In buying a property, location is the first and foremost consideration. But no matter how many times it’s mentioned, it’s still a bit confusing as to why it is a major part of consideration. However, describing a good location could bring up different meanings to different people. In this blog, we will highlight why location matters especially if you are considering your property’s surrounding suburbs.

Related: As a first-time owner, should I buy now or wait?

Development Potential

It’s important to consider the future development potential of a suburb because it gives you a glimpse of the kind of life you will possibly have should you decide to progress with the purchase. It helps to research about the following:

• what the council has proposed from a community perspective
• private developments that will most likely prosper

One good indicator that the location is a hot market is the number of people who are interested in buying properties. If others are investing into the suburb through purchasing knockdowns and developing the land into townhouses or brand new homes, it simply means that the suburb is growing. If you’re able to identify these signs early and purchase, you will be in a position to reap the benefits when you look to re-sell.

Accessibility (Public Transport) 

In this context, accessibility could mean that your suburb, as well as its surrounding suburbs, are transportation-friendly. It is especially helpful if the area has methods (train, tram and bus) of entry. This is a clear indication for urban planners and potential businesses that the community is a ripe area to invest on. An accessible community is an area of endless possibilities. This could be a probable reason for your property’s increase of land value in the near future.

Amenities 

This is the most important and now-centric reason on why you should consider the surrounding area of your property. The two things mentioned above are centered on your future plans. But actually what you should focus on is how the neighbourhood could add value to your current way of life. Do you have access to amenities that you need? Ask yourself these questions:

• How far is the hospital?
• Are there schools for your kids?
• Where can you go for shopping or dining on a Saturday evening?

The answers to these questions would help you visualize the kind of life that you will start in the property you’re eyeing.

Having a look at the location of the property could help you visualize your present and future life. Envisioning how things would look like could help you decide if the property is a good fit for your current and future plans.

To help you look for properties that fit your requirements, reach out to one of the highest-rated Victoria real estate agents: Collings Real Estate. Schedule an appointment with us through our contact form or give us a call: +61 3 9486 2000.

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Shop around

Do as many inspections for as many different properties as you can. Doing this will give you a rough estimate and a guide to what a property’s probably worth.

Arrange an inspection with the agent

Once you get to the property, pay attention to the things such as:

• the home orientation
• carports positioning
• position on the block

These would impact its position in the marketplace.

Ask the agent some questions

Some of the questions you could ask are:

• How soon does the vendor want to sell
• Why are they selling the property
• What is going to take to buy this property today

Put a value on the property

After attending enough inspections and asking the right questions, you should be able to identify the property’s worth. If the agent’s price range and your evaluation don’t add up, make them aware of your findings.

Make an offer

Based on the information you gathered, make an offer in accordance with what you think the property’s worth. To gauge how aggressive your offer should be, ask the agent some questions such as:

• Has there been another offer made?
• Are there offers in writing with deposit?
• Has the vendor accepted other offers?

Related: 4 Key Tips for Making an Offer on a Property

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Are you eyeing a property in Melbourne and planning to attend an open house inspection soon? We have a few tips for you. Bear this list of do’s and don’ts in mind to ensure that you maximise your trip.

Do’s 

Ask questions

Agents are there to sell the property and are probably the most knowledgeable people about the property there on the day. Ask questions such as:

• Has the property been renovated
• Why are the owners selling 
• Have you received any offers on the property
• How long has the property been on the market 

Check if anything is broken

Check for squeaky cupboards. Check the pressure of some of the taps. You are allowed to check to see if something is wrong with the property you intend to purchase.

Related: 4 Things to Look for When Determining the Condition of a Home

Take photos or videos, with permission 

Although there are media provided on most online listings, buyers may take specific photos of what they want to maybe show relatives or builders, given they have the permission of the selling agent.

Make yourself at home, within reason 

When at an open house feel free to sit on the couch or at the kitchen counter to get a feel for how it may be if you were to move in. As long as you avoid destroying any of the property stylings such as jumping on the beds you should relax and take in what the home has to offer.

Wear what you’re comfortable in 

Don’t dwell too much on what you should wear to an open house. Wear comfortable clothing to simulate the conditions you would be in if you lived at the property.

Don’ts 

Don’t loudly criticise the property 

It’s normal to find slight shortcomings at a property, however, you should avoid loudly expressing your findings. Instead, if something is found that is not up to your standard you should contact the agent in private after the open house and discuss your findings.

