Why we advocate using
a buyers’ advocate.
Buying a house is arguably one of the most significant (and costly) financial decisions of your life. So, it’s not something you want to get wrong. And that’s where a buyers’ advocate (also known as a buyers’ agent) can help. Buyers’ advocates are licensed professionals that specialise in searching, evaluating and negotiating the purchase of a property on your behalf. Basically, we take care of all the stressful tasks associated with buying a house and turn it into a more enjoyable and rewarding experience.
Here’s some of the ways in which we can help you. To find out more about each one, click on the tabs below.
SEARCHing for the perfect home
Homing in on your perfect home
There’s a big difference between a ‘that’ll do’ house and a perfect house. And at Master Advocates we believe it is our job to help our clients find their dream home.
To do so, we sit down with you and find out every single detail of your dream house. And we mean every detail. Including suburb, street, aspect, size, garden, garage, amenities, easements, wi-fi connectivity, gas or electric, 3 bed or 4 bed, 2 bathroom or 3, carpet or floorboards.
The more we find out in advance, the more we can narrow down our search and home in on that one perfect urrrr… home. And we won’t be happy till you’re happy.
To help us find the perfect home for you, please go to our buyers’ criteria wishlist and fill it in.
Search Available Listings
Your free time is precious and you probably don’t want to spend it hunting online for houses. But we do. In fact, there’s nothing we enjoy doing more than the detective work and tracking down the perfect house for you.
So let us reach out to our established network of selling agents and go through all the off market property opportunities as well as the online property sites with a magnifying glass and find those hidden gems for you. Then we’ll compile a shortlist and help you pick your perfect home.
Evaluate Property Sales Data
Property sales data helps you evaluate trends and behaviours in the market.
Data is available down to a suburb level, broken down by house and unit markets. The key things to look out for are median sale price, comparable sold results, sales volumes and rental data, along with average time on the market hold period information.
With our years of experience, we back our opinion and will provide you with a comparable market analysis report and an independent purchase price range on the property you wish to purchase.
You will be ready to make an informed decision and “Buy With Confidence” before we head into battle with a strategic game plan to negotiate and purchase the target property.
It is a lot of information to process, but once again, we can help remove the stress by doing it for you. And because we’ve been doing it so long, we can quickly get our heads around it and see which properties in which areas are doing well.
Access Off-Market Properties
Off-market doesn’t mean off limits:
Just cause you can’t see it, doesn’t mean it isn’t there. Sometimes properties aren’t put up for listing or haven’t started advertising.
And that’s where a buyers’ advocate can help. We know all the properties on-market and off-market, listed and unlisted. In fact, over 30% of the properties we find are off market.
So, make sure you get to choose from the widest possible range of properties, by choosing a Master Advocates buyers’ agent.
INSPECT PROPERTY
What to inspect when you’re inspecting
A cracked paving tile may be just that to you. But to us it means that there are tree roots underneath that are forcing their way up into your brand-new pathway.
We know all the things to look out for in a property. Sagging walls that could mean a problem with the foundations, damp or mouldy spots that could indicate an issue with the plumbing, poor sound insulation, weird smells, cracks in the walls or floorboards.
Honestly, we’ve seen it all in our 21+ years in real estate. And we know all the red flags to look out for. We have connections to the best certified building practitioners, and can call upon them to help confirm our suspicions, assist with our negotiations or help us decide to walk away and continue the hunt for the right property option.
So don’t run the risk of doing an inspection yourself and missing something important. Let us do it for you and enjoy the peace of mind of knowing that we won’t miss a thing.
Due diligence
Doing the due
Due diligence is the investigation of every aspect of a property that could affect its value and suitability as a home or investment. Here at Master Advocates, we have years of experience in this field and know exactly what to look for and what can significantly impact the value of a property.
