Posts by Cate Bakos
Where has our spring market gone?
This year’s spring in Melbourne is distinctly different to past years’. Our listing and sales volumes are down significantly and our auction clearance rates are no longer signalling seller’s market conditions. Last year’s heady clearance rates coincided with large stock volumes. Melbourne’s eternal lockdown was finally over and vendors were keen to sell prior to…
Read MoreWhat differentiates buyers markets from sellers markets?
Earlier this year I penned a piece about 2022’s buyers, and how they were different from those who tackled the heady rush of the COVID-market boom. For many, the focus shifted dramatically from “just get it” to “I’ll take my time to buy carefully and I’ll apply scrutiny”. Now that interest rate rises are upon…
Read MoreBudget night: what does it mean for property?
On Tuesday 25th October, Jim Chalmers made his first budget night treasurer speech for the government of the day. With Albanese sitting by his side, much of the speech was anticipated after several hints and earlier announcements. Chalmers’ speech can be read here. Managing the rising cost of living was certainly touched on, as was…
Read MoreThe relationship between the quoted range and the vendor’s reserve
This topic comes up so often, particularly with buyers who are new to Australia, or unfamiliar with the quirks of Victorian auction rules. The relationship between the auction quote range and the vendor’s reserve is nil. So many people misunderstand the legal rules though, and in particular the fact that our legislation does not require…
Read MoreAvoiding the five biggest landlord stress points
Stepping into property investing is daunting for many, and speaking with investors over the decades has also shed light on many of the significant reasons why some investors opt out of property altogether. This blog addresses the five most serious (and common) stress points, and shares how to either mitigate or avoid experiencing each stress…
Read MoreThe “greedy landlord” narrative is dangerous
A recent survey conducted by the Property Investment Professionals of Australia (PIPA) supported what we’ve been experiencing at the coalface; we have a burning issue in our nation, and the driving force is not softening. It’s getting worse. We have a rental crisis gripping many cities, (both regional and capital) with ultra-low vacancy rates, huge…
Read MoreWhat scores bonus points in the inner-urban areas?
Today’s auction win in sunny Clifton Hill got me reflecting on all of the attributes of the property that made it a high-scorer. Our clients came to us with one specific intention; to help them secure a period house in Melbourne’s groovy inner-north in an effort to optimise the capital growth potential. The house has…
Read MoreTwo ratios that will optimise your investment outcome
We feature ratios everywhere, from science to economics, health to politics. But there are two ratios in the world of property investing that can make or break success for an investor. When scoring well, each on their own, the investor can anticipate some positive end results, but when scoring well in tandem, the investor is…
Read MoreWhat’s really happening in the market?
Yesterday was busy in Melbourne, and likely in our regional cities too. The sad passing of the Queen initiated yet another public holiday in our already short week, bolstering up the need for vendors and agents to make the most of the weekend preceding the Grand Final. Melbourne’s auction clearance rate (as at early Sunday…
Read More7 things that buyers get wrong
Recently my fellow-podcasters and I recorded a two part podcast episode about the seven things that we sometimes see buyers getting wrong. We initially thought we could cover these seven things in one episode, but as recordings often go, we had so much to expand on, we quickly realised this would span well over an…
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