bids were too high to make sense. Not bidding and walking away at the auction wasn’t easy, but it was the right call. This property was passed in (as expected) at the auction and relisted a week later. We seized the moment. We put together a smart offer and entered into extended negotiations. Our persistence paid off, and concluded with us buying this property for $2.45M. Whichever way you look at it, it was a massive saving: $500,000 less than the auction reserve price of "almost $3million" (as revealed by the agent subsequently); or $300,000 cheaper than the highest auction bid; or $100,000 savings from the post-auction list price. This is why knowing your strategy and when to walk away and mastering the art of auction and post-auction negotiations can lead to life-changing results. If we had pursued the auction route, our client could have easily paid well over $3 million . Instead, we helped them achieve their dream for much less. The Importance of Knowing Property Value Success in property buying doesn’t just come from luck—it comes from understanding the true value of a property. Accurate property valuation requires a deep knowledge of the local market, the potential of the home, and expert insights that go beyond automated systems and algorithms. Our property appraisal service (included in our complete buying package and valued at $165 per property ) gives buyers the confidence to make informed decisions. We are so confident in our expertise that we offer a 30-day money-back guarantee . If the property sells for more than 15% different from our assessment, we’ll refund your appraisal fee in full. Congratulations to our excited first home buyer couple. At Concierge Buyers Advocates, we turn possibilities into realities. We help you secure the best price , negotiate with confidence, and make sound investments that set you up for long-term success. Let us help you make your property dreams come true. If you need help purchasing your home or investment property, get in touch with our office here . * location and photos anonymised at the request of our client.

"Off-market" properties have become increasingly popular among property buyers, especially those attempting to seek the best deals or hoping to have a better chance of getting into a tight property market. If you're in the market and searching for exclusive opportunities, chances are you would have come across the term "off-market" properties. But are they truly the best option for buyers? In the competitive real estate landscape, having the right support is crucial, particularly from top buyer agents in Melbourne (or any other regions) who specialize in securing off-market properties. These experts have insider knowledge and access to exclusive listings that are not publicly advertised. This gives buyers a significant advantage in finding hidden gems and securing properties before they hit the market. However, the term "off-market" has been misused or abused by some sales agents and marketers, leading to confusion among buyers. While off-market properties can indeed offer great opportunities, not all properties labeled as "off-market" are worth pursuing. To navigate this complex landscape and ensure you're making the best investment decisions, it's essential to know what you are buying and/or work with trusted buyer advocates who is genuinely on your side and have a proven track record of securing the best off-market deals. With their expertise and guidance, you can uncover hidden opportunities and secure your dream property without the stress and uncertainty of the open market. What is an Off-Market Property? In the strictest sense, an "Off-Market", is defined as one that is not being sold. The owners might not have made up their mind to sell or may not even have any intentions to sell. This definition has been extended in recent years to include those which are not being openly advertised for sale. Genuine "off-market" properties can offer buyers a real buying advantage. But when buying properties in an off-market situation, buyers do need to be careful with the different types of "Off-market" properties they are being recommended. This article will show you what these types of off market properties are, and why buyers need to be careful of such "off-market" properties, which are frequently promoted by the sales and marketing agents. We will also show you how to spot them and how to avoid them, and show you where you can find the various types of off-market properties, both real and fake ones. But first, let us explain the different types of "Off-market" properties, which are the real ones, and which are the fake ones. What are the different types of Off-Market Properties? Generally speaking, at Concierge Buyers Advocates , our team of buyers advocates and buyers agents categorise the "off-market" properties into 3 main types. These are: Type A - Properties which are not selling. Type B - Properties which are sold willingly, and often, not advertised openly. Type C - Properties which are selling, but not advertised openly. Type A - The Off Market Properties Which the Owners have no-firm plans to Sell Type A is the genuine off-market properties which the vendors are either not selling, or have no firm plans to sell. These are the properties which offer buyers the best buying opportunities. No one, or not many buyers, know they might be selling. You could walk pass one, and do not even know you can buy it. These are everywhere. But almost 99% of them are not for sale. And it is the agents job to persuade the owners to sell. Type B - The Unwilling Off Market Properties Some of the Type B "Off-market" properties are sold as the vendor does not want the publicity of a public listing. But most of these Type B "Off-market" properties are the ones which we would usually call Distressed properties. These are the properties which must be sold, due to the circumstances the owners and vendors are in, but are unwilling or unable to openly advertise them, for privacy, security, or any other reasons. These could be court orders, divorce properties, deceased estates, mortgagee-in-possession properties, etc. There is a genuine reason why they must sell, but they are not advertised openly in the usual public boards, due to one concern or the other. Type C - The Fake Off Market Properties Now, Type C, is the fake "Off-market" properties. These are the ones, which the owners, vendors or developers are actively selling, but had chosen not to advertise. The majority of these Type Cs are being sold through sales agents, property investment spruikers or "property investment strategists". And they are being actively used to trap unwary buyers, that they have "privileged access" to some rare and "profitable" properties. When a real estate sales person approached you with an "off-market property" or when you approached sales agents asking for "off-market" properties, it would be one of these fake "off-market" properties, 99% of the time. Compared to Types A and B, the key difference here is, the owners have an intention to sell, and the sales agents would usually have some form of exclusive (or sometimes, open) agreement with the vendor and most of the times the vendors are not interested in selling them at market values. Now, the Type C category can be further subdivided into 3 sub-categories: the opportunistic "Off-markets" - vendors (and sales agents) motivated by opportunity. The opportunistic, greedy vendor or sales agents choosing to sell in the hidden market, away from public scrutiny. These are very often the vendors who think their properties are worth hundreds of thousands more than other properties in the area, and they do not want to invite their neighbours and public to scrutinise and talk about their expectations. the ex-listings - these are properties which were previously listed, but unsold due to an unsuccessful sales campaign, usually due to "unrealistic vendor expectations". Aka, vendora are asking too much for what they are worth. Agents would usually suggest that these properties be taken off-market, usually after their exclusive sales agreement has lapsed, so agents can protect their performance reputations and also giving themselves the exclusive opportunity to privately market them as "off-market" properties. the developer stocks - these are the bulk of fake off-market properties. And unfortunately, these make up the majority the so-called off-market properties being sold by sales agents, real estate marketers and new buyers agents. The developers have hundreds and sometimes, thousands of such new properties, and they must sell. Advertising them on the public boards isn't practical, as there are too many combinations, which means it will be a very expensive advertisement campaign for each and every one of them. The Dangers of "Off-market" Properties Types A and B are the legitimate, real "off-market" properties. They aren't available openly for legitimate reasons, and if buyers have access to them, they might be able to pick up some good or unique deals. As with any purchases, always do your due diligence. Not what the sales agent tells you. The Type Cs are the ones to be wary of. Throughout the years, we've noticed a few common themes with these Type C fake "off-market" properties. And one of that is that the vendors and sellers are not interested in selling them at market prices. In most cases, the sellers are asking for a significant premium above market prices. And these are unfortunately, the types of "off-market" properties being recommended by the sales and marketing people, the property investment "strategists" and new buyers agents to unwary buyers. The agents do not have to hunt for them, they are being distributed freely by property developers and vendors, for these agents to sell on their behalf. They are also almost always offered by the sellers or developers with huge commissions for every property they sell. Someone is paying for the commissions. Guess who? These type C fake "off-market" properties are usually either overpriced or the types of properties which are oversupplied in the market. There are just too many of these products being built. Buyers are very unlikely to enjoy any growth, and we are never proud to buy one of these for our clients. What do Frustrated Buyers Buy? In the world of real estate, sales agents and marketers possess a keen ability to gauge a buyer's level of experience and emotional state. They prey on the vulnerability of inexperienced and desperate buyers, recognizing them as easy targets for peddling what we call Type-C "fake" off-market properties. These properties, masquerading as exclusive deals or "off-market" properties, are often marketed as easy-to-buy opportunities, enticing tired buyers with promises of minimal competition and exceptional value. However, behind the facade lies the strategy to exploit the naivety of desperate and rookie buyers, luring them with false claims of exclusivity and unparalleled opportunities. Trapped in their desperation, buyers eagerly fall for the agent's pitch, believing these properties to be the elusive gems they've been searching for. Unfortunately, they are unaware of the deception at play and the true nature of these Type-C fake "off-market" properties. Driven by the desire to avoid competition, many buyers exclusively seek out off-market properties, assuming they are gaining an advantage in the market. Little do they know, they are merely falling into the trap set by sales agents, who eagerly present them with Type-C properties instead of genuine off-market opportunities. It's imperative for buyers to exercise caution and discernment when navigating the real estate market, especially when it comes to off-market properties. By understanding the tactics employed by unscrupulous agents and marketers, buyers can protect themselves from falling victim to the allure of Type-C fake "off-market" properties. Stay vigilant and informed, and remember, not all off-market properties are created equal. How do Type C Fake Off Market Properties come about? The sales and marketing people are not to be underestimated. Most are smart and very opportunistic. Don't get me wrong. They work hard for the money. Just don't question their ethics. When approached by a seller who holds unrealistic price expectations for their properties, sales agents would often suggest marketing these properties as "off-market" properties. Although they are labeled as "off-market", it is important to note that these are not the genuine "off-market" properties in the true sense of the term. Owners have every intention to sell. It is on the market to sell, but they are asking for very unrealistic prices. These are the "fake" off-market properties. Unfortunately, it