Youtube: Real Estate Success Principles – Episode 16
🏡 Why You Should Consider Using a Buyer’s Advocate: A Real Conversation with Master Advocates
I had the absolute pleasure of catching up with two long-time mates and respected pros in the Real Estate game — Mark Errichiello and Michelle Errichiello from Master Advocates. We had a proper yarn about Buyer’s Advocacy, and let me tell you — if you’re navigating today’s property market without professional help, you might be doing it the hard way.
💡 What Does a Buyer’s Advocate Actually Do?
In simple terms, a Buyer’s Advocate (or Buyer’s Agent) works solely for the buyer — not the seller. Unlike Sales Agents who are there to get the best result for the vendor, Buyer’s Advocates are all about looking after your interests.
They handle everything from:
- Sourcing properties (including those elusive off-market gems)
- Doing the due diligence
- Assessing true market value
- Crafting smart strategies for offers and auctions
- Negotiating the best possible outcome
Mark and Michelle have helped thousands of buyers across all types of property deals — from first homes to investment portfolios. Their insight into market trends, suburb profiles, and agent behaviour is second to none.
Let’s be honest — most people only buy a home once or twice in their life. Would you go to court without a solicitor? Probably not. So why go into a million-dollar deal without representation?
📖 Step One: Discovery and Clarity
It all kicks off with a discovery session — not a sales pitch, but a strategy convo. Over Zoom or a phone call, Mark and Michelle dig into what really matters to you:
- Your realistic budget (including stretch limits)
- Lifestyle needs (kids, work, future plans)
- Must-haves vs. nice-to-haves
Michelle put it brilliantly: “Tell us your blue-sky dreams, and we’ll help edit them into a plan that works in the real market.”
It’s about grounding your goals — not crushing them.
🤔 Why Not Just DIY It?
Plenty of people think, “I’ll just hop online and check out a few open homes.” Fair enough — but here’s the catch: property buying is rarely simple. It’s time-consuming, emotional, and full of hidden traps.
As Mark said, “You could visit more open homes than a local Agent and still miss the right deal.”
Buyer’s advocates bring serious advantages: insider knowledge, strategic thinking, data, and strong negotiation chops. The cost of making a mistake — overpaying, buying the wrong asset, or missing out on capital growth — often far outweighs their fee.
🔍 Off-Market Deals: The Hidden Gold
You’ve probably heard of “off-market” properties. These are homes that aren’t advertised to the public — and the reasons vary:
- The seller wants privacy
- The Agent’s testing the waters before launching publicly
- Trusted advocates get early access before anyone else
Because of long-standing relationships in the industry, Master Advocates often get the first call on these listings. It’s the sort of access you just can’t get from a weekend scroll through realestate.com.au. 🔑
🔢 Real Talk: Perfection Rarely Exists
One of the biggest jobs an advocate does? Helping buyers manage expectations.
In a tight or rising market, the “perfect” place might not exist — and waiting for it can cost you dearly.
As Mark shared: “If what you want isn’t available and the market isn’t coming back down, it’s time to either up your budget — or realign your expectations.”
That’s the kind of honest, practical advice that breaks Buyers out of analysis paralysis and helps them move forward with confidence.
💰 Budget Transparency = Better Outcomes
Some Buyers hold back their real budget, thinking they’ll avoid being upsold. But advocates aren’t there to push you — they’re there to maximise your opportunities.
Mark put it straight: “If you say your budget is $600k, but you could spend $800k, we might miss better long-term investments.”
Honesty helps them help you. The trust goes both ways.
📃 A Transparent, Professional Process
Working with Master Advocates is a structured process — professional and totally above board. Here’s how it works:
- Fixed-fee model (no commissions)
- Initial engagement fee (usually around 25%)
- Remainder due only after success
- Fully licensed, REBAA & REIV accredited
This model ensures their motivation aligns with yours. They don’t win unless you do.
✅ So, Why Use a Buyer’s Advocate?
Here’s the wrap-up:
- 🔍 Access to off-market and early listings
- 🕐 Save time, stress, and second-guessing
- 📈 Strategy for bidding and negotiating
- 🔗 Connections to Agents, Brokers, and trades
- 💳 Transparent pricing, no funny business
- 😊 Clear communication, no pressure
🧠 My Take: Looking Back, Looking Forward
I remember when Buyer’s Advocates first appeared on the scene. I thought, Who are these folks turning up at auctions in trench coats?
Now I get it. I used a fixed-fee advocate myself, not to snag a “bargain,” but to land the right property at the right price. Sometimes, that means paying full price — and that’s totally fine. The best assets appreciate over time.
❤️ Mark & Michelle’s Personal Story
Mark and Michelle bought their family home a few years ago. They stretched $28k beyond their comfort zone — and paid $200k above the quoted range. But looking back?
“No regrets,” Michelle told me. “Every extra dollar has paid off in lifestyle, memories, and peace of mind.”
They bought in Strathmore — a beautiful suburb with strong community, great schools, and long-term value.
😔 My Regret: The One That Got Away
Back in the ’90s, my wife and I had our eye on a place in Yarraville. It was $132,000. We had $130,000.
We said, “Next time.” Then it was $135k. Then $140k. We missed it — over two grand.
That same property is worth a lot more today.
Small hesitations can lead to big regrets in Real Estate. That’s just how the game works.
🎁 Final Word
Buying property is emotional. It’s complex. It’s one of the biggest financial moves you’ll ever make. You don’t have to do it alone.
If you’re in the market, give yourself every chance of success.
With Michelle, you’ll find the right home. With Mark, you’ll secure it at the right price.
Together? You’re in the best of hands.
— Michael Furlong, Rent Roll Maximiser
Rent Roll Growth Consultant | Property Management Trainer & Coach | Conference Speaker | Podcast Host | Easy to follow Trello Online Systems & Procedures Manuals | Real Estate Agency “Systems” Specialist
At Rent Roll Maximiser, we provide tailored consulting services to help Real Estate Agencies grow and optimise their rent rolls. Whether you are looking to expand your rent roll, streamline operations, or enhance team culture, our expertise can guide you toward long-term success.
A 15-minute conversation today could significantly impact your Agency’s future profitability. Contact Us to discuss how we can support your business growth:
📧 michael@rentrollmaximiser.com.au
📞 (0425-713-571)
