Posts by Cate Bakos

We have always been supporters of the need for a great, independent, and local property manager. I’ve written extensively about this, including identifying the measure of a great property manager. More than ever before, Victorian property managers professionally cover so much. The magnitude of our legislative changes have been unmatched by any other state, and…

Auction pass-ins are sometimes predicted, but when they strike it still creates a challenge for most buyers. Social proof is the culprit, but understanding the reason why the property passed in can often help. I’ve previously written about social proof and the negative impact it can have on pass-in negotiation outcomes. This blog aims to…

Now that we’ve seen the RBA pivot to rate cuts after a period of tightening, the question on every buyer, seller, and investor’s mind is: What does this mean for the property market? The answer depends on a lot of variables, but segmenting areas by price point is an interesting consideration. Rate cuts tend to…

The West Gate Tunnel Project officially commenced major construction in early January 2018, following the signing of contracts in December 2017. This marked the beginning of a significant infrastructure effort aimed at providing an alternative to the West Gate Bridge and alleviating congestion in Melbourne’s west. Over this time, road closures, gridlocked traffic, night works…

Understanding Victoria’s Housing Choice and Transport Zone & Built Form Overlays in Activity Centres When buying property in Melbourne—especially in inner or middle-ring suburbs—planning zones and overlays can make or break a purchase. Whether we are assisting a seasoned investor or a first homebuyer, understanding the implications of Activity Centres, and specifically the Housing Choice…

Last night’s landslide Labour win doesn’t really alter property buyer sentiment. Despite the fact that Labour was tipped to win, buyers did what they always do. They sat back, ready to make their move only once the election was behind us. The shock of the Victorian land tax changes have washed away and investors have…

I’m often asked by investors whether apartments perform well. History has certainly shown that some don’t. Melbourne has been quite saturated with new apartments, particularly in locations such as South Yarra, Docklands, Footscray and Brunswick, (to name a few). During the ten year period from 2012 to 2022, apartment growth was subdued in Melbourne, but…

When it comes to buying or selling property in Melbourne, timing isn’t just a throwaway line — it’s an essential part of the strategy. Listing activity ebbs and flows with the seasons, and understanding this rhythm can make a world of difference, whether you’re a first-time buyer, a seasoned investor, an upgrader, down-sizer, or a…

We often see underquoting stories emerging in the media. This has been happening for over thirty years. Underquoting is a pricing methodology that is sometimes adopted by agents and/or agencies. The premise of underquoting is quoting a price range that is below the vendor’s expected price. The intent of underquoting is to attract buyers with…

I wish I’d written this article fifteen years ago when I started working as a buyers agent. There are so many misconceptions about renovations and upgrades, and what legal documentation is required. Of all of the misconceptions though, the most common one relates to permits and the contract of sale. I often see updates in…