is these misleading properties that sales agents often present to unsuspecting and less experienced buyers who inquire about "off-market" opportunities. Why are Properties sold as "Off Market" Properties often Overpriced? One would have noticed the overpriced properties are often marketed as "off-market". And this is marketed this way because, in addition to allowing them to promote these properties as "Off-market" properties, the sales agents achieve 3 things: They avoid public scrutiny of these overpriced listings . They avoid questions on why these properties are so much more expensive than others in the market. They maintain the agency's reputation . Without openly advertising these overvalued properties, they are maintaining their agency's reputation as a responsible agency. They are also avoiding the embarrassing situation where a listed property is sold for way less than a published list price, if the buyer can successfully negotiate it. Offers from genuine buyers will be used as benchmark . If they do receive an offer, offers from these unsuspecting buyers can be (and are often) used by the vendor to set the benchmark for a proper campaign. The vendors are often using the "off-market" campaign as guinea pigs and using any offers received as reference for a proper campaign later. We often hear agents saying these fake "off-market" properties are no longer for sale, only to see them being listed in the public listing boards. And very often the listing agent is different from the agent who had earlier been marketing them as "off-market" properties. Where can you find the genuine "off-market" properties? So where can you find the real deal "off-market" properties? Well, that depends on which types of "off-market" properties you are looking for. In general, here are where you can find them: Type A - Genuine "off-market" properties Bulk of these properties are actually not available for sale. However, buyers advocates with the right skill-sets would be able to find them, and negotiate a purchase outcome. Our Platinum buying plan focuses on helping buyers find and buy the real off-market properties. This premium service may take a few months to a couple of years to find and negotiate an outcome. In one instance, we spent almost 2 years acquiring one such property in Glen Waverley. Type B - Unwilling "Off-Market" properties Buyers Advocates would be able to access them. Most of the times, there could be some legal or court orders on these properties. In blue chip areas, agents would typical list these properties for auction or sell by "set date". It is believed that selling them opening is the right way to extract market value for these properties. However, in locations with poor demand, these would usually be sold unadvertised through buyers agents or buyers advocates, as this is usually the most efficient way of selling. They do not pay any selling and advertisements costs, and because our buyers are all qualified and ready to buy the right property, it usually means it is a definite sale if we've a suitable buyer. Our buyers advocates are often approached by vendors and / or their legal representatives for buyers for these properties. Although we understand the buyers unfortunate predicament, we believed in running a ethical business, and doing the right thing morally. We would not undervalue such properties. We would never take advantage of someone's unfortunate circumstances. We would kindly ask a buyer to look elsewhere if they insist on taking advantage of any unfortunate circumstances. No apologies here. Type C - Fake "Off-market" properties These are the easiest to find. The "off-market" market is flooded with these fake off-market properties. These fake off-market properties make up over 90% of the "off-market" properties. Ask any sales agent, and they would have lists of catalogs for you. They are also available through the so-called "property investment strategists", who are no more than real estate marketers. They sell you a get-rich investment dream, but it could easily be 5 to 10 years before you realise you had bought a nightmare. Many buyers ended up losing hundreds of thousands, as the combination of high rental management fees, high body corporate fees, and negative growth turned these properties into major money pits. Remember, over 99% of these are priced well above market value. As with any properties, buyers should always do your due diligence. This is especially true with these Type C fake "off-market" properties, to avoid being taken for a ride. If you want an independent assessment of the property you are being sold, talk to one of our independent buyers advocates. We can help provide you with an independent, unbiased assessment of the property you are interested in. Good properties are seldom sold off market. It limits their sales potential. Do Concierge Buyers Advocates have Off Market Properties? Yes, we do. We were often approached by agents and marketers offering these "off-market" properties as well, but we always vet and qualify these properties, before making any recommendations. We assess the property, appraise the property and if the price is within expectations, we grade and classify these properties. 99% of these properties are rejected as they were either oversupplied, irrelevant, or too expensive for what they are, to be honest, which prompted us to write this article. We will only match the property to buyers if they are relevant and suitable for them. We would not want to waste the buyer's time. We do occasionally come across a few good ones though, so, if you are keen, do get in touch. 90% of off market properties are either fake or overpriced. Type B genuine off-market properties are the ones we tend to receive from real estate agents, the vendor's solicitors, or court orders. Real estate sales agents know, as industry experts, our experienced buyers advocates can tell a genuine off-market from the fake ones, and they would not want to damage their professional reputation by sending us fake off-market properties. They are, thus, usually on-point with their recommendations. Type A Off-market properties are available through our Platinum Buying Plan, where our emphasis is on exclusivity. We have to custom search using a expert techniques, to find and access them. Our buyers are usually the only one or one of the privileged few who has access to them. If you are in the market to buy your property and interested to know if any Off Market properties is suitable for you, or just want to have a chat about this article, do feel free to get in touch . More home and investment property buying news and tips here .

Investing in property can feel like stepping into a maze. Especially in a vibrant city like Melbourne, where the market is buzzing and opportunities are everywhere. But don’t worry, I’m here to guide you through the twists and turns with some top tips for investing in Melbourne properties. Whether you’re a first-time buyer or a seasoned investor, these insights will help you make smart, confident decisions. Understanding Melbourne Property Investment Tips Before diving into the market, it’s crucial to understand what makes Melbourne unique. The city’s diverse suburbs, strong rental demand, and steady population growth create a dynamic environment for property investment. But how do you navigate this landscape? First, research is your best friend . Look at recent sales data, rental yields, and future development plans. For example, suburbs like Brunswick and Footscray have seen significant gentrification, boosting property values and rental demand. On the other hand, areas with upcoming infrastructure projects often promise good capital growth. Second, consider your investment goals. Are you after long-term capital growth, steady rental income, or a mix of both? This will influence the type of property you choose. For instance, apartments near the CBD might offer higher rental yields, while houses in family-friendly suburbs could provide better capital growth. And here’s a little secret: working with experts can save you time and money . If you want to explore options for an investment property in Melbourne , partnering with a buyer’s advocate can give you an edge. They know the market inside out and can negotiate the best deals on your behalf. Key Melbourne Property Investment Tips You Should Know Now, let’s get into some practical tips that will help you make the most of your investment. 1. Location, Location, Location You’ve heard it a million times, but it’s true. Location is everything. Look for suburbs with strong employment hubs, good schools, and easy access to public transport. These factors attract tenants and buyers alike. 2. Understand the Market Cycles Melbourne’s property market goes through cycles of growth and correction. Timing your purchase can make a big difference. Keep an eye on market trends and economic indicators. Buying during a market dip can mean getting more bang for your buck. 3. Inspect Properties Thoroughly Don’t just rely on photos or online listings. Visit properties in person to check their condition, layout, and neighbourhood vibe. Sometimes, a quick walk around the block can reveal hidden gems or red flags. 4. Crunch the Numbers Calculate your expected rental yield, expenses, and potential capital growth. Factor in costs like stamp duty, legal fees, and ongoing maintenance. A property that looks good on paper might not be profitable if the numbers don’t add up. 5. Think Long Term Property investment is not a get-rich-quick scheme. Be prepared to hold your investment for several years to ride out market fluctuations and maximise returns. 6. Use Professional Help From buyer’s advocates to mortgage brokers and property managers, professionals can make your investment journey smoother. They bring expertise and can help you avoid costly mistakes. Where Not to Invest in Melbourne? It’s just as important to know where to avoid. Some suburbs might look tempting because of low prices, but they could be plagued by issues like poor infrastructure, high vacancy rates, or social problems. For example, areas with declining populations or limited job opportunities often struggle to attract tenants. Also, be cautious of suburbs with a high concentration of rental properties, as oversupply can lead to lower rents and longer vacancy periods. Another red flag is locations far from transport links or amenities. Tenants and buyers want convenience, so properties in isolated areas might be harder to rent or sell. Do your homework and don’t be swayed by hype or cheap prices alone. Sometimes, the saying “if it sounds too good to be true, it probably is” holds water. Financing Your Melbourne Property Investment Securing the right finance is a cornerstone of successful property investment. Here’s what you need to keep in mind: Get pre-approval : Knowing your borrowing capacity helps you act quickly when you find the right property. Compare lenders : Interest rates, fees, and loan features vary widely. Don’t just go with your bank. Consider loan structure : Interest-only loans can improve cash flow but may cost more in the long run. Factor in all costs : Beyond the purchase price, include stamp duty, legal fees, inspections, and ongoing expenses. Remember, a good finance strategy can boost your returns and reduce stress. Managing Your Investment Property Once you’ve secured your property, managing it well is key to success. Choose reliable tenants : Screen applicants carefully to avoid headaches later. Keep the property maintained : Regular upkeep preserves value and keeps tenants happy. Stay on top of legal requirements : Know your rights and responsibilities as a landlord. Consider professional property management : It can save you time and ensure your investment is well cared for. Your Next Step in Melbourne Property Investment Investing in Melbourne property is an exciting journey, but it’s not without its challenges. By focusing on location, understanding the market, crunching the numbers, and seeking expert advice, you can make informed decisions that pay off. If you’re ready to take the plunge, consider working with a trusted partner who knows the Melbourne market inside out. Whether you’re after your first home or a savvy investment, having the right support can make all the difference. Remember, the goal is to secure a property that fits your lifestyle and financial goals, without the stress and guesswork. So, why not start exploring your options today? Your dream property in Melbourne is waiting. If you want to explore options for an investment property in Melbourne , Concierge Buyers Advocates can help you find the perfect match and negotiate the best deal. Let’s make your property dreams a reality!

