After two years of searching on and off without success, Jacquie was referred to us by her mortgage broker. She had a budget of $850,000 and was looking for a quality townhouse in Melbourne’s bayside suburbs, specifically Edithvale, Bonbeach, Carrum, and Chelsea. We met over coffee in Brighton to have our initial meeting and better understand her goals and needs.
With 17 years in the industry, I shared an honest view that what Jacquie wanted and what her budget allowed didn’t align. I suggested she consider increasing her budget to around $950,000 to unlock better long-term value and a higher-quality asset. After some thought, she agreed and formally engaged our services as a buyer advocate to help buy her first home.
In the first week, we inspected four properties, including one that appeared to suit on paper. But I knew it would sell beyond the quoted range of $840,000–$890,000. Jacquie liked the home, but we didn’t get emotionally involved. That same property sold at auction for $970,000. Another property we viewed that weekend was quoted at $950,000 – $1,000,000 and sold for $1,140,000, well above its quoted range. Without expert guidance, Jacquie would have wasted time, money, and energy chasing properties that weren’t realistically within reach.
That’s where working with a professional buyer’s agent changes the game and provides you with a significant advantage.
Jacquie then took a short overseas break while we continued our search. During that time, we were offered an off-market townhouse in Chelsea, with a guide price of $950,000–$1,000,000. It looked promising but required careful consideration. Upon Jacquie’s return, we explained that based on our research, it would likely exceed her new budget of $950,000. Based on this advice, Jacquie was still prepared to inspect the home as it was off-market and had less competition. Upon walking through the house, we identified several smaller maintenance items needing attention.
Why was this listed for sale off-market?
The property wasn’t advertised online because the vendor had a young family and didn’t have the time or desire to spend $30,000–$50,000 on repainting and staging. Off-market simply meant less competition, and we moved quickly through contract review, building inspection, and formal negotiations to ensure we positioned our client in a favourable position to secure the keys.
What Made This Home Special?
- Private and secure access from the garage into the home (a non-negotiable for Jacquie).
- Walking distance to the beach, train, cafes, parks and open spaces.
- Only 12 years old and one owner from day one.
- Solid brick construction, a concrete slab, and a functional floor plan.
- North-facing rear courtyard and living area, perfect orientation for natural light in the rear.
- Three bedrooms, two bathrooms, two living areas.
- Scope for cosmetic updates and future value-add opportunities.
- No owners corporation, which is always appealing. More money in our clients’ pockets.
Our Negotiation Tactics
We started our offer verbally at $925,000 and eventually placed a $950,000 offer on a contract of sale. We negotiated and secured the home for $980,000. If this home had gone to market, it would have been quoted as $900,000-$990,000 and sold above what we paid. Jacquie paid more and received significantly better value and upside than ever imagined.
Buying smarter isn’t just about saving money; it’s about buying the right home. Jacquie now owns a townhouse she can grow into, add value to, and comfortably enjoy for the next decade or more.
If you’re searching for a family home or investment property and feel stuck in the noise of inspections and underquoting, our team can help simplify your journey and clarify your decision-making.
Take a moment to read another recent article about another off-market purchase in the Inner North, highlighting why orientation, land size, and walkability made all the difference.
Industry Insider Property is independent and committed to helping buyers and sellers achieve their desired outcomes. Our experienced buyer agents and advisors will guide, execute, and deliver the best possible results to our clients. That’s why we have over 295+ 5-star Reviews on Google!
Contact us at +613 8374 7652 or admin@industryinsider.com.au to discover how we can assist you in your real estate journey.
Industry Insider Property
Level 3, 489 Toorak Road, Toorak 3142
+613 8374 7652
+613 402 346 810
industryinsider.com.au