These include such areas as:
Property
Rooms
Renovations
Easements
Zoning
Ownership
Location
Infrastructure
Neighbourhood
Amenities
Development
Is there a lot of development planned for the areas? If so, how will this affect the value of the property?
finances
Mortgage
Could you afford repayments if the interest rates suddenly jumped by 2%? What if one of you loses your job and you have only one income. Could you still meet your mortgage repayments ?
Pricing
Refurbishments
Demand
As you can see, there is a lot to do with due diligence and it can be easy to overlook something. Thankfully, however, there’s Master Advocates to do the due on your behalf. So you can bid adieu to stress and worry.
negotiation & bidding
Helping with the haggle
We can help you with:
- Purchasing for best price, terms and conditions.
- Monitoring final inspection prior to settlement.
- Property selection for strong capital growth and rental yield.
We recommend that when purchasing a property, you obtain the following:
- An independent assessment with a Financial Institution, Mortgage Broker, Financial Planner and Insurance Advisor to determine borrowing, lending capacity and potential risk.
- An independent legal representative to check all legal documents prior to making a successful purchase and manage conveyancing, settlement transactions.
- An independent building and pest inspection report.
- An independent electrical inspection report.
- An independent plumbing inspection report.
Please note: We are happy to liaise on your behalf with any of the above.
We do your bidding
Auctions are both tricky and stressful.
And that’s why having a Master Advocate’s buyers’ agent can be a godsend. We have been in this situation many times before and can handle the pressure and stress. We know exactly what to expect and what tricks are used to fool the unwary and inexperienced.
Think of us, your advocate, as an experienced and confident bidder who will represent you at the auction and bid on your behalf. This means you don’t have to get caught up in a high-pressure bidding war. And because we know the ropes, we can often end up saving you thousands of dollars.
AUCTION BIDDING Services
Auction or Private Sale Bidding Services
Here’s how it works.
Let’s say you have found your ideal property and it’s coming up soon for auction. You know it is a once in a lifetime opportunity you really don’t want to miss out on.
Understandably, you feel nervous and anxious. Participating in auctions can be daunting and confusing for the inexperienced buyer. You don’t want to miss out, but you also don’t want to pay too much.
Don’t worry. We get it. And we’re here to support you as much as possible in all aspects of the process.
- Preparation: We start by ensuring you have a strong plan in place before you attend an auction or make a bid. Being prepared dramatically improves your chances of securing a great purchase.
- Attendance: We attend the auction with you (or on your behalf) as your advocates and limited power of attorney representatives under your instruction. With our experience and market knowledge, we will give you the right advice and guidance to ensure you don’t make a bad purchase.
- Negotiation: We have years of experience in helping negotiate a property sale, and will obtain the best possible purchase price and terms for deposit and settlement. Bidding: We will greatly improve your chances of winning at auction or private sale at the right price.
Detailed comparable market analysis reports, appraisal and pre-purchase due diligence service fee:
A service due diligence fee (optional) agreed as a fixed fee (including GST) per property is applicable for the due diligence service, based on a property prior to auction or via private sale.
Fees are subject to change based on location in Victoria, property building, land area and due diligence requirements.
Auction or private sale bidding engagement and service fee:
An agreed fixed engagement and service fee is paid upfront before auction, private sale negotiation or bidding service commences. This is applicable per service and based on the service provided, not subject to a successful purchase.
Success Fee:
If we’re successful with the auction, negotiation or bidding service, a subsequent success fee invoice will be included. This can be a fixed service fee or percentage of purchase price including GST.
Talk to us for further details.
** Please note: If unsuccessful with property purchase, fees can be transferred and offset if client wishes to engage our Comprehensive Buyers Advocacy Service – Value Offering Package **
OVERSEE CONTRACTS & EXCHANGE
Making light work of paperwork
Nobody likes paperwork, right? Especially if it’s complicated.
Well, here’s the bad news. Exchanging contracts involves some seriously tricky paperwork.
But now for the good news. We can take care of it for you.