Looking for a Melbourne buyers advocate  and wondering how to negotiate their fee—without sacrificing service or results? Here’s a premium, Australia-specific playbook that shows you what drives a buyer’s agent fee , how to reduce cost the smart way , and when a discount can backfire . Use this guide whether you’re a first-home buyer, upsizer, or investor. What Determines a Buyers Agent Fee Professionals like buyers agents set their fees based on the amount of work required — scope, complexity and risk, not just the purchase price. Scope & workload:   Full search vs. bid-and-negotiate vs. auction-only Property type & condition:   Period homes, farm lands, scenic holiday house, strata/OC complexity, building risk, etc Location & competition:   Inner East/Bayside auctions (Kew, Hawthorn, Camberwell, Brighton) vs. quieter corridors Speed & access:   Off-market/pre-market outreach, agent network depth, mid-week revisits Due diligence depth:   Section 32, Sales Contract review, overlays (heritage/flood/bushfire) checks, price modelling, strata/OC health, developability, potentials, etc Buyer's Commitment : Buyers Advocates love committed and decisive buyers. And they would willingly reduce their fees to attract one. Melbourne tip:  Auction-heavy suburbs demand more campaign intelligence and Saturday bidding time. Fees reflect this extra work. Fixed Fee vs % of Purchase Price (Which Is Better?) Fixed Fee (our model):  Transparent, predictable, and aligned with scope  rather than purchase price. You know the cost up-front, and it won’t creep up if you buy well. More importantly, there's no conflict of interests. Percentage-Based:  Common at 2–3%  of purchase price. Can be negotiable at higher price points, but you may end up paying more for the same scope. Can actually dis-incentivise a buyers advocates from getting the best price for you. Buyer’s takeaway:   If you want cost certainty and to avoid unexpected fees, fixed fee  usually wins. The Smart Way to Reduce Buyers Agent Fees: Adjust the Scope, Not the Standard Biggest mistake buyers make? Demanding a discount but still expecting a full end-to-end search , unlimited inspections, deep due diligence and elite auction bidding. This instantly turns buyers advocates off and stops wanting to work with you. Smarter approach:  Keep quality, reduce scope . We know, not everyone needs a full service buyers agent services, so, established buyers agencies like us, have a range of service and fees to cater to differing buyer's needs. Auction-Only / Bid & Negotiate  – You search, we price and bid. Shortlist & Price  – We validate your shortlist with forensic price workups. Property Buyers Buddy (Virtual Buyers Agent)  – Pay-by-month property advisor: suburb strategy, pricing, offers, and negotiation guidance online. Monthly Buying Plans – Pay-by-month buyer's buddy plans, pay for what you need. Optional add-ons available when you need. You save on fees, by paying for what you need, without  cutting the checks that keep you safe. When Discounting Backfires You might come across some buyers agencies who would accept your low fees proposal. But the truth is, most would sneakily reduce their service scope. Deprioritised → You get lower priorities to good properties. Fewer inspections & slower response  → You miss the window on good properties. Limited due diligence  → Title/easement/overlay or building surprises post-purchase. Weak auction/negotiation presence  → You overpay or lose the asset entirely. No off-market outreach  → You compete with the crowd instead of getting first look. Bottom line: Shaving $1–2k off the fee can cost $10–$50k  at contract—or months of delay while prices creep. How to Negotiate a Buyer’s Agent Fee (and Win) Having said that, most buyers agents would love a good client who is committed, decisive and easy to work with. And some would sharpen their fees slightly to keep these clients. Some tips to get a sharp deals includes: Be committed: Every buyers agent love a committed buyer who is decisive. Being committed and decisive helps you get the best deal with you are decisive and avoid delays. And everyone love it. Be ready to commit, with the commitment fee and sign up during the call. Arrive “A-grade”: At the very least, know what you want and a realistic budget. Agents will sharpen pencils for decisive, low-friction clients. Ask for a written scope + fee breakdown: Understand exactly what’s included: scope, agent outreach, inspections, due-diligence, pricing, auction coverage, settlement support. Choose the right plan: If you don’t need a full search, ask for Bid & Negotiate  or Buyer's Buddy Virtual BA . Reducing scope is the cleanest way to reduce cost. Consider timing: Outside peak periods (late Dec–Feb in Melbourne), agencies may have more flexibility. Full fee upfront (use with care): You can usually get a better price if you're prepared to pay the full fee upfront, instead of 2 part retainer / commitment fee plus final fee. However be wary of dodgy or inexperience buyers agents. Be prepared to walk (politely): Shopping around is smart, but compare like-for-like scope . A “cheap” quote that quietly removes inspections, due diligence or agent outreach is a false economy. What a Premium Melbourne Buyers Advocate Should Include Suburb shortlisting & strategy  (owner-occupier demand, rental depth, supply pipeline) Off-market & pre-market access  via agent relationships Forensic pricing  using real comparables, street-level adjustments and live campaign intel Airtight due diligence : Section 32 review, overlays, building/pest, OC/strata health Elite negotiation & auction bidding  tailored to the sales process, agent and agency Settlement & key handover : final inspection, issue resolution, post-purchase support Our Approach (Concierge Buyers Advocates) We’re independent, fixed-fee Melbourne buyers advocates . No developer kickbacks. No percentage fee surprises. Plans to suit your brief:  Full Search · Bid & Negotiate · Property Buyer’s Buddy (Virtual BA) Local focus:  Inner East, Bayside, East and top South-East school zones (Kew, Hawthorn, Camberwell, Glen Waverley, Bentleigh, Brighton, Brunswick, Carnegie, Mckinnon, Mornington Peninsula) Proven process:  Off-market access, accurate appraisal, due diligence that protects you, and elite auction bidding Ask about our Local Area Price Match & Knowledge Guarantee  (we’ll match a comparable scope and add our local advantage to your purchase). Buyer FAQs: Negotiating Fees in Melbourne Can I get a discount on full service? Sometimes—but reducing scope  is the cleaner, smarter way to reduce cost without lowering standards. Do fixed fees include auctions? Ours do. We specify auction coverage in writing (strategy, bidding, post-auction negotiation). Can I switch plans mid-search? Yes. Many clients start as Virtual BA  then upgrade to Bid & Negotiate  when they find “the one.” How much can a buyers advocate save me? Depends on campaign competition and asset quality. Our value is avoiding overpaying, surfacing off-markets, and preventing costly mistakes—savings often dwarf the fee. Ready to Talk Fees—The Smart Way? Tell us your brief and budget. We’ll recommend the right plan , outline exact inclusions , and give you a fixed, transparent fee —so you know where every dollar goes. Book a Free Strategy Session  → Speak with a licensed Melbourne buyers agent today

Are there any advantages when your property offers are presented via a buyers advocate (or buyers agent)? In a fair world, the answer should be "NO". But in practice, and based on experience and feedback from the sales agents and clients, offers presented by a buyer's advocate are often viewed more favourably and they have a higher standing amongst all other offers. How do Sales Agents Receive Offers from Buyers Agents? First, let's what the real estate sales agents says Throughout our years of property buying experience, our team at Concierge Buyers Advocates has bought hundreds of houses. In the past 5 years alone, we've bought almost $1 billion worth of houses. On average, we inspect 50-100 houses, and buy an average of 1-2 properties per week. Some of the feedbacks our team of Buyers Agents received from sales agents include: we know buyers' advocates like you don't sit around your offer is not the highest, but is the most attractive you guys know what you are doing we love working with you. You make our lives so much easier. very well and professionally negotiated. your offer is so much more professional, than the others The above feedback suggests that real estate sales agents do view our offers differently, and, often in a good way . Of course, we do receive some negative comments, primarily because due to inexperienced new buyers agents and black sheeps in the industry. Let's try to explore why offers from buyer's advocates seems to be preferred. Advantages of Having Property Offers Presented by Buyers Agents or Buyers Advocates We love to know definitively why. But no agents will openly admit they prefer our offers over the non-represented offers. We suspect this is because it will be illegal for then to admit. They have to appear unbiased. However, let's try to try to explain this from 4 angles: Our Buyers are Serious About Buying. Buyers represented by buyers agents shows they are so serious with buying properties that they invest in the services of a good buyer's advocate to represent and buy for them. It is very important to understand the psychology of the sales agent. Engaging a Buyer's agent tells the sales agent that the buyers are serious, and ready to commit to the purchase. They are serious enough to invest in the services of our professional Buyer's Advocate. Professional Authority and Discipline. At Concierge Buyers Advocates , every engagement goes through a strict qualification and onboarding process . We’re upfront about scope, budget and readiness, and we only accept clients who are serious and prepared to buy. It is a fact that we decline more enquiries than we take on . This discipline keeps our advice independent and focused. Through a consultative brief, evidence-based pricing and rigorous due diligence, we ensure every property we shortlist matches your goals, risk profile and budget . Negotiation Without Emotion. Sales agents know our buyers agents are unemotional , evidence-led negotiators . If price or terms aren’t right, we’re prepared to walk away , no Fear Of Missing Out. That’s difficult for most home buyers, who naturally develop an emotional attachment to a property. As a result, mind games and sales pressures seldom work on experienced agents like us. They are thus, less likely to use pressure tactics , and negotiations stay anchored to facts, value and your best interests. Sales Agents are Just Humans. Humans being humans, loves the path of least resistance. When they know they have a serious offer from a committed buyer, who has been independently qualified, finance ready and ready to buy, why would they not support the offer, even if their offer price is not the most expensive? In a typical sales campaign, the sales agents would have received many other unrepresented offers, of varying qualities, and they know how difficult, troublesome and risky it is to work with those offers. Accepting unqualified offers are high risks to the sales agents. The risks of the offers falling through because of of insufficient budget, incomplete due diligence, last minute changes, is very disruptive, which could mean they have to re-run the campaign again. Accepting these offers means the risks offers falling through are high and this means they would have to start their marketing the property again. Bottom line : Representation signals credibility, commitment to the offer, removes emotion from the process and reduces risk for all parties, helping you secure the right property at the right price with a Melbourne buyers advocate in your corner. Let's explain the Buyers Agent Advantage an example Let's say you are about to demand $x thousand dollars from a rogue business partner. You can either personally write a letter of demand to the partner, or you can have the letter of demand written by a person with professional authority, usually a lawyer. Guess which letter carries more weight and which one will your partner take more seriously? What does it show when an offer is presented by a buyers agent? When our buyers advocates present an offer to the sales agent, they agents know the buyer has been independently qualified, verified and supported by another real estate professional. It is a professional and serious offer, the offer is reasonable (even if it is not the highest offer) and the buyer is ready to buy what they are selling. Plus, they know we will not hesitate to walk away from the offer, if we are unable to agree on the offer. The agent knows it is going to be an easy sale, and the only thing stopping their sale is them accepting our offer package. So they are often, more willing to negotiate and agree to the offer. They can see their commission flashing before their eyes. They know getting their commission is going to be quick and easy, and when they are not prepared to let this opportunity slip away, they are more prepared to negotiate. They know their tricks are unlikely to work against another real estate professional, so they don't usually mess around with their excuses and stories. Are offers from all Buyers Advocates Viewed in the Same Light? We don't think so. Experience, integrity and reputation plays an important role in how successful the offer is likely to be. Low ball offers, usually from inexperienced / fake buyers advocates, definitely do not stand any chance in ANY market. Good or bad. Low ball offers harms the buyer's (and buyer's advocates) reputation in the property market. Reputable Buyers Advocates like us take our reputation very seriously and we will never low ball our offers, but our offers are usually amongst the lowest possible to secure the property. Afterall, we are in the business to help property buyers buy the property. Is it expensive to engage a Buyer's Advocates to Buy a Property? No, it is not. Our services start from a reasonable priced Negotiation and Auction Bidding service to a full fledge Search-and-Buy service. The Negotiation and Auction Bidding service helps buyers get the best price for the dream homes and investment properties which they had found. We work with the buyers to negotiate and present offers or bid for the properties they are interested in. There are 2 reasonably priced packages: Low Fees Property Negotiation packages Low Fixed Fees Negotiation . For a low fixed fees, we will help you negotiate up to 3 properties. No-win-no-fees Negotiation . If you are not getting any savings, you do not pay a cent*. Qualification criteria applies. The Low Fixed Fees Negotiation and Bid service comes with a discounted upgrade to out full fledge service, should you decide that DIY house finding is too hard. Get in touch to find out more.

