4 minute read
THE UNSEEN ADVOCATE: how a buyer's agent can save you time, money and stress
BY SHANE HOWELL
I’ve seen it happen over and over again. You’ve spent months dreaming of owning your home, buying an investment or looking for a project. You’ve spent hours scrolling through listings and gone to countless inspections, only to find that perfect property slipping through your fingers at the last moment. Or worse, you finally purchase a property, only to discover it wasn’t really what you wanted or had hidden issues, or perhaps you’ve paid more than it’s worth in the current market. It’s devastating—and the stress of realising you’ve bought the wrong property is more than just financial. It’s emotional. It’s time lost, frustration building and gives you the sense that you’ve been caught off guard in a high-stakes game.
I’m Shane Howell, and I’ve spent the last 20 years in the real estate industry on the Sunshine Coast. I’ve seen the toll it takes on buyers when they try to navigate this ever-changing market alone. That’s why I’m here, as a buyer’s agent, to ensure this doesn’t happen to you.
On the Sunshine Coast, demand for property is at an all-time high while the number of available properties continues to drop. For buyers, this means fierce competition, fluctuating prices and properties being snapped up almost as soon as they’re listed.
The market is fast-paced, and it’s easy to feel confused and pressured into decisions or miss critical details when trying to go it alone. With a buyer’s agent, you have someone who understands market trends, negotiates confidently, and knows how to find the right property for your needs.
UNDERSTANDING THE DIFFERENCE: BUYER’S AGENTS VS SELLING AGENTS
Having worked as a selling agent for many years, I’ve seen both sides of the transaction. This unique perspective has helped me build solid and trusted relationships with selling agents across the Sunshine Coast. Selling agents have an important job—they work to get the best possible price for the property owner. They focus on showcasing their seller’s property in the best light and negotiating on their behalf.
As a buyer’s agent, I focus entirely on you. I bring my experience from the selling side to help you navigate the process. I understand the property listing strategies and use that insight to your advantage. It’s important to note that both buyer’s and selling agents play crucial roles; together, they create a smooth and positive experience for both parties. The real benefit of having a buyer’s agent is that you have someone fully dedicated to your interests and your success in finding and securing the right property.
HOW I CAN HELP YOU
You’re not just getting someone to search for properties on your behalf when you engage me; you’re gaining a trusted advisor who helps you make informed decisions at every stage. One of the first things I do is sit down with you and understand your property journey—what you’ve been through, what you’re looking for and what’s important to you.
From there, I handle everything—searching for properties, attending inspections, organising building and pest checks and negotiating terms. I tap into an extensive network of agents who have respect for my industry experience. Therefore, I am privy to one of the largest selections of off-market and pre-market property opportunities that are sometimes up to six months or more before coming to market. I’ve built relationships with industry professionals, so I know who to call for reliable advice on renovations, inspections and financing. And when it comes to auctions, I’m there to represent you, using my market knowledge to ensure you don’t overpay or get swept up in the excitement.
A buyer’s agent is there to save you time, money and stress. With someone in your corner who knows the market inside and out, you won’t have to worry about whether you’re making the right decision— you’ll know you are. You deserve to have someone looking out for you in what is likely one of your life’s most significant financial decisions.
Let me help you make it a successful one. Call me on 0400 271 967.