Don’t bring drinks 

If a drink such as a coffee were to be spilled at the open house it would look bad to other potential buyers and would be a large inconvenience for the agent to get it cleaned up.

Don’t enter the house with dirty footwear or barefoot 

Due to most open houses being on weekends parents may bring their kids from other sporting commitments, ensure that they are not entering the house with muddy shoes. Although a beachside property may be open for inspection it is not appropriate to enter barefoot just because it’s close to a beach.

Don’t snoop 

There is a difference between taking a quick look at the interior dimensions of a cupboard and going through people’s belongings. You’re there to gauge the house not the personalities of the people currently living in it.

Don’t be rude 

The agents are doing their job while trying to keep track of everything that’s going on. Have some understanding when communicating with agents.

Final inspection

As a homebuyer, it is a smart move to attend as many open houses as you can. But once you have set your eyes on the property that suits your taste, bear in mind the things that you need to check on the final inspection.

• lights
• appliances and electronics such as water heaters, air conditioners, smoke alarms, etc.
• plumbing, pool, and spa filters
• door handles and locks
• windows, glasses, curtains, and blinds

In Victoria, buyers are entitled to inspect the property at any reasonable time during the week before the settlement. Or if the home is occupied, ask the outgoing owners some questions and exchange contact information.

Covid-19 Open House Restrictions

• Fully vaccinated residents can attend home inspections and auctions.
• If people’s vaccination status isn’t being checked or is unknown, inspections must take place by private appointment, limited to a single household only at a time.
• The Victorian government’s phase D settings state that only fully vaccinated adults can attend in-person auctions, with unvaccinated adults-only permitted to attend remotely.

To know about the restrictions for other states, you can refer to this link.

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Watch body language

Non verbal cues offer valuable glimpses into a rivals buying power. One of the biggest mistakes is not watching the competition whilst bidding for a property. Check for competition speaking to their family as it indicates that they’ve reached their limit. If such a buyer comes back with a desperation bid, immediately place a higher bid which will equate to a knockout blow to the other competitor.

Control the tempo 

The faster the bidding the more likely buyers are to go along with it and place higher bids. Bidding in odd increments forces the auctioneer to more challenging arithmetic therefor slowing down the bidding tempo. Starting a bid at an uneven amount is more likely to get the bidding going at lower price increments.

Bid confidently at the end

Bidding confidently at the start may send a message to competitors that your are willing to pay any price for the property. By waiting till the end of an auction you will be able to gauge who the real competitors are, and will be in a place of power over them due to the surprise of a new competitor.

Related read: Expert Tips for Winning At An Auction

For more quality real estate tips, head on to our Youtube channel.

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The kitchen is one of the few places in your home where all the family members gather. Long gone are the days when the kitchen is excluded and concealed in a home. At present, the kitchen doesn’t only serve as a place for dining. It’s also a place where a lot of conversations happen, decisions are made and happy memories take place. These are also the reasons why in selling a property, a good and pleasing kitchen will seal the deal.

Related: Will Doing a Bathroom Renovation Increase Your Property Value?

Does kitchen renovation increase home value? The short answer is yes. However, a kitchen upgrade shouldn’t create a hole in your pocket. If done properly, a cost-effective kitchen upgrade will do the same trick of inviting prospective buyers.

But before actually jumping into the actual kitchen renovation, tread lightly and remember that:

The kitchen renovation should match the exterior of your home

The thought of a makeover is definitely exciting but it’s noteworthy to never compromise the architecture of your home. Remember that when buyers come to check your property, they were first interested in the exterior of it. There is no way a contemporary kitchen would match with a traditional exterior. A contemporary kitchen should match a contemporary exterior. 

No mammoth makeovers

Setting a budget for the makeover could help in selecting the essential pieces to use. The main reason for the remodeling project is for resale so it’s important to stay on budget. Remember: no mammoth makeovers that would cost you more than how much you should be getting in return.

Ask for expert advice

Talk to real estate professionals. They are the ones who usually have an insight on a buyer’s perspective. Ask around for what pieces are must-haves in your local suburb. Certain pieces of furniture may appeal to you but they may not be the best ones that a resident of that suburb should have. It wouldn’t hurt to ask for expert advice.