School zones can significantly increase property prices, as buyers are willing to pay a premium to ensure their children can attend highly-rated public schools, creating a high-demand, limited-supply situation within the zones. This premium can add half a million dollars to a property's value compared to similar homes just outside the school catchment. For investors, properties in these zones offer stable rental demand, strong capital growth, and higher rental yields, making them a reliable long-term investment In this article, we will discuss the drivers of higher house prices in good school zones, and if good school zones always mean higher house prices. We will also reveal where we can buy cheaper houses in good school zones. It is probably pretty obvious home buyers prefer properties in good school catchments. Good school zones are almost always one of the criteria our home buyer clients are looking for. This is usually reflected in the property prices and properties in good school zones typically command a premium. But how much premium are we looking at? Would a $500,000 premium surprise you? In this article, our Glen Waverley based buyers advocates will expose the numbers and dissect the results to uncover how much more are properties in good school zones worth compared to properties outside of the zone, and identify the reasons for the premium. Education and Properties in Melbourne Parents in Melbourne recognise that the children's education is one of the key factors to the child's success in life. And to provide the best education to their children, parents usually do not mind paying a premium, to get the child into good schools and into good school zones if that is a non-negotiable prerequisite. Just how much premium parents are prepared to pay, can come as a shock to home buyers though. Our Glen Waverley based buyers advocated routinely see prices of houses in Glen Waverley Secondary School Zone asking a significant premium of half a million. And this is confirmed by a recent 2025 REIV research. This research revealed that properties in good school zones, can command up to half a million in premium. Yes, buyers are willing to pay $500,000 (or more) to get into good school zones. This pattern is not limited to only certain good schools. Properties in good school zones tend to change hands at a higher premium. How Much More Are Parents Paying For Properties in Good School Zones? So, let's look at this report in more detail. According to the REIV report , parents are prepared to pay as much as a 35% premium to get their children into good school zones. School Premium % Premium Difference ($) In‑zone Median ($) Outside Median ($) Williamstown High School 35.1 $495,000.00 $1,905,000.00 $1,410,000.00 Glen Waverley Secondary College 29.7 $481,000.00 $2,100,000.00 $1,619,000.00 Frankston High School 19.9 $160,000.00 $965,000.00 $805,000.00 Auburn High School 18.8 $450,000.00 $2,850,000.00 $2,400,000.00 Albert Park College 18.7 $287,000.00 $1,825,000.00 $1,538,000.00 Mount Waverley Secondary College 15 $209,999.00 $1,609,999.00 $1,400,000.00 Princes Hill Secondary College 14.9 $220,000.00 $1,700,000.00 $1,480,000.00 Balwyn High School 14.7 $327,000.00 $2,550,000.00 $2,223,000.00 McKinnon Secondary College 14.5 $225,000.00 $1,775,000.00 $1,550,000.00 East Doncaster Secondary College 13.4 $196,500.00 $1,667,500.00 $1,471,000.00 Table 1 - The Expensive School Zones This translates to a $500,000 premium for popular school zones such as Williamstown High School, Glen Waverley Secondary College  and Auburn High School. Good schools is not the only characteristics of the locations. The locations of these good schools tend to offer better lifestyle, quality of the property, scarcity, location, amenities, transport, population growth, socio-economic status, etc. Using Glen Waverley as the example, in addition to regularly producing students with top VCE results, the school is ultra-strict with its zoning policy. Glen Waverley is is also considered a hub in the eastern suburbs of Melbourne with a major shopping centre, seriously good food options, and is well served by buses, trains, highways. If you were to drive around Glen Waverley, it is not difficult to note the quality of houses. Large double storey, French provincial-style houses or designer homes are common in Glen Waverley, and especially in the school zone. It reflects the wealth and statuses of the residents. In the Chinese and Singaporean or Malaysian community, living in Glen Waverley and Balwyn is akin to living in Toorak and Bentleigh. It is a status symbol, and a proud " I've arrived " statement. Are Academic Results the Only Factor Determining the Property Prices in Good School Zones? While it may seem obvious that properties in good school zones are more expensive because of good academic results, the properties demanding the highest premiums are not always the best school in the list. Williamstown High School is ranked similarly to Frankston High School. While properties in Williamstown High school zone demanded a 35% premium over non-school zone properties, properties in Frankston High (similarly ranked) only has a premium of 20%. While the Secondary School that consistently is one of the better ones, Glen Waverley Secondary College commanded a lower 30% premium. So, it begs the next question... Are there Locations where Property Prices are actually LOWER in Good School Zones? There definitely are... and this list from REIV shows you where property prices are actually lower in popular school zones: School Premium % Premium Difference ($) In‑zone Median ($) Outside Median ($) Melba Secondary College -0.9 -$10,000.00 $1,050,000.00 $1,060,000.00 Brunswick Secondary College -1.7 -$27,500.00 $1,600,000.00 $1,627,500.00 Doncaster Secondary College -2.5 -$37,056.00 $1,462,944.00 $1,500,000.00 Ashwood High School -2.9 -$49,500.00 $1,650,500.00 $1,700,000.00 Northcote High School -3.4 -$55,000.00 $1,565,000.00 $1,620,000.00 Elwood College -3.8 -$79,500.00 $2,020,500.00 $2,100,000.00 Blackburn High School -4 -$56,940.00 $1,350,000.00 $1,406,940.00 St Albans Secondary College -4.9 -$35,000.00 $680,000.00 $715,000.00 Montmorency Secondary College -7.7 -$87,500.00 $1,050,000.00 $1,137,500.00 Braybrook College -10.2 -$90,000.00 $790,000.00 $880,000.00 Koonung Secondary College -10.8 -$200,000.00 $1,650,000.00 $1,850,000.00 Dromana Secondary College -23.1 -$390,000.00 $1,300,000.00 $1,690,000.00 Table 2 - The Surprise Discounts Why some zones underperformed A look at properties in these school within these popular school zones suggests that some of these zones have a higher proportion of older properties, social housing, smaller in size, etc, compared to properties outside of the school zones. It is also not difficult to note some of the locations have rather colourful reputations. Are good school zones or higher wealth / socio-economic factor a bigger influence of property values? It is a slightly more complex question to answer. We had done a more comprehensive analysis on this, and it will take a few chapters to discuss this. Have a chat with us, if you're keen to understand. Long story short, there is unfortunately no fool-proof answer to this. You have seen properties in good school zones being more expensive, and we had also seen properties in good school zones, being CHEAPER than properties outside of the zone. But one thing is certain. The wealthier the residents are, the more expensive the properties are, and the better the school tends to be. So, which comes first? Good Schools? Or Wealthier residents? Are Good School Zones Better for Investment? Now, if parents are willing to pay a premium to live in good school zones, do properties in good school zones make better investment properties? Usually not. Prices of properties in the school zones tend to grow at around the same rate as houses outside of the zone, provided no other factors have changed. Using Glen Waverley as a case study, our local buyers advocates in the Glen Waverley Secondary School (GWSC) Zone, have been monitoring the property prices for the past 20 years. Properties in the Glen Waverley Secondary School zone have consistently been about 30% more expensive than properties outside the zone. 20 years ago, prices of properties in the GWSC had a median price of around $600k-700k in the school zone, while prices outside of the school zone were between $400k-600k, a similar 30% premium. Good school zones alone, does not guarantee the property will outperform other properties not in the zone. This is probably explain why, while the seafront suburb of Frankston. While Frankston High is popular, the median house price at $965,000 is well below the Melbourne's average. The socio-economic status and median income of population around Frankston High is lower than the Melbourne average. Are There Any Unvalued Good School Zones? Savvy property investors will be asking if there are any undervalued properties in good school zones? Short answer is: Yes, there definitely are. However, finding them aren't very straight forward. There are some technics you use. You'll also be paying varying degree of premiums, compared to properties not in any good school zones. Would the Properties in the Discounted Good School Zones Outperform the rest of Melbourne? It depends. It is possible in some locations, but quite unlikely in most other locations, if there are no significant changes to the zones. Property prices is all about demand and supply. Rising demand in a area of shrinking supply causes prices to rise, and increasing supply in an area of weakening demand causes prices to fall. This is the basis of price rise. Once you understand this basic principle, you'll be able to pick areas where prices are likely to grow faster. As always, it is always the early adopters who tend to benefit more from any potential growth. Takeaways for Home Buyers and Investors Whether you’re a home buyer, or property investor, school zoning should not be the only factor you consider. Always look at the basics. Quality of the houses, the location, and the demand and supply. can be on your radar, and possibly even part of your due diligence checklist. Only certain good school zones has a significant influence on the property value. Final thoughts When you buy properties, we should always look at the fundamentals: location, infrastructure, supply vs demand. While good schools can be one of those “invisible fundamentals”, it is not the only factor, and should NOT be analysed in isolation. Buying into the GWSC, MWSC, BWSC school zones? Our flat-fee local advocates have negotiated over 50 successful in-zone deals since 2020. Buying in a Good School Zone? - Call Us Now If you're buying or investing in the Eastern Melbourne suburbs or one of our local areas , have a chat with us , our flat fee services can help you understand the location and buy fast, and with certainty.

