OCTOBER SPOTLIGHT

OCTOBER SPOTLIGHT

Navigating the Property Landscape

Property Trends and Tips

Josh Sawyer

SENIOR BUYERS AGENT 

PMC PROPERTY BUYERS

We’re thrilled to introduce Josh Sawyer, a seasoned Senior Buyer’s Agent with extensive experience in Brisbane’s Southeast. Having guided over 300 clients through the complex property purchasing process, Josh is renowned for his commitment to delivering exceptional results. With a focus on building strong relationships and conducting thorough due diligence, he ensures his clients are well-prepared at every step. His personalised approach, deep industry knowledge and ability to uncover hidden opportunities make him a trusted advisor in the competitive Brisbane real estate market. If you’re looking for a seamless and rewarding buying experience, Josh is the expert you can rely on.


What key factors do you consider when assessing a property’s long-term investment potential?

“The big picture is supply versus demand. We look for properties with strong scarcity attributes and numerous demand drivers. Location is key and is typically the most important factor. Ideally, the property should have some “X-factor.” You could have the most beautiful home on an amazing block of land, but if it’s in a poor location with little demand, it will perform poorly. Conversely, you could have an unattractive, rundown house in an A-grade, high-demand, tightly-held location and it will excel in terms of capital growth. However, the average investor often chooses the more attractive property. Focus on the elements you can’t change – namely, location. The house itself can be altered through renovations or rebuilding. Many investors look for a “flash” house, thinking it will be low-maintenance, which is a common mistake. Aim to allocate a high percentage of your purchase price to land value, not the other way around.”


How do you stay updated on changing market trends and how do these trends influence your recommendations to clients?

“Quality buyer’s agents have a significant advantage because we are so active in the local market. Attending countless inspections weekly, assessing properties in various locales, monitoring open home numbers and listings and speaking with over 100 local real estate agents each week gives us unparalleled, real-time insights into market performance. Often, we are two to three months ahead of media reports in terms of market sentiment, providing our clients with an invaluable edge for making informed decisions. At PMC, our team invests considerable time and money annually into national property data research, ensuring we deliver excellent value and set our clients on the path to long-term success rather than relying on guesswork.”


Can you share a recent success story where your expertise helped a client secure their dream property or a lucrative investment?

“Over the years, there have been many success stories, making it difficult to highlight just one. We bring significant value to both investor and homebuyer clients. One investor client stands out: they were eager to enter a rising market, concerned about missing out on capital growth as the market was moving quickly. Our unmatched patience in selecting a quality A-grade long-term investment meant that, instead of recommending a sub-par option, we waited for eight weeks. Ultimately, we secured a scarce, high-demand asset off-market in a one-on-one transaction, without any competition, at approximately $100,000 below market value in a blue-chip suburb. This property not only presented an excellent purchase price but has also outperformed the local market, achieving nearly double the median growth rate. Our client is thrilled, having seen approximately $300,000 in capital growth within just 10 months.”


What are the common mistakes you see first-time buyers make and how can they avoid them?

“Where to begin? Common mistakes include a lack of planning, insufficient research, limited market knowledge and an inability to build relationships with agents – relationships that can take years to cultivate. Many first-time buyers also struggle to accurately assess a property’s value and are often outmanoeuvred by experienced sales agents who can secure a premium price from a single buyer. The greatest weakness we observe is a general lack of experience. The average buyer may purchase two or three houses over their lifetime, while our team buys over 200 properties per year. That level of experience is invaluable. Sound advice in any field is worth its weight in gold, especially when making decisions involving hundreds of thousands, if not millions, of dollars.”


How do you negotiate to get the best deal for your clients, especially in a competitive market?

“Experience is everything. The best negotiators are highly knowledgeable and immensely experienced. Start by asking questions and determining what matters most to the seller. Aim to do 20% of the talking and 80% of the listening. Show vulnerability; avoid coming across as arrogant or a know-it-all to the agent. Remember, they are there to facilitate the deal and help you buy the property. Being likeable encourages the agent to assist and may lead to valuable information you otherwise wouldn’t receive. Writing a heartfelt letter to the seller can also be effective. Criticising the property should be done politely and logically, not harshly. If you can bring the agent onside, your chances of securing the property increase significantly – “recruit” them and you’ll have a far better chance of achieving a favourable outcome.”

To close out this month’s feature, Josh Sawyer’s deep market knowledge and client-focused approach make him an invaluable resource for navigating Southeast Brisbane’s property market. His dedication to conducting thorough due diligence and uncovering hidden opportunities sets him apart, ensuring every client makes informed, strategic decisions. Whether you’re a first-time buyer or an experienced investor, Josh’s expertise and commitment to securing the best outcomes will guide you towards a seamless and rewarding property purchase.

Josh Sawyer

SENIOR BUYERS AGENT 

PMC PROPERTY BUYERS