5 MINUTES WITH: NICOLE JACOBS

HB CHATS TO PROPERTY EXPERT AND AUTHOR NICOLE JACOBS FOR HER BEST HOME-BUYING TIPS

What’s your best advice for winning an auction?

“Having a strategy before you turn up and being confident – know who your potential competitors will be, know your absolute budget, and stick to it. Have the contract looked at by a solicitor or licensed conveyancer, be finance-ready and know where it sits price wise from looking at comparable data. When you have checked all of these boxes, you will be able to bid with confidence.”

What is the best time of year to have an auction?

“Traditionally, spring is the best time because gardens are in full bloom and the weather is warmer. However, you will compete with more stock at this time, so don’t discount the cooler months. Buyers are not seasonal.”

What is the most important thing to keep in mind when you are selecting an agent?

“You need to connect with the agent. Trust is so important. If you are interviewing a few, make sure you compare them based on the same questions. Do they listen more than they talk (about themselves) and will they be at every open for inspection, or will they put their ‘team’ on it and return at the end of the campaign? Do your homework and speak to past clients who sold with them. Always ask for the last three, not a handpicked selection from the agent.”

What’s your hot tip on spotting an up-and-coming suburb?

“A crystal ball would be good. I always look out for fringe suburbs that have started to see strip shops being renovated. As soon as a well-known cafe group invests and opens up a sister cafe and then boutique stores start to appear, you can see an area start to pick up. Large businesses like Woolworths, Bunnings and government infrastructure are also a sure sign they have invested in the research that this area is a growth suburb.” Visit nicolejacobs.com.