We will negotiate the price and terms of your offer and prepare the contract to be submitted to the seller, hammer out the details and make sure there are no hidden catches etc. That way, moving into your new home won’t come with any nasty surprises. We can take care of it for you by liaising with your chosen legal representative.
FIRST HOMEBUYERS’ ASSISTANCE
Buying your first home can be a nerve-racking ordeal. Large sums of money, unfamiliar processes, unscrupulous sharks, mountains of paperwork, hours of research and all the rest.
That’s why we pride ourselves on giving particular care and attention to first time buyers. Having worked in real estate since 2000, our knowledge and skills can be a huge advantage in searching, selecting and negotiating a property.
expats and investors
Buying property can be especially challenging if you are not located in the state, territory or country you are seeking to purchase in.
And that’s where we can help.
We take pride in being the eyes and ears for Aussie Expat buyers and individual private investors and building developers (domestic and foreign) who are looking for properties in Melbourne.
Our holistic set of skills and experience enable them to buy with confidence, secure in the knowledge that they have a team of independent Buyers’ & Vendors’ Advocates and Property Managers working on their behalf.
It’s The Lease We Can Do
Whatever you need in the property market, you need to be with Master Advocates. Why? Because we take care of absolutely everything for you. Whether it be asset management, property management or leasing.
To find out how we can help you manage your property, please go to our Property Management page.
builders & renovators
We are also the masters at helping renovators, builders and developers to improve their property for capital growth and yield. We consult closely with town planners and architects and scout the right location to match the builders and developers’ brief for the right sites to subdivide and redevelop.
We also assist builders and developers with everything from individually-customised, architecturally designed building sites to multi unit commercial and residential development sites to own and occupy.
In conjunction with their team of property professionals, we search, inspect, purchase, assess and consult on the sites from a property management perspective.
Not only that, but we also help with due diligence and estimates on resale potential, based on architectural plans and town planning analysis.
When it comes to renovations, we provide expert assistance to buyers who want to renovate, extend, knock down and rebuild their property.
We help with searches and inspections and consult with their team of property professionals to give an accurate property market perspective to enable them to negotiate and purchase sites.
Resource-Full
A complete list of all the buyer resources we have available for you.
MASTER ADVOCATES – REAL ESTATE SERVICES Est. 2014
‘Two generations strong and leadership of Mark and Michelle Errichiello with over 45 years combined real estate experience, Master Advocates strength is our true personal focus to deliver excellence across independent Buyers Advocacy, Vendors Advocacy and Investment Property Management Advisory services.’
Residential and Commercial Owner Occupier and Investment Acquisition and Divestment Portfolio Review and Strategy supported by property data, market analytics, due diligence, Digi 360 Degree Video inspection and narration, written advice and Independent Buyers and Vendors Advocate Licensed Estate Agent written purchase, selling and or leasing appraisals and comparable market analysis, land and zoning reports.
Mark Errichiello
Director, Co-Founder, Licensed Estate Agent, CEA (REIV), DipPropServ (Agency Mgt), REIA Diploma of Associate (AREI), (MAICD),
Independent Buyers & Vendors Advocate | Investment Property Management Advisor
– Elected REIV Board Member (Real Estate Institute of Victoria)
– Accredited Member REBAA (Real Estate Buyers Agents Association of Australia)
– Member PIPA (Property Investment Professionals of Australia)
Residential and Commercial Advocacy
Master Advocates + Byron Property Search
Your single point of personalised service and accountability – led by Mark & Michelle Errichiello, in collaboration with Michael Murray and the Byron Property Search team—supporting clients across key East Coast markets in residential and commercial property.
Where we serve:
• Victoria: Melbourne (Northern & Western specialists), Metro, Coastal & Regional — Victoria-wide
• New South Wales: Byron Bay, Byron Shire, Northern Rivers, Hinterland & Far North Coast
• Queensland: Brisbane, Gold Coast & South East Queensland (extended partner network)
Want a second opinion before you buy, sell, lease or sign anything?
