Posts by Cate Bakos

People often ask me how I found out information about a sale. When it comes to negotiation or auction bidding, our job is to establish the facts, read the play, and execute the best strategy with the right tactics. It shouldn’t come as a surprise when we know roughly (or exactly) where a reserve price…

A very common myth we continually bust is the idea that large landsize trumps smaller (and even subdivided) blocks. Of course, when land values per square meter are equal and the land is not affected by easements, restrictions or covenants, the larger parcel will always be preferred.  But how do we decide which property will…

Two years ago this month, I collaborated with my (then 21 year old) stepson to help him onto the property ladder. He was still living at home with his Mum, work was an easy commute and he had no reason to consider buying his own home. Having grown up around property investment though, he knew…

It’s human nature to justify the way we want an outcome to roll out. When buyers prepare for their property search, many look at other past sales in the area in an effort to establish an appropriate ‘spend range’ or budget limit.    Most don’t look at the strong sales results though. And many look at the…

When it comes to property selection, it’s often the things we reject that help formulate a good investment decision.  Aside from being mindful of tenant appeal and owner-occupier appeal of a property, we must always be mindful of lender appeal. In this competitive environment, particularly now for First Home Buyers who find themselves competing hard against…

I am often asked the question in every pre-auction client meeting. Typically we meet for a cup of tea about an hour before the auction bell rings. The cafe is usually nearby (but not too close… fear of chatting about strategy within earshot of a competing buyer always spells caution for cafe selection). We order…