Level up your property search with Hunters Buyers Agents.
Level up your property search with Hunters Buyers Agents.
Scoring ourselves a real estate bargain may at times feel like a ship that has well and truly sailed, but that need not be the case. Did you know that getting your hands on a good buyer’s agent can be a #gamechanger when it comes to adding significant value for any buyer irrespective of whether you’re on the hunt for your first abode or an investor looking to grow your portfolio?
To get the low down on just what invaluable perks a buyer’s agent can offer, we chatted with two names in the know, Sharon & Douglas Vincent of Hunters Buyers Agents. With thousands of property negotiations and 30+ years expertise under their belts, they’re as equally placed to walk us through the extensive list of advantages as they are to handle all your property browsing, buying and bidding needs.
And as it turns out, there’s a whole lot more to the picture than those glimpses that bulk Home Hunters binge sessions would have us believe (y’know, the one where Cathy and Bob are looking for their dream 11 bed beach house for precisely 30k #tellhimhesdreamin’).
Here are 5 reasons buyer’s agents can be a game changer in all your property pursuits:
They’re in your corner
Just as the real estate agent represents the seller, a buyer’s agent works in reverse – representing you as the buyer and your best interests when you’re on the hunt for your sweet new digs.
Guidance in ensuring your investment is safe as… houses
It’s not (just) about landing that dream kitchen, a buyer’s agent can help you consider all important factors like strategies, local areas, positioning, zoning, capital growth, sub division, depreciation… and yep, anyone else suddenly feeling very out of their depth?
Ultimately, they’ll help you understand the pros and cons of a purchase, and avoid costly implications by ensuring it aligns with your goals from the outset.
Tap into invaluable knowledge and experience
Unless you’re one of those high rollers we see snapping up apartments left, right and centre on The Block come auction day, most people haven’t had a lot of experience in the world of property wheeling and dealing. Buyers agents understand the ins and outs of the biz and, armed with years of experience in negotiation up their sleeves, they can land you the best possible outcome.
Most of us are no strangers to calling in the pros when we’re out of our league – lawyer, financial advisor –we wouldn’t be investing a substantial amount in the stock market without getting advice from a stockbroker. So when you think about it, the same applies to real estate. It’s low-key unhinged, winging it with what’s potentially the most cash we’ll ever splash.
Exclusive listings
A buyer’s agent has the inside intel that scores you access to exclusive off-market properties, giving buyers a head start in finding the perfect property. These hidden gems fly under the radar of the usual avenues available to us mere mortals, often offering unique features, better pricing, or less competition #score
They know ins and outs of the process
Finding ‘The One’ is only just the beginning, then suddenly it’s paperwork out the wazoo with property inspections and due diligence and legal matters to be navigated… phew, our heads are already spinning at the thought. Like your personal tour guide to step you through the complexities (read: stress) of the real estate process, a buyer’s agent helps ensure smooth transaction all round, often saving thousands of dollars. Sounds like a pretty sweet deal to us.
To find out more, head here.
Words by Kellie Leader.
STORY SPONSORED BY HUNTERS BUYERS AGENTS
Rachel Kelly is the Licensee and owner of the boutique Real Estate Agency, My Mermaid Home. An industry professional with extensive property management and sales experience she has been helping clients with their real estate needs for over 10 years on the Gold Coast. We chatted with Rachel about the unique way she broke into the real estate business and what she loves about the Gold Coast.
How long have you been a Gold Coast local?
13 years on/off. I first came in 2009 after falling in love with the city after schoolies. Life had some other plans and I went to then do a brief stint in the mines, a Euro gap year to find myself and then migrated back down to the Coast from Central Qld in 2012 and have been here since.
What do you love the most about the Gold Coast?
As a child from a small town that didn’t have much going on I love the fact there is always something to go on the Gold Coast. Whether it’s the various free festivals across the city over the year or going to sit on Burleigh Hill with a beer and watch the ocean, or dinner at an amazing restaurant.
Tell us a little bit about yourself.
I had an interesting start to my real estate career, where back in my hometown of Hervey Bay after travelling Europe I came back to no job. My Dad told me to go down to the local pub and talk to Bull the local real estate Guru & agency owner. Into the Torquay hotel I went and pulled up a stool next to Bull and said “Bull, I want a job”, and he just turned around and looked at me and goes “You start tomorrow my girl”. Now nearly 11 years later I am running my own agency.