Building and Pest Inspection is amongst one of the critical things to check when buying your home or investment property in Melbourne. It is especially critical to have the building inspected before an Auction, if you intend to buy at auctions. In this article, our buyers advocates will explain what is a building and pest inspection, how much it typically cost in Melbourne, and ways to save on unnecessary costs. Why is a Building and Pest Inspection Important Before Auction? A building and pest inspection is crucial before an auction to uncover defects, protect you from costly repairs, provide information for pricing. It is also to ensure you understand the property's true condition before making a legally binding, unconditional bid. An auction sale in Melbourne in unconditional, has no cooling-off period, making a pre-auction inspection essential for an informed and safe purchase. From experience, between 80-90% of the properties will come with issues . Even brand new houses are not immune to problems. While most issues are minor and cosmetic in nature, some could be serious structural issues, which will have safety and liveability implications. What is a Building Inspection? A building inspection is an inspection of the building structure performed by a licenced and certified building inspector. The inspection ensures the building meets the applicable building standards and health and safety conditions. The inspection will identify issues and defects with the building which buyers must know. Major, structural defects and safety concerns will be identified while the more diligent inspectors will also identify minor and cosmetic issues in their reports. What Does a Building Inspection Cost in Melbourne? In Melbourne, a Building Inspection usually cost between $400 - $700 , depending on the location, and size of the property. It is a very competitive market in Melbourne, prices will vary and the better inspectors tend to command a higher fee. What is a Pest Inspection? A pest inspection is a detailed, methodical and careful examination inside and outside your home by a licenced and certified pest inspector. The inspection will identify pest issues such as termites and burrowing insect in the building. These infestations can usually damage the structural integrity of a property, if left undetected and untreated, making the building to be unliveable. What Does a Pest Inspection Cost in Melbourne? A typical Pest Inspection in Melbourne cost between $300 - $600 , depending on the location, and size of the property. Again, because it is a free market, prices vary and the better inspectors tend to charge a higher fee. What is a Combined Building and Pest Inspection? A combined building and pest inspection simply means the building is inspected for both building defects and pest concerns at the same time. It is increasingly common for inspectors to be certified and licenced for both building inspection and pest inspections. What Does a Building and Pest Inspection Cost in Melbourne? If both the building and pest inspection are conducted at the same time, the combined inspection usually cost less than 2 separate Building and Pest Inspections, as the same inspector will only need to inspect the property once for both concerns. The typical cost of a combined building and pest inspection in Melbourne ranges from between $700 to $900 , depending on location and size of the property. The inspector's experience and attention to details plays an important role in determining the quality of the inspections. The good inspectors may charge more, but they are worth every cent you pay. Quality and Experience of Inspectors Matters more than the Price The quality of inspections varies widely from bare minimal reports to over hyped inspectors featured on social media. Remember, experience and time is money, and being expensive does not necessarily mean you will be getting a better job. You could be paying for the social media editing time. Similarly, beware of cheap inspectors charging peanuts. In our line of work as buyers advocates in Melbourne, we had the opportunity to read hundreds of reports from various inspectors, from $400 inspections to $800 inspections. While it may be more budget friendly with cheap reports, they are usually not worth the paper they are printed on. The building and pest inspection industry is quite competitive in Melbourne, and you get do what you pay for. Quality and details are usually the reasons why they can afford to charge more. In our 80+ years of property investment and buying experience, our buyers advocates only rely on a handful of tried and tested inspectors to do the job for our clients. They are usually not the cheapest, neither are they the most expensive. But we have the confidence that they will get the inspection job done properly. What Happens when Issues are Found During Building and Pest Inspections? We always expect that we will find issues during the building and pest inspections. Perfect buildings do not exist. I'll be questioning our inspectors if they are not able to find any issues during the inspections. When issues are found during the inspections, it is not the end of the world. You need to read and understand the report. The report will identify issues ranging from minor cosmetic issues to major structural problems. How you manage this information is important. These inspection reports should determine if you go ahead with buying the property, and how much you offer for the property. Most experienced buyers will use the information provided in these report to assess if it is still worthwhile buying the property. Using their experience, they would have an idea of how much the property is worth, considering the issues highlighted in the report. The cost of repair will also play an important part in this decision. What Does it Cost to Fix Issues Discovered in a Building and Pest Inspection? The cost to fix issues discovered in a Building and Pest Inspection report varies. Some are relatively cheap, while some could be costly repairs. The seriousness of the issues also bears no resemblance to the cost of repairing those issues. It all has to depend on what the issue is, how it should be properly rectified and the consequences of not addressing it can be. What Does it Cost to fix a Minor Defect? Most minor issues can be cheap to fix, but some can be costly. For example, the report might indicate minor, cosmetic cracks on the walls. Most of these cracks are no more than a few hundred dollars to repair. But if there are several of these cracks, it can add up quite quickly. Another example, is the condition of the paint. While the condition of the paint is usually reported as a side-note, not a defect, it can easily cost between $10,000-$30,000 to have an entire house repainted. What Does it Cost to fix a Major Defect? Similarly, a major defect need not be expensive. While some can be cheap to fix, some can be costly or not worth repairing. For example, a major defect can be a weakened foundation. This can easily cost between tens of thousands of dollars, to over hundreds of thousands, depending on what is wrong and what is required to address it. Conversely, an issue with the roof and gutters may sometimes be flagged as a major structural issue, but could cost no more than a few thousand dollars to repair. How Had Building and Pest Inspections Saved Our Buyers? In our decade long experience as buyers advocates, we had seen countless examples of how building and pest inspections had saved our clients from trouble. Case Studies. How have Building Inspections Helped our Buyers. Every building will have some form of issues. Through building and pest inspections, some significant examples highlighted includes: When is a Three Bedroom House a Two Bedder? This buyer came to us when they realised their mistake after making an offer for a 3 bedroom house in Rowville, a south eastern Melbourne suburb. Our on-site inspection flagged a suspicious looking bedroom, which our building inspector subsequently confirmed as an illegally built 3rd bedroom. There is no way to rectify it as it was not built to building code. The dimensions of the room are non compliant, there is insufficient insulations and no proper heating and cooling. As a result of this major issue, it triggered an avalanche of events which eventually allowed our client to walk away from the purchase without any penalties. This was about 10 years ago, and rectifying this would easily cost around $100k, or about $200k in today's money. A house with a broken roof truss . This house in the eastern Melbourne suburb of Ringwood was newly renovated and looked dressed to sell. Our client initially wanted to save some costs, and did not agree with our recommendation to have the building inspected. But we managed to convince them otherwise. A detailed inspection by our trusted building inspector revealed a major structural issue. A major roof supporting structure has snapped, suggesting the roof had either suffered a major impact or there are other major shifts in the load bearing structure in the house. To have this properly assessed by an engineer and repaired by a builder would cost between $100,000-$150,000. Vendor insist the building is safe and refused to accept the report. We walked away. The building was subsequently sold to an unsuspecting buyer. Leaning Townhouse of Forest Hill . This 20 year old 4 bedroom townhouse in eastern Melbourne visually looked dated but it otherwise looked structurally OK. However, a building and pest inspection revealed that the entire townhouse was tilting to the left. This was reported as a major structural defect and we walked away successfully. The inspector was unable to estimate the rectification cost as this repair work was major and would involved the body corporate. The entire complex of 8 other townhouses need to be assessed. We chose not to get involved and we walked away from this purchase. What if You Do Not Have The Experience to Understand the Report? As part of our full property buying services, we will help our buyers understand the report, highlight the major concerns, estimate the cost of repair, and recommend if we proceed with the purchase. If you do not have privileged access to these information, you can discuss this with your inspector. An experienced inspector would have a good understand of the extent of the issues, how the issues should be addressed properly to meet the building, health and safety standards, etc. Good inspectors would also give you an idea of what it will cost to have the issues rectified. Time to Move Ahead? Book a strategy call to discuss how our property buying services in Melbourne can help you reduce the cost of unnecessary building and pest inspections. Our buyers advocates are builder-trained and we include a preliminary check on the building as part of our Property Appraisal at Open for Inspections . Our independent appraisal gives buyers a realistic value of what the property can sell for during Auctions, giving buyers the confidence to attend and bid at auctions, knowing they will not overpay.

