FAQ's WORKING TOGETHER - CAROL ROBERTSON

Q: <strong>There are so many the agents and advocates, why should I choose you to work with?</strong>.

25 years of residential real estate. Many advocates don’t have the longevity in real estate sales that I do. I have navigated clients through the GFC, high interest rates, buyers markets, sellers markets, climate events. I have studied, and survived market cycles. I have transitioned from a fresh salesperson to an agency owner, and now to an independent advocate and real estate guide. When you choose me, you aren't getting someone who only knows how to operate in a "good" market; you’re getting a strategist who knows exactly how to pivot when things get unpredictable, ensuring you land the best possible outcome Case Study We were firmly in a buyers market. Weekly open for inspections were happening with zero buyers enquiring or inspecting. The market was so bad for sellers that I would take work to do with me. I would investigate the market, interrogate my own listing and how I could improve the numbers for my client. Agencies were spruiking that if we didn’t drop prices then we would be chasing the market down. We learned the scripts of time on market and how it corresponded to prices. Each week in sales meetings we had to show up with price drops. Listings were easy, and we encouraged sellers to list even though days on market were lengthy. Real estate markets fluctuate. Sometimes the gains/losses are steep, sometimes they are short. Being mindful, being educated about the market and listening to my client, their motivations, we develop a strategy. Price drops are not automatic. Price adjustments come after consideration, looking at the facts and numbers. My client was in a hurry to sell. Family reasons dictated a move overseas. We had timeframes in mind - if this happened then we would do this. It was all planned, all strategic. Mission accomplished. My client was unconditionally sold, settlement in 30 days. Perfect.

FAQ’s WORKING TOGETHER

Real estate guide, advocate

Why work with me? Why does working with me as your home buying and home selling guide, your real estate advocate, work to your advantage? Is it the peace of mind because you are working with someone highly experienced and highly capable in residential real estate? Is it because we have conversations that are warm, informative, and completely focused on what you need?

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS, WORKING TOGETHER WITH CAROL ROBERTSON

25 years of residential real estate. Many advocates don’t have the longevity in real estate sales that I do. I have navigated clients through the GFC, high interest rates, buyers markets, sellers markets, climate events. I have studied, and survived market cycles. I have transitioned from a fresh salesperson to an agency owner, and now to an independent advocate and real estate guide. When you choose me, you aren’t getting someone who only knows how to operate in a “good” market; you’re getting a strategist who knows exactly how to pivot when things get unpredictable, ensuring you land the best possible outcome

Case Study

We were firmly in a buyers market. Weekly open for inspections were happening with zero buyers enquiring or inspecting. The market was so bad for sellers that I would take work to do with me. I would investigate the market, interrogate my own listing and how I could improve the numbers for my client. Agencies were spruiking that if we didn’t drop prices then we would be chasing the market down. We learned the scripts of time on market and how it corresponded to prices. Each week in sales meetings we had to show up with price drops. Listings were easy, and we encouraged sellers to list even though days on market were lengthy.

Real estate markets fluctuate. Sometimes the gains/losses are steep, sometimes they are short. Being mindful, being educated about the market and listening to my client, their motivations, we develop a strategy. Price drops are not automatic. Price adjustments come after consideration, looking at the facts and numbers.

My client was in a hurry to sell. Family reasons dictated a move overseas. We had timeframes in mind – if this happened then we would do this. It was all planned, all strategic. Mission accomplished. My client was unconditionally sold, settlement in 30 days. Perfect.

I know exactly what it feels like to ride the interest rate rollercoaster because I’ve lived it myself. As a first-home buyer back in the 1980s, I faced interest rates skyrocketing up to 18%. I knew the dread of interest rates continually rising each month. Later, I guided clients through the Global Financial Crisis (GFC) and the Banking Royal Commission. More recently, I’ve watched my own children step into homeownership. I know the gut-wrenching trepidation that comes with financial uncertainty. Because I’ve seen these cycles play out under changing governments and legislation, I don’t panic. I offer clear-headed, guidance to protect you from knee-jerk decisions.

Case Study

The banking royal commission stopped the market dead in its tracks as we waited on the fallout.

My clients had strong interest from buyers in their home that vanished overnight. We went from many groups at Opens to zero. Agents all around us were focused on dropping prices. A knee jerk reaction. This particular scenario had not happened before (Royal Commission) and agents handled it in different ways. My strategy was to hold, seek information, research possible outcomes, and give the market time to stabilise. Dropping the price may have achieved an outcome however if the market stabilised and they had accepted a fire sale price, then this would limit their own buying options.