With that being said and what I learnt from Bull I take on every interaction with people showing no judgement and I will always give someone a go. I try to take on every day with a friendly and laid-back attitude which resonates with many Gold Coasters. I am straight forward when it comes to both my personal life and my professional life. To put it simply I am not afraid to have those tough conversations and ask for what I want (clearly I started my career walking into a pub and asking for the job I wanted), which is a trait I believe you need your real estate agent to have. You might see me cruise around in a linen set and some sandals and not suited up like many other agents, and it’s for that reason my clients love me, my expertise is second to none and I try and make clients feel comfortable in every environment.
For those who don’t know tell us about My Mermaid Home?
My Mermaid Home is a boutique Real Estate Agency based in Mermaid Waters on the Gold Coast. Offering both sales and property management.
How did My Mermaid Home come about?
My Mermaid Home actually was & still is a renovation blog turn Real Estate Agency. I purchased my first property and managed to turn it into my home, which is My Mermaid Home, and I took people on that journey with me via my renovation Instagram, sharing DIY tips and tricks, reno advice and styling tips & tricks. People may have seen my hacks and DIYs shared by Kmart, Big W, Bunnings and more.
2022 came and I thought it was time to expand and use my expertise & experience in Real Estate and my love all things property & home related to create My Mermaid Home Real Estate, to help people find a house they could call a home like I did.
What is My Mermaid Home known for and what do you specialise in?
We are a boutique Real Estate Agency offering all aspects of real estate but specialising in Property management. I wanted to start the business and come into the industry and break the stigma around property management. The stigma that you can only get bad service & that’s property managers don’t really care. I want to prove the value in having an expert agency looking after your biggest investment.
What do you love most about running My Mermaid Home?
I love the people I get to meet, and the clients that turn to friends. The relationships I’ve been able to build with clients, tenants, and trades has been phenomenal, there are so many legendary people out there willing to help and support you as long as it’s reciprocated and it’s so great to be apart of.
What should customers expect as the standard My Mermaid Home experience?
Other than exceptional service and the knowledge base of everything Real Estate that I have, they can always expect me to have their best interest and what’s best for their property front of mind. All my clients know I am only a phone call or text away even if it’s just for a friendly convo or a catch-up beer.
My Mermaid Home is soon to celebrate its 1st year. Tell us what you’ve achieved so far and of your future plans.
In Feb 2023 we will be 1. With the growth we have experienced over the first 12 months you will see some more staff come on board that have a passion for property as much as I do. Along with a bigger space that we will hopefully be able to host client events along with workshops and DIYs all property related. Watch this space.
What are your Gold Coast favourites…
Café/Coffee spot: Espresso Moto, Mermaid Waters.
Restaurant: Mexicali
Bar or place for a drink: Nobby Surf Club
Beach: Nobbys
How do you choose to spend your days off?
I’m not sure there are such a thing as days off as a business owner haha, but you’ll no doubt find me doing something very active if I do get some spare time. Whether it be a sunrise run, F45 class with the Broadbeach legends, playing one of the many sports I do, or watching the GC Titans play at Cbus. And if you can’t find me at any of those places, you’ll find me down the beach with Bruce having a well-deserved beer.
Ok so we’re curious, how much do you know about buyer’s agents? Many of us think of The Block, and assume they spend their days bidding at uber luxe auctions. Yeah, nah – that’s only a small part of the story.
Did you know that irrespective of budget, a good buyer’s agent can add significant value for any buyer, at any stage of the buying process and in any market? And, they certainly do a lot more than don poker faces and speed-dial clients at auction bidding wars. They’re end-to-end property sourcing and securing experts, scoping, evaluating, negotiating and/or bidding like a boss!
So, whether you’re a time-poor buyer, someone seeking their first abode, or an investor keen to add a Gold Coast property to your portfolio, here are seven reasons why buyer’s agents are worth their weight in gold.
You’re the client!
Unlike a real estate agent who is working on behalf of the seller, a buyer’s agent is working for you! So, you can have full confidence that they have your best interests at heart, with no hidden agendas. From go to whoa, you – the client – are their numero uno.
Experience matters
We look to Insta for style expertise right, so why wouldn’t we do the same with a big-ticket item (okay, the biggest ticket item) like a property? Buyer’s agents do this Every.Single.Day. They’re experts at negotiating, often suggest different strategies, and understand all the nuances and tricks of the trade.
They know the area inside out and back to front
Think you know the GC? Sure, most of us do…but not like these guys. Their local knowledge – applied specifically in a real estate context – is second to none. And if you’re an interstate buyer/investor unfamiliar with the area, a buyer’s agent is a bona fide godsend.
