Apex Buyers Advocates
HONESTY, INTEGRITY, TRANSPARENCY!
Save time and money
when buying Property!
Buying property for clients all over Melbourne and Victoria, with a focus on the Yarra River Trail and Melbourne's north-east corridor.
We have purchased for our valued clients in excess of $15 million of real estate over the last year
Benefits Of Engaging
Scott LaFerlita & Apex Buyers Advocates
To Buy Your Next Property
ACCESS
Through our network and close working relationships with sales agents, we have access to off-market and pre-market opportunities not offered to the public.
DILIGENCE
We have the latest tools and data to reliably assess every property. We do the ‘property homework’ for you, de-risking your purchase, so that you can buy with confidence
SAVE TIME
Property is our passion, its what we do every-day. We attend inspections and deal with sales agents so that you don’t have to.
SAVE MONEY
We are professional negotiators, fiercely protecting your best interests. Its our job to negotiate the best price and the most favourable terms for you.
HONESTY, INTEGRITY, TRANSPARENCY
We’re in your corner from start to settlement. We'll connect you with our team of reputable partners for services including; finance, conveyancing, building and pest inspections, accounting/financial planning, quantity surveying and property management.
FLAT FEE
Our services are conducted on a flat fee arrangement. Our only agenda is winning you the keys to your next property and ensuring your best interests are served.
HOW WE HELP
Apex Package - Full Service
The Apex Package is an end-to-end service offering the full suite of assistance in the buying process, from your initial consultation right the way through to settlement, including:
- initial plan & property brief
- scan of available on-market properties
- source off-market opportunities through our network
- attend inspections (with and on your behalf)
- research & analysis of short-listed properties
- property report/s including independent appraisal value
- manage all sales agent communication / leverage our network
- Implement best strategy to acquire selected property
- negotiation / auction bidding / purchase / exchange contracts
- due diligence; co-ordination of building & pest inspection, mortgage brokering, conveyancing etc.
- management of the process all the way through to exchange of contracts, pre-settlement to settlement.
This service is charged at a flat fee. We continue to work with you on multiple properties until we've secured the right property for you. There is no time limit on this service. Our aim is to remove the stress, save you time and save you more money than your investment in the service, and then some.
Negotiation
Negotiation is a service for property buyers who may have already found their ideal property but want a professional buyer's agent in their corner to negotiate the purchase. We handle all of the communication with the selling agent and the negotiations to purchase the property for you at the best price, on the most favourable terms possible.
Negotiation includes:
- all the services of the Apex Package (full service) limited to the client's targeted property.
This service is charged at a flat fee. Our aim is to remove the stress, save you time and save you more money than your investment in the service, and then some.
If we’re unsuccessful in securing your targeted property, you can elect to:
1. Target one other property for Negotiation (there is no time limit to this service); or,
2. Upgrade to the Apex Package (full service), where we continue to work with you on multiple properties until we've secured the right property for you.
Auction Bidding
Auction bidding is a service for property buyers who may have already found their ideal property but want a professional buyer's agent in their corner to do the bidding on their behalf at auction. Prior to auction day, we formulate a strategy, confirm your budget and execute the plan to secure your new home or investment property.
This service is charged at a flat fee to attend and bid, and an additional flat fee if we win the auction (success fee).
Investment Property Feasibility
Investment property feasibility is a service for property buyers who may have already found their ideal property but want a professional buyer's agent in their corner to conduct a feasibility on the financial metrics of the property prior to purchasing.
Feasibility includes:
- valuation appraisal & rental appraisal
- suburb report
- property report; includes comparable sales, comparable listings etc.
- cashflow analysis (pre and post tax) based on three purchase price scenarios (high, medium, low) as agreed
- professional assessment and guidance on next steps
This service is charged at a flat fee per property.
OUR PROCESS
01
The Plan
We work closely with you to understand your property requirements. This provides us with the brief we need to fully understand what it is you're looking for in a property, such as the location, must have features, timeframe, your budget and any other details you want considered in our property search.
02
The Search
Using the latest property analytics software and our real estate experience and network, we undertake research to find your perfect match, sourced from on-market (currently for sale), pre-market (being prepared for sale) and off-market (not for public sale) opportunities.
At this stage, we save you valuable time, by conducting property inspections, dealing with agents and keeping you informed of our progress. We present you with a shortlist of suitable properties that meet your brief, then you decide which property you'd like us to target for buying (the exciting part)!
