Hi Julian

I am in the exact same position and keen to read any advice that your post generates. I am also not sure where to access a genuine buyers advocate or investment advisor.

Regards
Richard

Hi guys. Have a look at the Buyers Agents that are members of REBAA (Real Estate Buyers Agents Association of Australia).
http://rebaa.com.au/

Hi guys,
My husband and I were in the same position of needing assistance with our property investment strategy. We researched that many property investment advisors, until we came across Rixon Property Group Australia. The consultant assisted us in selecting a property best suited for us and developing an investment strategy in expanding our portfolio further. Not only did he advocate on our behalf but kept us updated throughout the entire process. We were especially impressed by how quickly we got tenants into our property with no fuss at all.
We are on our third property investment with Rixon Property Group and we can't vouch for them enough.
I hope this review was helpful and good luck!

Hi Julian and Richard,
It is important to distinguish between a Buyers Agent licensed by your state govt. and work 100% for you, and property marketers who are often paid sell of new apartments or developers.
We at Strategic Buyers Agents are licensed, based in Melbourne and with members of our Strategic Alliance in Sydney and Brisbane.

Regards,
Mike

Run away from these types of companies they take fat commissions and often overstate values and rental returns. Go direct to a local project builder and they can work with real estate agents or land developers to find you a site. You will save thousands.
<edited> I am a builder and we have had these developers broker deals with us in the past. They take our retail price and ad fat commissions it is not hard to do it all yourself and builders and local realestate agents can help.

I used someone called Hylton John a few years back. He broke the Auctioneer's rhythm, asked bidders to identify themselves and took all the stress out of the process for me. I was new to the whole auction process in any event, so for my needs - great having one

Property buyers are the same as any other business, they can be a fantastic resource but you need to do your research check them out, reviews are always a good place to start, talk to them and in the end go with your instincts.

I have seen clients get some fantastic deals using property buyers and others where we have seen a rather complacent approach.

Hi Julian

A buyers agent can really help you save time. However, be careful as most buyers agents only focus on their area of expertise. Ie. They may only be focussed on the North Shore, or the Eastern Suburbs, or the CBD. Yes, and the property specialists that just earn fat commissions are not looking out for your interests.

Pick an agent that can really help provide you with some feedback on the specific properties that you choose. An agent that has the skill to look at properties in different areas and across different property strategies.

Some buyers agents are only paid for properties they find for you. The fact that you have already found your properties means you need to find an agent that offers the service of helping you, if you have already found the property.

Does anybody have any experience with Maxi Own?

Generally, a buyers agent helps you find property within your specifications. The fact that you have already bought a few properties and your questions indicate you are looking for assistance with setting your property vision pathway or a property plan over several years.

Think of every property you purchase as having a domino effect on the rest of your wealth creation portfolio. You need to consult someone that can give you guidance on how to set up a plan of a few properties that can be purchased within your capacity based on your unique circumstances today and over the next few years. They also need to help you ensure the next purchase in your property vision pathway is a powerful anchor to maximise your ability to implement your overall property plan.

Someone who can educate you on all the property strategies available to you, mentor you through your property journey and also has experience in property due diligence and search would be ideal.

It is super important to ensure that a company whose services you engage are researched based. Many are in the pocket of the developer and the builder which means even if they don't have THE BEST OPTION FOR YOU, they must still sell the property to make money.

Like they say it is good to identify between the 3 type of property professionals
1) The Salesman - who sells property for the seller and you know they are there to sell the property
2) The Spruiker - who masquerades as the 'property advisor' and tries to flog off the plan and newly developed houses away from the main city centers. They even give you rental guarantees at times so it would be good to do your due diligence as to the demand in the area after the rental guarantees expire.
3) The Advisor - A specialist who works for the buyer and provides independent and unbiased advice on the pros and cons of a potential investment property and will provide you at least 3 properties that you can choose from.

It is worth paying for good advice before putting $400K into someone's pocket.
Roshani

The second one is certainly not a professional. Just wanted to point that out in my previous statement.

I feel and understand your frustrations. Distinguishing between whether they are buyer's agent or a marketing professional is absolutely key and unfortunately for many this is easier said than done.

I've engaged the services of a buyer's agent - after some serious hunting around. Throughout my investing journey I've looked at the services of all sorts - financial planners, agents, mentors etc. etc. and many of them either were't offering what I needed OR were only interested in taking your dollars (i.e. they were either the salesman, spruiker or advisor).

I've FINALLY found the services of a buyer's agent and I can't be happier with the outcome. Definitely worth it.

I am not aware about it.

Performance Property Advisory I have used for the last couple of purchases. Well worth it I think.

Hi all, just reading through the thread here and wanted to offer my assistance. I am a Sydney based buyers agent with 14 years experience in the industry. Deciding on weather or not a buyers agent is the right fit for you is an important decision to make as our service is not suited for everyone. Sure, a good buyers agent will save you time, money and ensure that you don't make the wrong decision with your property purchase but if you choose the wrong agent, it could cost you on all fronts. More than happy to have an obligation free discussion to see if it does make sense on your side. Kind regards, Arija McQuillan

I am also looking for a Buyers Agent. im in Sydney, but am open to using a BA in any state.
Can anyone recommend a good BA?
Can anyone tell me what I would expect to pay for this service?

Depends which state Gregor. I know of a great one in Adelaide who charges around 5k for a property under 300k and 1.65% of selling price for over 300k. I'm from Victoria and have looked into buying here they range from 8k to 14k. They also cover different areas of the cities so you may have to lock down an area then go to the appropriate BA

How do I find out what BA works in what area?

I'm interested (Victoria-based) in Mordialloc, Parkdale, Cheltenham, Clarinda, Mount Waverly areas.

If you choose a buyer’s advocate or agent, try to make sure they are independent i.e. they are paid by you and nobody else. That way they look after your best interests and their job is to:
1 Help you find your ideal property,
2 Deal with the selling agent on an equal footing and ensure you pay the lowest possible price and not overpay,
3 Negotiate the best terms and conditions in your interests only,
4 Advocate on your behalf right up to settlement.

If you are not paying your consultant, it means somebody else is and they owe their allegiance to that person, be it a developer, a selling agent or themselves. They can’t look after someone else’s interests plus yours at the same time. And it doesn’t make them bad – they are serving their client, even though they may be helpful and kind to you. So, you have to look after your own interests, knowing they represent the other side.

We believe in the end it’s OK to choose a buyer’s agent or go it alone and work directly with selling agents, sellers or investment property advisors, just as long as you know which it really is and whose interests they are looking after.

If you are not paying your consultant, it means somebody else is and they owe their allegiance to that person, be it a developer, a selling agent or themselves. If you’re paying your buyer’s agent, their job is to:
1 Help you find your ideal property,
2 Deal with the selling agent on an equal footing and ensure you pay the lowest possible price and not overpay,
3 Negotiate the best terms and conditions in your interests only,
4 Advocate on your behalf right up to settlement.