Universal rules in kitchen renovation

Keep it simple and neutral

Remember that you are helping the buyer envision the type of life that they want to have in the property you’re selling. Putting in too much design would disrupt their imagination. A clean and neutral space would easily drift them into conceptualisation of what to do with the space, making them easier to convince for sale.

Add some low-key wow features

While convenience is key, it’s still good to make your kitchen pop by adding a thing or two that would make it stand out from the rest of the buyer’s. Adding a good lighting, under-cabinet fixtures or extra drawers or updating the kitchen backsplash could do the trick.

Now that you have the basic knowledge of kitchen renovation, you’re now ready to go. Capitalise on a cost-effective renovation and get a return on your investment. Upgrade that kitchen and increase your chances of selling your property!

Do you want to know how much your property is worth? Schedule an appointment with us through our contact form or give us a call: +61 3 9486 2000

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At Collings Real Estate, we understand that thoughtful, cost-effective renovations—especially in high-impact areas like the kitchen—can significantly boost the value of your home. As a real estate agency with the most 5-star reviews in Northcote, our team regularly advises clients on strategic upgrades that not only enhance day-to-day living but also appeal to buyers. Whether you’re preparing to sell or simply improving your space, our insights are backed by experience and a deep understanding of what drives results in the local market.

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Do you need a suburb specific agent?

In the past, Real Estate was transacted at a suburb level with property prices kept discrete and only disclosed in the local paper once a week. It was almost impossible to get historical data on previously sold properties from over a year ago. However, in today’s day and age with information being a click away it has replaced the need for a local suburb specialist. The internet records all historical data of listings and Real Estate agents from all areas have access to this information. Certain suburbs respond better to certain types of campaigns. While auctions might work well in one suburb, they may struggle in other areas where private sale methods prevail. This is all information available to the agent who, although doesn’t typically sell property in that area can become a specialist overnight. 

Take them for a test drive 

Your agent is presenting your home to the public. It’s important to see how they present someone else’s property before engaging them for their services. Go to one of their open for inspections and watch how they interact and engage with buyers. Purchasing real estate is an emotional decision, the agent who can best connect with buyers on an emotional level will be able to extract the most from them in the end. Trust is essential especially when we are talking about an investment. The real estate agent should be able to guide you through the whole process without making you feel confused even in the slightest form.

Ask questions

You’ve only got one opportunity to sell your home and it’s important to ask the agents plenty of questions. Discuss previous sales campaign processes, why they’re suggesting one sale method over another, why another property received a certain result. Knowing these things would not only help you partner with a good real estate agent, it would also help you further understand the local market and the neighborhood. The more informed you are, the clearer decision you can make.

Setting clear expectations

It’s important to set out clear and defined expectations from all parties involved about what the goal of the campaign is and the level of service and communication expected throughout the process.

Comfortability

The final and most important point, comfortability with the agent. It’s important to feel comfortable with the agent to who you are entrusting the sale of your property. 

They need to feel like a friend to who you can tell everything because neither party should be hiding anything from each other.

It should be a clear and open communication process where trust is placed in both parties.

In Northcote, Thornbury, Alphington, and Fairfield, the Collings Team is known for their expertise and friendliness to their clients. Reviewed with 5 stars by over 200 clients, we take pride in providing quality services and fostering genuine relationships with anyone who needs our help.

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Since real estate is a big investment, a lot of people are smart to consider the expert opinion of real estate professionals. In this blog, we would talk about the frequently asked questions about buyer’s agents.

What is the difference between a real estate agent and a buyer’s agent?

To simply distinguish the difference between a real estate agent and a buyer’s agent, we need to talk about the work that they do. Real estate agents work on behalf of the vendor. They have the technical know-how of selling a property. On the other hand, as the name suggests, buyer’s agents work for the buyer. They can either offer either full or partial services to help find the buyer their ideal property. They are the ones who evaluate and negotiate with the seller (or the real estate agent) and come to terms with the best possible price for the property.

How much does a buyer’s agent cost?

Just like any other real estate agent, the cost of a buyer’s agent varies according to the sub-services they are able to perform. It’s noteworthy that some buyer’s agents charge for an engagement fee before they begin with a property search. The case is different with bidding in an auction. Since less resources are used in this sub-service, a lower fee is charged to the buyer. Buyers agents charge clients via a fixed fee or a percentage basis.

Do I need a buyer’s agent?