03
The Purchase
We bid at auction or negotiate the best possible price and terms for your chosen property. Once we exchange contracts to buy, we continue to manage the process for you right the way through to settlement.
04
Celebrate
When the contract is unconditional, it's time to celebrate and prepare for settlement.
Learn how we can help you win
the keys to your next property!
What Our Happy Clients Have To Say
As soon as we engaged with Scott, we worked really well together. He was able to put plenty of options to us and was willing to listen to our thoughts. He had great knowledge of the area.
Scott was always upbeat of the right place coming up, regardless of how fussy/frustrating we thought we were being. Even after Scott played the negotiation game for us, and won, he continued to assist with the buying process ensuring a very streamlined experience.
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Andrea & Brenton
Greensborough, VIC
Scott has been a huge help, going above and beyond since we engaged him. His advice was considered, truth worthy and based from his strong expertise.
He thoroughly inspected properties on our behalf, understood exactly what we were looking for and made the process far less stressful.
We are very grateful to Scott and highly recommend him!
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Ren & Will
Greensborough, VIC
Scott was everything i had hoped for in a buyers advocate: met my needs on my terms, was supportive and worked with what i was after and provided good advice and support.
Scott also did the work to find and review places but empowered me to own the decision to bid without any pressure. Couldn't recommend more.
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Jonathan
Abbotsford, VIC
Latest Articles
Australian Property, Property Investing and Market Condition Insights
February 3, 2023
How to avoid buying a dud investment: Engage a buyer's advocate
Avoid buying a poor-performing investment property by using the knowledge, skills and expertise of a professional buyer's advocate.
Scott Laferlita
Director - Buyers Agent
February 3, 2023
Buyer's Agent vs Buyer's Advocate - do they mean the same thing?
The terms buyer's agents and buyer's advocates mean the same thing and can be used interchangeably. The role of a buyer's agent is also referred to as a "BA", who works for and on behalf of their client, a person who is looking to purchase property.
Scott Laferlita
Director - Buyers Agent
February 3, 2023
Do Buyer's Agents get access to off-market property?
Buyer's agents provide their clients with access to off-market opportunities that the general public don't ever see, through strong and positive relationships with selling agents and home owners.
Scott Laferlita
Director - Buyers Agent
February 3, 2023
Is a Buyer's Agent worth the money?
A buyer's agent can save you more than the fee they charge and then some. Not to mention savings in time, effort and less stress.
Scott Laferlita
Director - Buyers Agent
ABOUT
Apex Buyers Advocates
Apex Buyers Advocates is a real estate service business located in the north-eastern suburbs of Melbourne, with the BUYER/PURCHASER at the heart of everything we do. We represent the BUYER in real estate transactions, whereas traditional real estate agents represent the Vendor/Seller. We can assist you from the start of your property journey (planning and research), right through to settlement, depending on your requirements.
Scott LaFerlita
Director, Licenced Estate Agent, REIV
To put it mildly, Scott has a long and enthusiastic obsession with real estate. He gained his real estate licence at the age of 18 and commenced in residential sales for a large franchise in Ivanhoe (north-east Melbourne). He left the industry to complete tertiary qualifications in business and education, then spent the next 6 years in teaching positions at various schools in Melbourne. Scott then spent the next 16 years in the superannuation sector, sharpening his property skills working in a small team that managed a property portfolio that grew to over $8 billion (June 2022). In this role, Scott developed meaningful real estate relationships, conducted research, analysis and assessment of property sectors and assets, and made property recommendations to key stakeholders on acquisitions and disposals. During this time, he continued to 'scratch the itch' for property by buying, selling, investing in and renovating several properties and helped friends and family members do the same.
Scott is driven to share his wealth of experience and property knowledge by representing property buyers, to deliver them the best outcomes possible, and to add value by doing all the 'leg-work' in the search, selection and purchase of the ideal family home or investment property.
Our Mission - The Right Property At The Right Price
Our mission is to purchase the right property at the right price (and with the best conditions) for our clients, whether you’re a first home buyer, down-sizer, up-sizer or property investor. We do this by using our extensive property insights, applying the latest technological research and analytical tools and leveraging our industry networks to gain access to properties that are not only on the market for sale, but to properties preparing to come to market (pre-market) and off-market opportunities.
