One Buyers Agency Directors Carli Skurnik and Jayden Hurvitz in this wonderful Bellevue Hill home

How One Buyers Agency exceeded all expectations to help this family find their ideal Bellevue Hill home

“I can honestly say that we found our dream home in Bellevue Hill for the price we wanted in a very competitive market. And at the end of it I felt happy, peaceful and a great sense of relief. And I couldn’t ask for more.”

Lara and Anthony faced an uphill battle when they returned to Australia from the US to resume their life in Sydney with their and young children.

The family chose Bellevue Hill as the ideal suburb for their new home knowing it would involve finding a property and negotiating a purchase in Sydney’s tight and competitive eastern suburbs market.

After living in LA for over a decade, the family quickly realised that getting a handle on the real estate scene and the ins-and-outs of local property sales would be quite a challenge.

Biding their time in a small temporary apartment, and with the prospect of a prolonged property search ahead of them, they knew they needed a different approach. It was at that time that One Buyers Agency was suggested by mutual acquaintances (several who were satisfied clients) as a possible answer to the family’s dilemma.

“When we first arrived back in Sydney, One Buyers Agency was definitely a name that we kept hearing through our family and friends.”

Lara was determined not to settle for something just to get a foot in the door. “The number of properties in the area are finite, it’s very constrained and competitive and I was unsure of how we would break through and find a home that was perfect for us. That’s when I realised we really needed assistance,” she says.

A meeting with One Buyers Agency Directors Carli Skurnik and Jayden Hurvitz was the clincher, and moving forward with Carli as their new “secret weapon” was what ultimately landed Lara and her family their dream Sydney address.

Gaining the “off-market advantage” in Bellevue Hill’s tightly held market

Carli’s reputation as a Bellevue Hill buyer’s agent impressed Lara & Anthony. ”She knew what was going on behind closed doors and had an ear to the ground. She was constantly coming up with property options and the continuous flow of communication made me feel like I was always being thought of, not just when we were having meetings,” Lara says.

Of course, the chance of succeeding in a competitive market was always front of mind. “It was daunting to feel like every man and his dog were looking at exactly the same listings in the Wentworth Courier and online. I wondered how we were going to find a way through it,” Lara points out.

“What Carly and her team provided were properties that were truly off-market. What we found in the end only a limited number of people knew about, and it happened through a private conversation.”

Despite being an off-market purchase, the property was not without interest from other potential buyers. Carli’s strong network of contacts and excellent skills meant that she could represent her clients every step of the way to securing the preferred position with the vendors.

The vendors, in fact, were an older couple who lived in the house for 40 plus years and had an understandably emotional connection to it. “The way Carli painted the picture of who we were as buyers – the fact that we’re a young family that wanted this for our future – that sort of conversation really made them feel comfortable,” Lara says.

A home that ticks all the boxes

Lara was intent on a home that was close to family, friends and conveniences. After living the expat life for so long, she wanted something that represented the beauty that Sydney is famous for. Price, too, was an important factor.

“The home we found in the end caters to all our needs. Bellevue Hill is an area that’s a jewel of the city, in walking distance to a buzzing village, near the water, and has a history and a soul that really spoke to me, my husband and my children. In this market trying to get everything you want is next to impossible. But we definitely achieved that.”

Lara admits, ”Negotiation isn’t my strong suit, but Carli’s long standing experience meant that she was able to get our purchase across the line. Seeing how she accomplished it was incredibly impressive. Especially considering it was within budget.”

Working with a buyers agency

Lara says that at no point did they feel like they were “just a number” on the agency’s books. As a result, she’s become an advocate for the benefits of working with a buyer’s agent.

She says, “When looking to buy property in this competitive market, any help you can obtain to get behind closed doors and see things from a grassroots level is incredibly valuable.”

When asked about the key to an agent’s “x-factor”, Lara says it’s about finding one who represents your values. For her, what really struck a chord was Carli’s trustworthy, authentic and personable service – and not being “all about the show”.

“You need someone you’re comfortable working with 24/7 because this is your future. And it’s the biggest purchase you’re ever going to make. You want someone who’s going to take that incredibly seriously.”

Curious about working with a buyer’s agency that will help you nab your dream eastern suburbs property? We’re waiting for your call.