Buying a home or investment property can feel overwhelming — auctions, bidding wars, endless inspections, and conflicting advice from family and friends. It’s no wonder many Australians hesitate to act, even when the right property is within reach.
In this podcast episode of Should’ve Bought That by Ynance, buyer’s agent Matt Skehan joins Mitch to unpack his Buyer’s Decision Quadrant — a framework that helps buyers cut through noise and make confident, well-informed property decisions. Whether you’re a first-home buyer or a seasoned investor, this quadrant offers a clear path to success.
What’s Happening in the Melbourne Market
Matt explains that Melbourne remains one of Australia’s most competitive markets, with strong demand for quality, move-in-ready homes. Renovation costs and trade shortages mean buyers are favouring finished properties over “fixer-uppers.”
But that doesn’t mean opportunity is gone. For those who prepare early, secure finance, and work with the right team — including an experienced mortgage broker in Australia — there are still great buys available.
Levelling the Playing Field
A selling agent works for the vendor. A buyer’s agent, like Matt, represents you. They help clients:
- Define their property brief and budget.
- Research suitable suburbs and shortlist properties.
- Negotiate confidently with selling agents.
With buyer’s agents growing in popularity, time-poor professionals and investors are realising they no longer have to navigate the complex real estate game alone.
The Four Pillars of a Smart Purchase
Matt’s buyer’s decision quadrant boils property decisions down to four key factors — in this exact order of importance:
- Location – The one thing you can’t change. Prioritise access to schools, lifestyle, and future growth potential.
- Land Size – A solid land component typically supports long-term value.
- Floor Plan – Functionality matters more than finishes. Choose homes with adaptable layouts.
- Condition – While cosmetic updates can wait, structural integrity and maintenance should be non-negotiable.
This structure helps buyers stay focused on value, not vanity. It’s a simple but powerful way to remove emotion and make rational decisions.
Start with Education, Not Emotion
Matt sees many first-time buyers chasing homes they can’t afford or making compromises under pressure. His advice:
- Get pre-approved through a trusted mortgage broker in Australia to confirm your real borrowing capacity.
- Use property data and sold results to understand real value in your chosen suburbs.
- Write down your non-negotiables before starting inspections.
“Most people jump on the listing sites,” says Matt, “but if you start with the sold tab, you’ll learn what properties actually sell for. That knowledge sets you up to win.”
Buy for the Long Term
Markets move, rates change, and media headlines come and go — but property remains a long-term asset. Matt urges investors to focus on fundamentals:
- Choose areas with consistent demand and growth drivers.
- Understand your cash flow and hold strategy.
- Don’t wait for the “perfect” time — buy when your finances allow, and let time do the rest.
He also highlights Geelong as an emerging opportunity: strong yields, good lifestyle appeal, and infrastructure growth.
Education Beats Hesitation
The biggest challenge Matt sees isn’t finance or supply — it’s mindset. “Everyone’s got an opinion,” he says. “Uncle Mick at the barbecue might mean well, but that doesn’t make him right.”
Overcoming hesitation means trusting your preparation and your professional team. A good buyer’s agent and mortgage broker will help you cut through emotion and base your decision on data, not doubt.
Book a free consultation with Mitch.
Mitch offers a free, no-obligation consultation focused on your specific property goals. Mitch services home buyers and investors living in Melbourne, Maroochydore, Brisbane or Sunshine Coast in Australia. Click through now to book your free call and start preparing for your next property opportunity.