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Regional Purchases Ballarat Cate Bakos

Ballarat’s fast moving market…

By Cate Bakos | March 18, 2018

We have been active in Ballarat for quite a few years now. My first reconnaissance voyage was in 2010 and my first acquisition for a client was back in 2011. In this time the market has exhibited higher rental yields than Melbourne and Geelong and the capital growth could be fairly described as moderated (when compared to…

#JackiePete House

How long should an off-market negotiation take?

By Cate Bakos | March 11, 2018

This is a common question, particularly when a private sale negotiation relates to an off-market property (where a vendor is selling without taking the property to the open market, but rather, a select buyer or handful of buyers). Every buyer likes to know that they have paid a fair price for a property (or better…

15 Fairbbairn 1

Does bidding style make a difference?

By Cate Bakos | March 4, 2018

There are two camps when this question is posed. Some vehemently believe that it boils down to the top end budget of the buyer, while others feel that a competing buyer’s bids can be influenced by emotion, perception and nerves. I have seen both apply. There are those buyers who vaguely plan for auction and arrive with the…

#amys Friends

Days on Market and Days IN the Market

By Cate Bakos | February 25, 2018

We often hear the term ‘Days on Market.’ This is one measure that can be effectively used across a data set to measure the health of a property market. Melbourne is a little bit more unique than other markets because we sell via auction method for a significant percentage of property sales. Unless a Vendor…

5Seddon St Floor Plan

The Importance of Floor Plans

By Cate Bakos | February 18, 2018

There are many well-known elements of a property that form part of an organized buyer’s criteria list. As buyer’s advocates we often tell our clients that it is what we say no to that makes the most significant difference to the success of the purchase, not just what we say yes to. Some would know it…

1 Certificate Of Title

‘Subject to Finance’ Clauses

By Cate Bakos | February 11, 2018

This is a term I hear more frequently used these days. With lender scrutiny at the highest levels I’ve seen since the GFC period, many buyers, bankers and brokers are feeling anxious about potential finance issues. The inclusion of the clause however is often detrimental to the success of the purchase. So when should it be used?…

Auction Flag

Recognising when supply and demand imbalance affects sentiment….

By Cate Bakos | February 4, 2018

Market sentiment is a powerful force indeed. Reports in the media of lower auction clearance rates and slight drops on the median price of houses could give any nervous investor reason to be cautious. December figures for our two biggest capital cities certainly caught reader’s attention, but seasonality wasn’t broadly discussed.  And it should have been. In…

Beachhouse

Holiday House Season

By Cate Bakos | January 28, 2018

Every January (and without fail) I field questions from new and past clients about my thoughts on their holiday house acquisition ideas. And every year I learn more about why this is such a well-trodden path for so many. The reasons are always emotional and never pragmatic, ever. But when is it OK for emotion to rule?…

2018 01 12 19.05.23

Lessons learnt while travelling….

By Cate Bakos | January 20, 2018

Having just returned home from a beautiful family trip to Sri Lanka I am feeling refreshed and excited to take in 2018 and all that it offers. Sri Lanka is a glorious island and the scenery, history, cuisine and culture is superb. As foreign visitors we had an itinerary, pre-purchased tickets, a Guide for some of our days, a…

RIpon 2

2017 in review

By Cate Bakos | December 24, 2017

2017 has been a mixed year for the Victorian housing market. With 100% Stamp Duty Concessions on offer for eligible Victorian property first home buyers up to $600K and subsidised Stamp Duty up to $750K purchases, the market has seen a dramatic resurgence of first home buyers since the concessions took effect on 1 July…

1Broadway1

How soon is too soon when it comes to finding a property?

By Cate Bakos | December 17, 2017

Property searches can span weeks. Sometimes they can span months. When preparation is not in place or expectations are unreasonable, the search can span years.  But sometimes… when plans are solid, planets align and the property presents itself, the search can take a matter of days. These can be the experiences that are quite stressful…

1Grace1

It’s OK to ask….

By Cate Bakos | December 10, 2017

One common mistake buyers often make is assuming that there are set rules that can’t be broken when negotiating for a property. From negotiating a passed-in auction with a finance clause to facilitating a sale that allows them to collect the keys and move in before settlement, there are many twists and turns that can…

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