And What Savvy Buyers Do Instead: A Guide to Smart Property Buying in Melbourne Everyone wants a good deal, right? But only smart buyers know where to find it and do it correctly. In Melbourne’s fast-moving property market, the real win isn’t just a discounted buyers agent invoice. It’s about buying the right asset at the right price , before anyone else does. Haggling with your buyers advocates over a service fee can stall your momentum, signal indecision, and often cost you far more at settlement. Here’s how experienced buyers get ahead, and why fee negotiating always leave you worse off. If you are cost conscious, fixed-fee advocacy is the smartest play. The Melbourne Property Market Rewards Speed and Certainty—Not Endless Fee Negotiations Good properties do not wait for slow buyers. When you delay your purchase by pushing your Melbourne buyers agent for a fee discount, or while you price shop between a few buyers agents, these things often happen: Buying Momentum Stalls: Time spent debating fees or shopping for lowest fees is time not spent searching, inspecting, valuing, and negotiating on the home you actually want. In fast markets like Melbourne, good properties can be sold within days—sometimes hours. Monthly Price Creep: A growth of 1-5% every month is not unheard of in desirable locations. With a median property price at $1 million, that month of delay can equate to a $10,000-$30,000 price increase every month , way more than the fees you're trying to negotiate. You Show Indecision: This signals a wrong focus. It’s a massive red flag in the eyes of every experienced Buyers Advocate. To save you bigger money, they appreciate clients who see the big picture and make fast decisions. Good properties can be sold in an instant, leaving little room for hesitation. Only a decisive team (you + your buyers advocate) can move fast and secure better terms and prices. Decent buyers advocates would rather not work with indecisive buyers than risk accepting a client they cannot fulfil. Bottom Line: The cost of delay can dwarf any "discount" you are trying to squeeze from your advocate. The REAL Cost Isn't the Buyers Advocates' Fee. It's Buying the Wrong Property Haggling focuses on a small, visible number (the fee). But the real costs in buying properties live elsewhere: Overpaying: Paying 2–3% more on an $800k purchase can mean $16k–$24k lost. Hidden Defects: Missing these in due diligence can cost you $10k–$50k+. Poor Location Fundamentals: Issues like yield, vacancy, and owner-occupier demand can drag capital growth for years. An experienced buyers advocacy service minimises these risks with valuation discipline, suburb selection, and structured due diligence. That’s where a fixed-fee buyers agent in Melbourne earns their reputation. Bottom Line: Saving $2-3k on a fee while paying $20k more for a property isn't a win. How Fixed Fees Buyers Advocates Beat "Discounted" Fees While you can try to negotiate fees with your buyers agent, some agents might agree to reduce their fee. Then quietly reduce their services: Reduced priority in property representation Lower support levels Fewer inspections or no mid-week revisits Limited auction / negotiation coverage Reduced off-market outreach Shallow due diligence notes (no proper risk matrix or comparable sales pack) At Concierge Buyers Advocates , we do not play that game. We scope the brief to your needs, then fix the fees and deliver the process. We have a range of competitive fees to meet the different needs of our buyers. Our popular fixed fee GOLD model is the most comprehensive. It covers the full property buying scope: from search, shortlisting, pricing analysis, risk checks, and negotiation, until purchase . We do not engage in fee negotiations, and we treat all our buyers fairly and equally. Every buyers are given the same attention and level of priority they deserve. We would rather be upfront, offering our buyers a lower-priced plan with a reduced scope, than to sneakily trim our services and leave them with a half-done job that we would not be proud of. No bait-and-switch. No moving goalposts. Clients hire us to buy confidence and avoid overpaying. They know they are getting what they paid for. Not All Buyers Agents are the Same. Here's What Sales Agents Actually Respect. Not all buyers agents are created equal. Experience and reputation in the industry matter. Ask any seasoned real estate sales agent who they prefer to work buyers agents. They’ll tell you they prefer experienced buyers advocates who know their stuff. It makes their job ten times easier. Real finance clarity (pre-approval verified) Clean conditions + decisive timeframes Realistic pricing supported by real facts A buyers advocate with a reputation for getting deals done A Melbourne buyers advocate who is sidetracked by indecisive buyers and haggling has little time to do their best for their buyer clients. They need to focus on getting the best deal possible, not fight for their fees. Here's How to Negotiate a Buyers Agents' Fees, And How Smart Buyers Do It We get it. Some people believe haggling is a cultural or habitual thing. We prefer to think of it as a buying style. So here's how you can negotiate your buyers agent's fees. Buyers can generally be categorised into: Price-anchored buyers: They fixate on fees and ask for “Gold service at Silver prices.” Value-anchored buyers: They ask, “How do we use your process to save money, time, and mistakes?” If you find yourself drifting into price-anchored mode, flip the question. Ask "What could the wrong asset or a bad negotiation cost me?" and "What could distracting my buyers agent cost me?" The answer becomes obvious. Is trying to save $2k on the buyers agent's fees worth the risk of a rejection from your buyers advocate? Good buyers advocates can easily save you tens of thousands of dollars in your property purchase. Our buyers advocates typically save our clients between $20-$50,000 per purchase. The answer reframes the fee instantly. How a Fixed-Fee Buyers Agent Creates ROI (Even Before Negotiation) A good Melbourne buyers agent pays for themselves several times over by: Laser Brief: Owner-occupier demand, rental yield, livability filters Pricing Discipline: Using true comparable sales, not quoted ranges Risk Mapping: Title, overlays, building defects, strata/OC, rental demand Right Strategy for the Campaign: Auction / EOI / private sale Access to Off-market and Pre-market opportunities through agent relationships and industry networks. That’s before we even talk about your time saved and stress avoided. Want this playbook on your side? Let's book a free strategy call . Why Our Clients Don’t Haggle (and Still Come Out Ahead) At Concierge Buyers Advocates, we keep it simple: Fixed-fee buyers agent (Melbourne & Victoria) with a no-discount policy Clear scope: Search → Inspect → Due diligence → Valuation → Negotiate/Auction → Settle Most clients buy within ~8 weeks because we only onboard decisive buyers and keep decisions crisp We act only for buyers (no kickbacks, no double-dipping) Because our fees are fixed and published, you know exactly what you’re getting. No hidden “success” surprises; no half-service disguised as a bargain. Tight Budget? Change Scope—Not Standards We understand. Not everyone needs an end-to-end service. Some buyers are happy to share the work and be part of the process. That’s why our buyers advocates in Melbourne offer tiered service packages: Full Service (Gold) : End-to-end search to purchase, including off-markets and unlimited (reasonable) inspections. Lighter Scope (Silver): Focused shortlist, capped inspections, negotiations, and auctions. Property Buyers Buddy : Pay-by-month expert online support for DIY buyers. Reducing scope is the only smart way to reduce costs. It keeps quality stays intact. You benefit from a professional process the way it is meant to be, while keeping your budget in check. You can buy a Mercedes with a Toyota budget by adjusting your scope. Buy the base model A160 if you must have a Mercedes, but not the flagship S600L Maybach. You probably don’t want to end up with a stripped-down S-class either. Red Flags: When Haggling Will Definitely Backfire Some of the ridiculous requests we’ve seen from prospects over the years show a lack of respect for intellectual property rights. These are serious integrity red flags, and experienced, self-respecting buyers advocates like us hit pause in these situations. We’d rather cut the prospect loose than welcome trouble. Asking for internal spreadsheets/intellectual properties before engagement “Trialling” a buyers agent on live property "samples" without commitment Wanting full off-market access and unlimited inspections at a discounted fee Claiming months of delays due to flu (?!) These behaviours slow your purchase, and you risk losing the right agent on your side. A decent buyers advocate will protect you and themselves by setting boundaries or walking away. They have to, just to be fair to you, them, and their clients. If buyers advocates are quick to negotiate away their own fees, how well will they negotiate on a property for you? Found a Buyers Advocate Who Accepts Your Lowball Fee? It might feel like a win when you find a buyers advocate who agrees to a big discount. But that’s only one side of the coin. The buyers advocacy industry in Melbourne is very competitive, and not all “buyers agents” are equal. You’ll see sneaky commission-driven marketers and inexperienced operators positioning themselves as advocates to bait unsuspecting "value-seeking" buyers. We often see dodgy marketing associates using underhanded tactics to bring unsuspecting buyers into their "low-fee" or "no-fee" services. As with most things, you get what you pay for . Ask yourself: If the buyers advocates are quick to discount their own fee, how hard will they really negotiate on a multi-hundred-thousand-dollar property? That is their first test. Snagging a “cheap” buyers agent is often a major red flag. Experienced negotiators know their value and defend it. That is how you know they can defend you at the negotiation tables. Cheap for a Reason You’re paying for skill, experience, and protection. Rock-bottom, unsustainable fees often signal a lack of track record. That playbook attracts price-sensitive clients and turns your purchase into their training ground. The result? You risk overpaying, overlooking defects, or missing better opportunities. If you want real value, choose a Melbourne buyers advocate with proven negotiation results, transparent fixed fees, and rigorous due diligence—so your savings show up in the purchase price , not just the invoice. Why Top Buyers Advocates Charge an Upfront Fee If you’ve ever wondered why experienced Melbourne buyers advocates ask for an upfront retainer (also called a commitment fee), here’s the truth: it’s not just about being paid for their time. A retainer protects your outcome . It ensures your advocate works only for your, is independent, focused, and fully resourced to secure the right property at the right price . What an Upfront Retainer Signals (and Secures) 1) Serious Buyer Commitment The modest retainer separates ready buyers from window-shoppers. When you invest, we invest, prioritising your brief, opening our network, and moving quickly on inspections, price workups, and off-market opportunities, because we know you are committed to the process. 