Save time and stress
Those of us who have embarked on the laborious house hunting journey are acutely aware of how all-consuming it can be. Buyer’s agents do all the background research and real estate agent liaison, traipsing around open homes, negotiating, and bidding at auction. Translation, they make it easy as 1,2,3…SOLD!
Get access to off-market opportunities
The intel you’re tapping into when you engage a buyer’s agent is priceless. Purchasing property on the Gold Coast is quite tactical and using a buyer’s agent can provide the edge. Their extensive networks mean they hear about off-market opportunities before us mere mortals.
They’re not emotionally attached
This is especially important when push comes to shove at negotiation stage and at auction. Unlike a buyer who may have fallen head over heels with the chi of a house, a buyer’s agent couldn’t give a toss – in the best possible way! They won’t let anything cloud their judgement or reflect in their bidding, so there’s no risk of an emotional purchase.
Maximise value and ultimately save dollars
For all of the reasons listed above, a good buyer’s agent will get you the best deal possible. Yes, there is of course a fee to enlist their services, but the savings you make along the way will far outweigh that initial outlay.
Cool, so now you know why Buyer’s Agents are actual kryptonite for finding and purchasing property. But with a growing number of them on the Coast, who should you trust?
One name, three words; Hunters Buyers Agents. Sharon and Douglas from Hunters have been in the game for more than 30 years and crikey, that’s like our whole lives (give or take…mostly give…*sigh). These gurus boast permanent purple patch status, with a 100% success rate hooking up clients with properties #CueApplause. Their mantra is “there’s no prize for second place in a real estate transaction” and with them in your corner, you’ll come out trumps every time.
To find out more, head here.
Words by Bianca Trathen.
STORY SPONSORED BY HUNTERS BUYERS AGENTS
LBR, there are countless real estate agents out there and it can be a stressful and downright painful process trying to find the right one. Well Gold Coasters, No.More! We’ve stumbled across somewhat of a unicorn in the space, with confidence for days and we’re talking the right sort of confidence here (not the cringey and often misplaced kind). The sort acquired from knowing the market inside-out and outside-in, and delivering results like a boss time after time (insert flex emoji…and a Cyndi Lauper meme).
We’re talking about Schmith Estate Agents in Coolangatta, a family owned and operated boutique business kicking Messi-esk goals as buyers’, sellers’, and rental agents across both residential and commercial sectors. With business savvy, results-oriented, and genuinely nice guy Justin Schmith at the helm backed by a team of equally talented, honest, and likeable real estate experts, you’re in the best possible hands. Don’t just take our word for it though, here are six key reasons why the hashtag #SchmithSlay will soon be trending. You heard it here first….
Local knowledge – from an actual born and bred local!
There are agents who move to or work in an area for a chunk of time and spruik local knowledge as their key selling point. In Selling Principal and Director Justin’s case, he’s a born and bred southern GC lad and fun fact; his family were the 72nd phone connection in the area circa 1940! So yeah, he knows a thing or two about his ‘hood – and has the sales track record to prove it! Proud-as-punch of his roots, Justin and Schmith are key supporters of the local community, as demonstrated by their sponsorship activities.
It’s what you know….and who!
With a reputation second-to-none, the agency has built up an extensive network of both buyers and sellers since its inception. Consequently, they’re masters at matching buyers with properties and properties with buyers, and have the inside word on properties before they even hit the market.
Top-notch customer service
Recruited not just for their industry prowess but because of their genuine people skills, dedication, and authenticity, the Schmith team go above and beyond. Whether it be educating their clients, securing the perfect property, or fetching top dollar, they’ll do it with integrity, honesty, and class #AlwaysInYourCorner.
The bonus of other skill sets
Schmith stand out as one of the country’s most progressive, tech-savvy agencies because they bring more than just their industry A-game. They also transfer their formal qualifications and collective media, marketing and business expertise across to the digital and social media landscape. This is an extremely powerful tool in real estate, helping them stay at the top of their game.
Results!
One of the agency’s mottos, “Expect Excellence”, certainly isn’t just a pie in the sky. It’s based on actual results and one look at their Google reviews and website testimonials demonstrates that the proof is in the pudding. Anyone else craving sweets?
And we could go on (and on) but think you have the gist. So next time you’re in the market to buy, sell, rent, or lease, Schmith don’t just talk the talk or walk the walk, they work tirelessly for their numero uno – you.
Where: 10/120 Marine Parade, Coolangatta
When: 24/7!
Words by Bianca Trathen.
Story sponsored by Schmith Estate Agents