Our Vision - To See You Prosper
Our vision is to have BUYERS equally represented in the sales process, to ensure a fair and equal playing-field. For too long in Australia, buyers have been under-represented, giving sales agents and their vendors the upper hand in transacting property. We believe it is time for buyers to level things up and get the professional help they deserve so that they can buy property with confidence.
We Value - Honesty, Integrity & Transparency
We value the relationships we build with BUYERS. The best outcomes are delivered when a partnership is united. We collaborate with you to provide you with the best possible outcome in the process. To do this, we act with integrity to build trust. We believe honesty is the best policy, even if it means having a difficult conversation, because it is upon these foundations that the ideal property is purchased for you.
For Property Investors
We've developed our craft from leaders of the industry, coupled with our broad-based property experience, we have the tools and knowledge to find your dream home or next investment, based on quality research and proven techniques.
You Pay A Flat Fee
Unlike selling agents, we aren't driven by sales commissions. Our aim is to get you the keys to your ideal property for less, so we charge you a flat fee for our services, providing you with the assurance you need that confirms 'We're On Your Side.'
National Network & Reach
We are a member of the Real Estate Institute of Victoria (REIV), Australian Valuers Institute (AVI) and the Buyer's Agent Institute (BAI), a group of over 1,000 Buyers Agents across Australia, who support each other to provide property buying opportunities and services for the benefit of our clients.
CONTACT US
We'd love to hear from you
Support
FAQs
Look through the answers we have given commonly asked
questions relating to our service and buying advocacy.
What is a buyer's advocate?
Is there a difference between a buyer's advocate and a buyer's agent?
A buyer's advocate or a buyer's agent are one-and-the-same thing, also known as a "BA". A BA is a professional who represents the interests of property buyers. Unlike a sales agent, who works on behalf of the seller to secure the best possible price, a buyer's advocate is dedicated to helping buyers find and purchase property. They provide expert advice, conduct property searches, evaluate value, and negotiate purchase terms to ensure their client's needs are met. A BA focuses on securing the best deal for the buyer, often providing a more personalised and strategic approach to the buying process.
What are the main activities/duties of a buyer's advocate?
Property Search Market Research: Conducts thorough research to understand the current market trends and conditions.
Identifying Properties: Searches for properties that meet the client's criteria, including location, size, budget, and other preferences.
Shortlisting: Narrows down the list of potential properties to a manageable number that best fits the buyer's needs.
Evaluation and Inspection: Assesses the value of properties by comparing them with similar properties in the area. Organizes and accompanies the buyer to property inspections, noting any issues or advantages.
Building and Pest Inspections: Arranges for professional inspections to identify structural or pest problems.
Negotiation: Uses their expertise to negotiate the best possible price and terms for the buyer.
Offer Strategy: Develops a strategic approach to making offers, ensuring the buyer gets favorable conditions.
Liaison with other Professionals: Works with solicitors, mortgage brokers, and other professionals involved in the buying process.
Settlement Coordination: Ensures a smooth settlement process by coordinating between all parties involved.
How are buyer's advocates paid for the work they do?
Some buyers advocates charge a fee based on a % of the sale price, whilst others will charge an agreed flat rate fee. Market rate for Percentage (%) fees are generally around 1%-2% of the purchase price, which is around $10,000 to $20,000 on a $1m purchase.
At Apex Buyers Advocates it is our philosophy to charge a flat fee for our services. Afterall, unlike selling agents, we should not be incentivised (and receive a higher fee) if we buy a property for a higher price - it is our aim to buy at the lowest price possible. We believe charging a flat fee is more transparent, ethical and aligns with the overall objective of purchasing the right property at the lowest price achievable, always working in the best interests of the client (the buyer).
Why should i use a buyer's advocate / buyer's agent?
Using a buyer's advocate can immensely benefit you in the property purchasing process. These professionals possess in-depth market knowledge and negotiation skills, ensuring you secure the best possible deal. They save you time by handling the tedious property search and evaluation, allowing you to focus on other priorities. Buyer's advocates provide unbiased advice, helping you avoid emotional decisions and potential pitfalls. They have access to off-market properties, increasing your chances of finding the perfect home. Ultimately, a buyer's advocate acts as your ally, guiding you through the complexities of buying property with confidence and expertise.
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