Tim Godden, national director of investor buying service Seekology, believes property investors save time and money receiving the professional advice of a buyers agent, in the same way sellers are helped by real estate agents.
Property investors can save time and money using the professional services of a buyers agent, says Tim Godden, national director of investor buying service Seekology.
How did you start in the real estate business? Have you always worked in this industry or did you do something else previously?
I began working in real estate in Melbourne over 12 years ago but actually left the industry for a period of time to be involved in a family business based in Brisbane. The business helped property investors ensure their rental properties met compliance requirements. I was out of the industry for approximately five years and throughout that period I kept a keen eye on different property markets nationwide. In this time, I developed an understanding of the research required to uncover locations that would provide great capital growth for investors.
Why did you decide to become a buyers agent, rather than a real estate agent?
I believe that buyers are underrepresented when searching for property. A sales agent represents the seller but often a buyer is working through the process alone without any unbiased professional assistance. An enormous amount of research is required to find the exact right property and specific negotiation skills are needed to ensure the buyer doesn’t overpay. It’s great that the industry is growing in Australia with more people becoming aware of the time and significant amount of money that can be saved by using the expertise of a buyer’s agent.
What do you love most about your job?
The wonderful feeling I get when I introduce someone to a property that they immediately fall in love with, or see the investment potential in. Finding the right property for people and being able to negotiate to save them tens of thousands of dollars can really have a positive effect on their future.
What would you like to see done differently in the real estate industry?
The industry would benefit from a more affordable way for people to market their property online. The two major portals do a great job, however I believe they’re overpriced and are unfortunately really the only options for gaining maximum nationwide exposure, which is required to attract buyers. Many of the properties sold off-market are done so to avoid marketing costs and this can have a negative effect on the amount a seller receives for their property.
What’s your advice to a young person thinking of entering the real estate profession?
Don’t treat clients or anyone you associate with in business as a transaction or a means of making money, you must genuinely want to assist people. If you set out wanting to help people, your database and business will grow and you’ll develop clients for life.
Where do you live now?
Sunny Brisbane.
What’s your dream home, anywhere in the world?
My wife and I have been to Spain a number of times and often dreamt of living in Barcelona. The bars and restaurants in Old Town Barcelona are amazing and I could probably get used to having an afternoon siesta!
See also:
Get to know Dominic Gibson of Melbourne Acquisitions