Book a free initial consultation and we’ll help you clarify the best next step and offerings when it comes to comprehensive independent buyers agent purchase services, sale strategy, negotiation plan, or portfolio position
Websites
www.masteradvocates.com.au + www.byronpropertysearch.com.au
Introducing Hybrid Remote Co-Pilot Support: Strategic Property Guidance, On Demand
In today’s property market, timing, information, and execution drive outcomes. Whether you purchase at auction or negotiate a private sale, you face high-pressure decisions where the margin for error is small and the financial stakes are significant.
To address this, Master Advocates is introducing a new service designed for modern buyers: Hybrid Remote Co-Pilot Support.
This flexible, on-demand solution gives you access to professional, licensed, and independent advocacy exactly when it matters most. As a result, you gain expert support without committing to a full end-to-end engagement.
A Smarter Way to Navigate the Market
Traditionally, buyers either engage a full-service advocate or navigate the process alone. However, Hybrid Remote Support bridges that gap.
Instead, you can self-source and shortlist properties while accessing expert guidance at critical stages. This approach allows you to stay in control while benefiting from professional insight, structured strategy, and negotiation expertise.
In other words, it’s like having a Situation Control Room Commander guiding your decisions in real time
Hybrid Remote Co-Pilot Support provides clarity and confidence throughout the entire buying journey.
Pre-Purchase Strategy and Budget Alignment
Every successful purchase starts with a clear plan. Therefore, we provide personalised consultations to define your criteria, establish a realistic budget, and align your strategy with current market conditions.
Due Diligence and Market Validation
Before committing, you need reliable data and insights. For this reason, we support you with detailed comparable market analysis, research, and validation.
Additionally, our advice is backed by real-time experience and deep local knowledge across Melbourne, Victoria, and key lifestyle markets such as Byron Bay and the Northern Rivers.
Tailored Negotiation and Bidding Strategy
Each property requires a unique approach. Therefore, we develop a clear and disciplined strategy tailored to your situation.
As a result, you will understand:
- When to act
- When to hold
- When to walk away
Live Auction and Negotiation Execution
This is where Hybrid Remote Support delivers the greatest value.
Through phone, video conferencing, or digital bidding platforms, we guide or manage the process in real time. Consequently, you can make confident decisions under pressure.
This includes:
- Pre-auction positioning and communication with agents
- Live bidding strategy and execution
- Private sale negotiation management
- Post-auction negotiation where required
- Guidance through Contract of Sale execution
Furthermore, for clients who prefer a more hands-on approach, we can attend auctions in person through our licensed buyers advocate network.
The decoy bidder in the check coat: Mark Errichiello
The second of our new faces to have a big impact on the day was buyer’s advocate Mark Errichiello, who appeared to have a client keen on securing at least one of the Island Cove Villa properties.
Known as bidder No. 24, he tick-tacked with other bidders on houses 4 and 3 before eventually dropping out of the race.
It was the auction of House 5 when he finally came out on top after fighting off four other bidders, winning Kristian and Mimi’s property for $2.93 million.
At the conclusion of all the auctions, it was revealed his client was actually Portelli.
So, why did a billionaire need someone to buy his home on his behalf?
“Who knows how it would have worked out if he [Portelli] was just there on his own, buying them all?” Errichiello asked. “Others may have competed with him a little bit more vigorously at times.”
“Portelli waited until after all five auctions had taken place to make his big reveal. The billionaire stunned the crowd when he revealed, post-auction, that he had bought every home on the show, directly or through his buyer’s agent. He also confirmed that he won’t be returning to bid again next season.”…
Watch: Billionaire bidder Adrian Portelli, makes a shock announcement as House 5’s secret buyer is revealed
Source: The Block, Nine Now, The Age, Domain
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