2) Aligned Incentives & True Independence A professional, fixed-fee buyers agent is paid by you, not by developers or selling agents. The retainer locks in that independence from day one. No kickbacks. No hidden agendas. Just real advice that serves your goals. 3) Capacity Reserved for Your Brief Great properties don’t wait. A retainer shows your commitment, and lets us reserve senior advocate time, run due diligence early (title, overlays, strata/OC, rental demand, building risk), and be ready to negotiate or bid at auction the moment the right property appears. 4) Price Protection That Dwarfs the Fee Our fee is typically around 1–2% (or a transparent fixed amount). In return, disciplined pricing and negotiation routinely prevent buyers from overpaying, often by tens of thousands more than the fee itself. One strong negotiation can pay for the entire engagement. The missed opportunity cost, lost time, rising prices, extra rent, and emotional fatigue, far exceeds any "savings" in fees. 5) Clarity, Momentum, Results Haggling over a small fee stalls momentum. And momentum is everything in the fast Melbourne property market. A retainer sets the tone: committed, decisive buyer, decisive advocate, decisive result. Who the Fees Filter Out (And Why That’s Okay) If a buyer cannot see the value in point 4 above (that a 1–2% professional fee can prevent an expensive misstep), it usually signals indecision and misaligned focus. In our experience, those are the buyers who will struggle to commit and move at market speed, often resulting in missing the best assets. We can only achieve the best results with clients who value data, process, and outcomes. They are usually the ones who needed more time to be ready. And that’s okay. The Buyers Advocate's Nightmare Client (And How They Avoid a Bad Fit) Most buyers are great to work with and genuinely value the expertise our Melbourne Buyers Advocates bring. But every so often, we meet a prospect who raises red flags early. And that is usually during the fee discussion. When a buyer fixates on shaving a few dollars off a fixed-fee buyers agent service, it often signals deeper issues: indecision, short-term thinking, and a failure to see the bigger picture of a six- or seven-figure purchase. These are serious red flags unwelcome by any service providers. And we are no different. How Do Buyers Advocates Respond to These Prospects? Experienced buyers advocates will drop them to be fair to these prospects and their clients . Yes, buyers advocates is keen to enroll the prospect, but their clients need the undivided time to strategise a property deal, not to deal with such low-ballers. The service industry has many ways of saying no to a prospect without saying no. The prospect might walk away feeling satisfied that they rejected an "expensive agent," but the fact is, they had already been red-flagged and dropped by the agent . Time will eventually show them the outcome of their actions. The Take-Home If you want the best buying outcome, the right asset, bought well, without stress, hire an experienced buyers advocate on a fixed fee, agree on the scope, and start quickly. Delaying the process by weeks while you haggle over $2k on the fees may feel clever in the moment, but it drains your own time, weakens leverage, and will cost you tens of thousands when you subsequently buy the property at inflated prices. Ready to Buy with Confidence? ✅ Fixed-fee, no-discount policy (quality preserved) ✅ Off-market access and agent relationships ✅ Fast decisions, disciplined pricing, tight due diligence ✅ First-home buyers, upsizers, and investors welcome If you’re a first-home buyer, up-sizer, or Melbourne property investor, we’d love to help. Speak to a licensed buyers advocate, skip the fee tennis, and let’s get you the right result fast. Concierge Buyers Advocates — Melbourne buyers agent. 80+ years experience, fixed-fees. Off-market access. Smart due diligence. Stress-free buying. FAQs Do Buyers Advocates Discount Fees? Reputable buyers advocates in Melbourne set fixed fees to protect service quality and momentum. If price is your sole criterion, consider a lighter-scope package rather than a discount. How Does a Fixed-Fee Buyers Agent Work? You get transparent pricing upfront and a defined scope: search, inspections, due diligence, valuation guidance, and negotiation/auction to purchase. Isn’t It Smart to Negotiate Everything? Negotiate the property price, not your advocate’s fees and process. Negotiating on fees delays and stalls your own buying process. It does not hurt the buyers advocate. Good, experienced ones have a waiting list of clients. An experienced buyers advocate helps you avoid overpaying by tens of thousands, far more than the $2k you are trying to save on fees. In a hot market, property prices can move by $10-30k every month. Smart buyers know which to aim for.

This is a very good question from a first home buyer who wished to remain anonymous. "I am so torn with what to do. Most of the houses we're interested in go to auction and the agents all seem to be saying 'the owner's aren't interested in offers'. I can foresee us going to another 10+ auctions before we get lucky with a purchase, so do people actually do building inspections prior to every auction and then potentially not even come close to buying the property? It just seems very backwards. Do buyers pay a conveyancer to review contract of sale prior to each auction? It seems like such a waste of money when you don't know if you will even be able to buy the property. Obviously worth it when you do though." The answer is pretty obvious. What’s not obvious is that this reflects the exasperation many first-home buyers feel. The house hunt can be expensive, discouraging and demoralising. The good news: there’s a smarter, often cheaper way to do it. With a realistic brief, realistic appraisal of property value, and targeted inspections, you can avoid paying for unnecessary reports on the wrong properties, cut travel and time wastage, and save up to 80% of unnecessary costs by staying focused and pragmatic. Hiring a buyers advocate may look like an added expense, but it often delivers net savings. Fewer dead-end inspections, sharper negotiation, access to off-market opportunities, and protection against overpaying. Our Melbourne buyers advocates can show you how to manage costs intelligently and secure the right property at the right price. Let's start with answering the question. Should you do a Building and Pest Inspection and Contract Review for every auction you go to? Why Should You Get a Building and Pest Inspection and Contract Reviewed Before Attending Auctions? Doing a complete due diligence is a must before you buy any properties and bid at any auctions. This ensures you know what you are buying and understand if the property can do what you wanted to do. Building and Pest Inspections and Contract Reviews are not the only things you need to do, but these are the bare minimum you MUST do. You will need to be comfortable that the property which you might end up buying, is what you are looking for, suits your needs, and that there are no hidden nasty surprises. This is particularly important at auctions in most Australian states, including Melbourne, because the properties you buy at auctions are unconditional , you cannot say "Oops! I made a mistake" and walk away. If you win the property at property auctions or under auction conditions, you have committed to an unconditional purchase and you have to go through and complete the purchase or you will suffer legal consequences. To help you understand why a Building and Pest Inspection and Contract Review are important, we will discussion the importance of Building and Pest Inspection and Contract Reviews separately. Part 1 will discuss the importance of a Building and Pest Inspection, and part 2 will discuss the importance of the Sales Contract. Part 1. What is a Building and Pest Inspection? Why is a Building and Pest Inspection Important? From experience, between 80-90% of the properties will come with issues. Even brand new houses are not immune to problems. While most are minor, cosmetics issues, some could be major and structural issues, which can have safety and liveability implications. For a more detailed discussion on why building and pest inspections are important, head over to this article . What is a Building Inspection and how much does it cost in Melbourne? A Building Inspection in Melbourne usually cost between $400 - $600 . What is a Pest Inspection and how much does it cost in Melbourne? A typical Pest Inspection in Melbourne cost between $300-600 . What is a Combined Building and Pest Inspection and how much does it cost? The typical cost of a combined building and pest inspection in Melbourne ranges from between $700 to $900 , depending on location and size of the property. Part 2. What is a Real Estate Sales Contract? Why is a Sales Contract Review Important? A sales contract is typically around a hundred or more pages. It is a legal contract between the seller and the buyer. This legally binding document lists the important information about the property which a typical buyer would need to know, before they purchase. It is thus, critical to understand your obligations in the contract, before you commit to the purchase. This article will help you understand what a contract review will expose and how to change the contract. How Much Does a Contract Review Cost in Melbourne? Solicitors typically charge between $200-$500 for a contract review, depending on the complexity of the contract. Most solicitors however, provides a couple of free contract review, when you engage their conveyancing services. Can You Reduce The Costs of Building and Pest Inspections and Contract Review? This is a popular question with home buyers, and we can understand why. Typically, the basic due diligence of doing the building and pest inspection , plus getting the contract reviewed will cost the buyer between $1000 to $1500 , per property . And if you need to do this for every property you intend to bid at auctions, the costs can add up quickly and it can be very significant. But, there are some ways to mitigate or reduce these costs. The best way to reduce these costs is by: having a good understanding of the property market, and being selective with the property you chose to go for, plus organising the inspections and contract reviews done in the most pragmatic manner . Here's how you do it. How to Reduce the Cost of Building and Pest Inspections and Contract Reviews By being realistic and knowing the property will help you selectively shortlist the properties. Here are a few ways to help you reduce the costs of building and pest inspections and contract reviews: Understand your budget. Know what is the absolute maximum you can afford for the property. Remember to factor in other purchase costs, such as conveyancing, building and pest inspections, sales contract reviews, stamp duties, and potential repair or renovation costs for the property. Have a Good Understanding of the Realistic Property Value. If you are unable to ascertain this, get an independent appraisal for the property. Price quoted by the sales agents are usually for marketing purposes, and could have no resemblance of what the vendor wants or what the property can sell for. You will need an independent appraisal done to understand what the property can sell for and what other