Buyer’s agents are licensed professionals that are experts in searching, evaluating and negotiating a property on the buyer’s behalf. A buyer’s agent can help you:

• Search for properties or a specific property or an entire portfolio. This would really depend on your needs.
• Bid for a property. There are certain cases when a buyer already has a property in mind but do not have the technical expertise in bidding in auctions. In these cases, the help of a buyer’s agent could be sought for.

The structure of real estate sales differs from one country to another. In Australia, buyer agents are especially useful to someone with a busy schedule and would rather have an expert to negotiate on their behalf. 

However if you are looking to purchase a property throughout the Inner-North, East or South-East suburbs Collings Real Estate would be happy to assist you in finding properties with absolutely no charge.

Other real estate tips:

Don’t buy into the hype of a property 

It is crucial to do your own research and inspections before committing to buying a property. This ensure no unseen nasties after the purchase. To find out about the suburb look at median property prices, expected interest rates and the ratio of buyers to sellers in the area.

Visit the location that you’re buying in 

Be very clear about what matters to you in an area:

• Major roads 
• Public transport
• Shopping centres 
• Schools 
• Cultural diversity 

Check for planned infrastructure and immerse yourself in the community ie, go to a cafe or a local restaurant. You can also try to commute to get a glimpse of how the public transport works in the area. Commuting is a big part of our days so it would be good to know if public transport won’t be a problem for you.

Related: Location, Location, Location – Why it Matters

Consider surrounding suburbs

If your initial choice of the suburb is out of your budget surrounding suburbs may offer a better price for you. Ask some locals about their opinions on surrounding suburbs. If a suburbs value rises, the surrounding suburbs value usually does too.

Look for the upside

Keep an eye on interest rates and market trends. Take your time and buy at the best price that the property pricing cycle will allow for.

Talk to some local agents for the best expert information on what’s happening in the market 

If you really like an area you may consider different types of property such as apartments which are a much cheaper option that buying a block of land in a suburb. Work closely with your agent to develop an action plan and strategy that suits you.

Stay up to date and beat the competition 

Try to seek off-market opportunities. To stay ahead of the competition look into deceased estates and mortgage sales.

Words 

Inspect diligently. Look between the lines for issues that may not be immediately obvious. Make a list of possible things to check for. Pay attention to details such as cracks holes or a sufficient amount of power. Don’t let the love of a property blind you to its shortcomings.

To be updated on quality real estate tips, head on to our Youtube channel.

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Caleb Pikoulas, property executive is back with another set of tips. This time, he touches on the topic about property purchase.

Is the vendor accepting offers?

Check to see if the vendor is even in a position to accept offers. Some agents won’t take any offers until a contract is available. Some properties are only permitted to be sold at auction. Find this information out early so that you know where you stand.

Get your finances in order 

Be certain that you have pre-approval in place. Have a satisfactory deposit on hand. If financing is neglected you may end up losing a deposit or being sued for losses.

Sort out the contract

Hire a legal representative to read the contract and ensure that you understand what you are signing. Legal representatives will look into things such as zoning, strata fees, owners corporation issues, covenants, caveats, and other tricky issues.

Find the settlement timeframe 

Get confirmation on your proposed deposit terms and settlement timeframe with the agent before making an offer. Some vendors have specific terms, seek approval to varied terms by just asking prior to making an offer. 

Check the condition of the dwelling pre-sale

Arranging a building and pest inspection can provide you as the buyer with peace of mind. Arrange such inspections prior to making an offer.

Related: 4 Things to Look for When Checking the Condition of a Home

Is your offer realistic?

Make an offer that is realistic enough to be taken seriously. Keeping an eye on similar properties in the area will give you a good understanding of the price range for what to offer. Don’t low-ball agents as they will most likely consider you as a time waster and may refrain from helping you.

In this blog, we gave out a few tips on how to make an offer on a property.

For more real estate tips, head on to our Youtube channel where we create short, easy-to-understand real estate content for everyone.

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When researching agents and agencies to assist in your property journey, many buyers ask, “Who sells the most homes in Northcote?” It’s a valid question—working with a high-performing agency can give you a competitive edge. Collings Real Estate has built a strong reputation in Northcote and surrounding suburbs, consistently delivering outstanding results for both buyers and sellers. Their deep local knowledge and strategic approach make them a trusted partner in the property purchasing process.