It took a few weeks. Buyers stopped panicking and life resumed. Yes, it impacted on prices as lending practices had to change however now my clients would be selling and then buying in the same market.

Yes, completely. Real estate isn’t always about happy upgrades; it often intersects with life’s hardest chapters. Over two and a half decades, I have handled the “good, the bad, and the ugly.” This includes complex mortgagees in possession, emotional deceased estates, and forced sales due to relationship breakdowns. I approach these situations with extreme discretion, empathy, and a focus on removing the administrative and emotional burden from your shoulders so you can focus on your family. Your life can be falling to pieces and you can be confident that I am keeping the real estate component on track.

Case Study:

My selling client had been unaware of her partners gambling until she opened the mail and saw the notice from the bank. He had been responsible for paying the mortgage, and he was gambling the money instead. By chance, she arrived home early and collected the mail.

It is often by chance that partners find out about serious, emotional, life changing issues.

They had to sell and they had to sell fast. Desperate to get as much as possible to ensure they came out of the situation with something in their hands rather than walking away with nothing to show for all the years of paying the mortgage.

In this scenario, we priced the home very attractively. We vetted buyers to ensure there would be no delays with getting the Contract to unconditional, and with a fast settlement. Offers with long conditions were less attractive even if their price was higher.

Keeping in close communication, we explored options continually. Although tempted by the higher offer, they accepted a slightly lower unconditional, 30 day Settlement offer. The home sold, the mortgaged discharged, they could move on with their lives, getting back on track with a strategy in place with their next home.

Property isn’t just a financial asset; it’s a physical one vulnerable to the elements. I have firsthand experience managing the real estate fallout from severe climate events—from bushfires to ferocious wind, rain, and storms. Whether you are buying or selling, this means I look closely at a property’s resilience, insurance implications, and environmental risks. I know what to look for so you aren’t caught off guard by the unpredictable Australian weather.

Case Study:

Moving into a different area requires research. What are the good things, what are the bad, what are the zones and overlays and how do they impact on the clients intention for the property.

My buyers fell in love with a house. It seemed to mainly meet their criteria, it lacked a garage but they would have the budget to build one. Being the devils advocate is necessary sometimes. Finding out that the house was in a flood zone impacted on what they could do with the home, it also impacted on insurance costs. The house met their budget for these very reasons – it was more affordable because of the flood zone. Conversations about implications, researching other possibilities. If they had decided to buy that home then they would be fully aware of what they were getting into. Fortunately, they decided NOT to buy that home, and we kept looking.

Traditional real estate agents are ethically and professionally expected to get your best outcome if they are employed to sell your home. Real estate agents are human, they look out for their best outcome which is to sell your home as quickly as possible, with less stress for them, and get a fast settlement. I chose to leave mainstream real estate because I wanted my 25 years of knowledge to serve the people, not the transaction. As an advocate, I am strictly on your side. If you are buying, I help you find, vet, and negotiate without the pressure. If you are selling, I act as your independent advisor, helping you choose the right agent and strategy so you don’t get taken advantage of. Think of me as your real estate shield and strategist.

Case Study

Your motivation for selling is vital to the campaign. It’s not always about the money. Whilst real estate agents want the fast sale and settlement, this isn’t always in the Sellers best interest. Agents apply pressure to drop your price (price adjustment) until it meets with current buyer expectation.

I had a client who needed to achieve a certain price, they were not motivated by time. If they didn’t achieve that price then there was no point in them selling. The agents wanted the sale. They used emotional tactics, manipulative tactics, but we had a strategy. We had discussed all their options, and knew what they were comfortable with. Keeping them updated, the communication consistent, they were always in control.

This happens particularly with downsizers, they are prepared to wait out a market. Understanding the clients motivation and the current market is vital. Is the market trending down, is there a reason for a market pause, can they do something to attract more buyers, or different buyers? Selling fast might be great for the agent, it might be great for many sellers particularly if they have already bought, but it is not always great. Knowing your client, staying by their side, independent advice.

I have never been a believer that one size fits all, particularly in real estate. Offering one solution is ludicrous.

We begin with a conversation, all about you, your motivation, who is involved etc. A strategy is developed that I believe will be suit your needs. We discuss it, tease it out, make sure that it works for you and for me.

I have a standard range of options, however there is scope within each, and if needed, we customise a plan that is perfect for you.

Everything by agreement. Flexible yet strategic.

If you would like to explore your options then please have a look at