buyers will pay for it. Inspect the Property Properly during Open for Inspections. In addition to whether you like the property, assess the property for obvious issues and other suspicious issues. If you know what you are looking for, cracks and leaks can tell you a lot about the condition of the property, and you will be able to know if the property is worth your time and money to do costly formal inspections and contract reviews. Be Selective with the Auction Properties Understanding the first 2 values will help you understand your chances of winning at the auction and decide if you should go ahead with preparing for the auction. Step 3 above will let you decide if you want to go ahead with the auction. Once you are satisfied with all 3, and you decide to go for the auction, get the property formally inspected for building and pest issues and contract reviewed. With enough experience, you will realise only 2 to 3 properties will make the mark, out of every 10 properties you shortlist. Yes, for a typical buyer, up to 80% of the properties which they are interested in, are usually not suitable and a waste of time . What if You Do Not Know How to Prepare for Inspections and Auctions? If you are inexperienced or not sure what to look for, our Melbourne Buyers Advocates and Buyers Agents can help with your purchase in Melbourne or Victoria. We've been property investors for over 20 years and in the real estate buying business for over 10 years. Each of our buyers advocates are builder-trained and typically visit and inspect between 400-500 properties annually. Yes, we inspect about 10 properties each week, and we understand not many people will buy enough properties to know what to look for and how to prepare yourself for any property purchase and auctions. If you need some experienced guidance, our Buyers Advocates or Buyers Agents in Melbourne are happy to assist. Our buyers advocates are builder-trained licenced real estate agents who purely assist buyers. When we conduct our on-site inspections during open for inspections, we assess and note the property for visual building and pest concerns, and provide you with our opinion of the property condition plus an independent appraisal of the property value. This independent appraisal is critical in giving you an good idea of what other buyers will pay and bid at the auction, giving you an added layer of confidence at the day of auction. You cannot rely on the price guides and statement of information from the sales agents, as they are usually used for marketing purposes, and it it not common the prices mentioned bears no resemblance to the price they will be sold for. This article will explain why these price guides cannot be relied on . How Much Can Buyers Agents Help You Save? Many usually ask how much can a buyers agent save them? On average, between 15-30 shortlisted properties for each of our buyers are disqualified because of budget mismatch or serious concerns with defects noted during our on-site visits. Most buyers, however, will usually shortlist these properties and perform the building inspections and contract reviews without realising they would be unsuccessful in buying them. With our buyers agents or advocates on your side, we would help you understand the true value of the property, before you attempt any inspections or reviews. This critical step typically prevents our buyers from paying for unnecessary inspections and reviews, ie, a total savings of between $15,000-$30,000+ . That's where the value of experienced buyers agents come in. Our experience and skills help you avoid unnecessary costs . In addition to helping you independently understand the value of the property, we will strategies with you to bid, negotiate or plan our attack to help ensure you buy the property at the lowest possible price, plus avoid unnecessary costs such as needless property inspections and contract reviews. When you are ready, lock in your confidential discussion .

Buy the right property at the right price—without the stress. Buying a home in Melbourne should feel exciting—not overwhelming. As buyers advocates in Melbourne , we help first-home buyers, upsizers and investors cut through noise, avoid overpaying, and secure the right property with confidence. Use this step-by-step guide to buy like a professional: suburb strategy, due diligence, offer pricing, and negotiation / auction tactics—end to end. 1) Get Finance-Ready (The Smart Way) Understanding what you can afford is the very first step in buying your house. Talk to a Mortgage Broker: to understand how much a bank/lender will lend you. Mortgage Repayment: use one of our mortgage calculators to understand what your monthly repayment is Model a safe budget:  stress-test repayments at +2% interest  and include insurance, council rates, body corporate fees, water rates, and a maintenance buffer. Pre-approval first, inspections second:  real pre-approval strengthens offers and auction readiness. Stamp duty & concessions:  use the Victorian State Revenue Office calculators  for land transfer (stamp) duty, concessions and land tax before you start shortlisting. Need help sorting lending options? We'll connect you with independent brokers (no fees to you) who understand Melbourne's property market and timelines. Tip: Duty, concessions and thresholds change. Always confirm on SRO before you commit. State Revenue Office 2) Shortlist Suburbs Like a Pro (Not by Headlines) We prioritise streets and pockets  with enduring appeal: school zones (e.g., Camberwell High, Glen Waverley , McKinnon, Balwyn ), rail and tram access, proximity to jobs and health hubs, and liveability corridors (Inner East, Bayside, Inner North, select South-East growth nodes). The goal: assets future buyers and tenants will compete for . What we Analyse: True comparable sales (not price guides from agents) Days on market & stock depth Micro-factors: street noise, streetscape, sun, slope, parking etc 3) See More Than the Portals (Off-Market Access) Public sites ( realestate.com.au , Domain) are only part of the market. Our buyers agents work private agent lists to surface off-market and pre-market  opportunities across suburbs like Hawthorn, Kew, Glen Waverley, Brighton, Brunswick, Carnegie, Bentleigh, Williamstown, Mornington Peninsula —often with less competition and cleaner terms. 4) Do the due diligence that actually protects you Before  you bid or sign: Section 32 (Vendor’s Statement) review:  title, easements, services, planning, notices, OC/strata details. You must see this before  you sign. Consumer Affairs Victoriavictorianpropertysettlements.com.au Building & pest inspections:  structure, moisture, roof/subfloor, termites (higher risk near green corridors). Apartments/townhouses:  audit the Owners Corporation—sinking fund, levies, upcoming capital works. 5) Real Estate Sales Method Mastery (Auction vs Private Sale) Different method of sales have different rules and demand different strategies to win it without overpaying. In Melbourne, the main ones are Auction, Best and Final Offer, Private Sale, Expression of Interest (EOI). Winning at Auctions (very Melbourne) : No cooling-off ; be 100% due-diligenced and finance-ready. Expect to pay a 10% deposit  on the day (unless negotiated beforehand). Set a price ceiling and let a professional bidder control tempo and psychology. Cooling-off rights don’t apply  to auctions (or for three business days before/after). Consumer Affairs Victoria Read our Auction Winning Guide : Understand the tricks and learn the skills needed to win auctions. Winning at Private Sale / EOI : Also known as Expression of Interest , Closed Auction , Best and Final Offer . Negotiate price and terms  (settlement, deposit size, special conditions). In Victoria, most private sales include a 3-business-day cooling-off  (exceptions apply—get legal advice). Consumer Affairs Victoria Read our Private Sale Guide : Learn how to win this or walk away. 6) Price With Precision, Not Hope Your offer price is critical to your success. Not only for the house at hand, it also tells the agent how much you should be respected when you next cross paths. Our price strategy triangulate: Recent, relevant comparables  (same land/position/condition; last 6–12 weeks where possible), Micro-adjustments  (school zone, transport, street appeal), and Live campaign intel  (contracts out, competing interest, agent strategy).That’s how we set tight ceilings  and avoid overpaying. 7) Negotiate Like a Buyers Advocate Would low-ball offers work? You will hope so. We hate hope. We like certainty. Certainty that we will buy it, certainty that we will not overpay for it. Lead with evidence  (not opinions). Use terms  as currency: settlement timing, deposit structure, rent-backs, inclusions. Leverage using a third party negotiator against the agent. We explain why . Keep emotions out; keep process discipline in. (We’ll do that for you.) Related Service: Auction Bidding and Negotiation 8) Lock Down the Legals & Ace the Settlement Engage a conveyancer/solicitor early  to review the contract of sales and manage searches, transfer and settlement. Arrange insurance before settlement; complete a final inspection  within 14 days of settlement; confirm funds via your conveyancer’s trust account. Partners : We coordinate trusted conveyancers, inspectors and brokers to keep things in check. 9) True total cost of ownership Budget beyond the price: stamp duty, conveyancing, building/pest, lenders fees, insurance, council/water rates, OC/strata (if applicable), and planned maintenance (older Californian bungalows, 50s–70s brick blocks, period homes). Use SRO calculators for duty & land tax modelling. State Revenue Office Melbourne Home-Buying FAQs How much deposit do I need? 20% avoids LMI; some lenders accept 5–10% with LMI. Pair pre-approval with a clear buffer strategy. Do I get a cooling-off period? Usually yes  for private sales (3 business days); no  for auctions and for purchases within three business days before/after an auction campaign. Consumer Affairs Victoria AustLII Can I make an offer before auction? Often yes. Your leverage depends on genuine comparables, days on market and vendor readiness. We’ll advise if a pre-auction strike is prudent. Do first-home buyers get help? Check current SRO  guidance for duty exemptions/concessions and the First Home Owner Grant for eligible new homes. Rules change—verify before acting. State Revenue Office Why buyers choose Concierge Buyers Advocates Melbourne Specialists  with deep suburb & street-level intel (Inner East, Bayside, Inner North, South-East, selected growth corridors) Off-market access  and priority previews through trusted agent networks Strong Price Strategy & Risk Management  (Section 32, overlays, building red flags, strata health) Elite Negotiation & Auction Bidding  so you don’t overpay Independent, Fixed fees —no developer kickbacks, ever See Our fees:   Melbourne Buyer Agents Fees Virtual BA (DIY with support):   Buyers Buddy Bid & Negotiate:   Auction Bidding and Negotiation Next steps Book a free strategy session  with a licensed Melbourne buyers agent We’ll clarify your brief, budget and timeline, then build a targeted suburb shortlist We inspect, price, due-diligence, negotiate/bid to win , and manage you through to keys-in-hand Ready to buy with confidence? Let Concierge Buyers Advocates  do the heavy lifting while you enjoy the result. Book now .