Property negotiation in Sydney's Inner West and surrounds
For buyers who’ve found a property and want help working out how to make an offer, what it’s likely to sell for, and how to uncover hidden problems.
Found a property but not sure what to do next?
Good negotiation starts before the first offer. You can't determine a fair price without first assessing the property, or what could be wrong with it. That's why my negotiation includes an evaluation of the property.
Selling agents negotiate with information. They know the circumstances of the sale, the buyer pool, and to an extent, pros and cons of the property. If you go in without your own evidence, you lose leverage. That's where this service kicks in and adds value for my clients.
Property assessment and negotiation: what's included
I inspect the property you've found with a buyer's agent's eye, looking past the styling at layout, condition, light and what it will really be like to live in.
I look for the issues that could change your decision, from condition and structural concerns to planning and location risks, so nothing catches you out after you commit.
Most properties raise questions the contract and reports don't answer. I find out who to ask and chase it up for you, often before other buyers have even started.
For units and townhouses, I go through the strata report and explain what actually matters, from special levies to building defects, then follow up anything unclear with the strata manager.
I liaise with your conveyancer on contract questions, keep your broker in the loop and book building and pest inspections, so everything is ready when it's time to act.
I research recent comparable sales to work out what the property is really worth, so your offer is based on evidence rather than the agent's price guide.
I take over the conversations with the selling agent, ask the questions that matter and keep your budget and position close to my chest.
Whether it's a private treaty offer or auction day, I run the negotiation with a clear strategy so you secure the property at the right price and on the right terms.
After exchange I stay on hand through to settlement, including the final inspection, so the last steps run smoothly and nothing is left to chance.
Overpaying
Buying the wrong property
Relying on assumptions
Poor negotiation
Rushed decisions
Committing without enough information
Need help assessing a property properly?
Book a 15 minute call and we’ll talk through the property, your concerns, and the best way to approach it.
How it works
01
Review the property
We go through the property, price expectations, and any information you already have.
02
Assess price and red flags
I assess the property and identify any issues, red flags, or areas worth questioning.
03
Due diligence
Key checks and documents are organised and reviewed.
04
Strategy
We agree on an approach to negotiation or auction.
05
Negotiate or bid
I manage the negotiation or represent you at auction.
06
Secure the property
Once secured, I stay involved through to exchange if needed.
Working across Sydney’s Inner West
I work across suburbs like Leichhardt, Annandale, Dulwich Hill, Marrickville, and Ashfield, where pricing and competition can shift quickly.
Having someone who understands how these areas move helps when it comes to assessing price and negotiating properly.
Who this service is best suited to
This service is suited to buyers who have already found a property but want help making sure it stacks up and handling the negotiation properly. It’s often used by buyers who are unsure about price, feeling pressure from agents, or wanting to avoid making a rushed decision.
FAQs
01
Can I hire a buyer's agent just to negotiate?
Yes, this is what this service is designed for. My negotiation service includes an evaluation because I can't negotiate as effectively without first assessing the property. Buyers who have the time and desire to do the legwork of searching usually bring me the property they're keen on after the first inspection, and I take it from there.
02
What does evaluation include?
Property inspection, assessment of comparable sales, checking overlays, zoning, council and contract items, strata review, development applications, and conversations with the agent about the vendor, competition and price, to name a few.
03
What if I engage you and we don't get very far before we drop off, or the property sells?
I include two properties in the Evaluate & Negotiate service. So if a couple of conversations with the agent or an early due diligence check throws up a red flag and we rule the property out quickly, you still have another chance.
04
When should I bring you in to negotiate?
Once you're serious about the property. You don't have to be 100% sure, which is why two properties are included, but you're interested enough to get the ball rolling with price conversations and due diligence.
05
Does negotiation include auction bidding?
Yes, negotiation includes auction bidding. I'll advise whether it's best to go to auction or negotiate before auction. Deciding on that strategy is part of the negotiation process.
06
What are the fees for this service?
My fees depend on your budget range and are made up of a retainer and a success fee on purchase. The retainer starts from $1,500 + GST to engage the service, a $1,500 + GST fee to proceed to negotaition, and the success fee starts from $3,000 + GST. Both increase depending on your budget, and the fees cover both properties.
07
How do you work out what a property is worth?
I compare recent sales in the same street and micro-market, adjusting for land size, condition, layout and aspect, among other variables. Comparable sales is only the starting point. I will assess the campaign including the buyer pool, the vendor, the agent. I will also bring in context of local market conditions.
08
Is a property negotiation service worth it if I've already found the property?
You will be negotiating with a professional sales agent. Would you want to risk stuffing up something so important because you're not experienced enough? If you're not experienced in negotiating real estate, outsource it to someone who is.
09
Can you help if the property passed in at auction?
Yes, this is included in the evaluate and negotiate service. If a property passes in, the highest bidder gets first right to negotiate with the vendor. I'll handle the negotiation and advise on what to offer.
What our clients say
Great communicator and great advocate for buyers in the inner west area. Completely transformed our experience as first home buyers vastly for the better.
Why buyers choose to work with me
I don’t sell property or work with vendors, so the advice you get is impartial and based on what makes sense for you.
You deal directly with me the entire way through, with no handovers or layers in between.
I only take on a limited number of clients at a time, so I can stay involved and move quickly when it matters.
My advice is grounded in what’s actually happening across suburbs like Leichhardt, Annandale, Dulwich Hill, Marrickville, and Ashfield.
The focus is on understanding price, vetting property properly, and making sure the decision holds up over time.