James Brown

James Brown Buyers Agent | Author | Investor | Property Development

Comment ‘Rookie’ to get sent my breakdown of how to get into the market as a first home buyer
02/06/2026

Comment ‘Rookie’ to get sent my breakdown of how to get into the market as a first home buyer

21/05/2026

This is one of the biggest disagreements across property investment specialists in Australia.


We generally avoid auctions when buying for clients, preferring to secure properties off-market or pre-auction.That said...
27/04/2026

We generally avoid auctions when buying for clients, preferring to secure properties off-market or pre-auction.

That said, there are times when an auction is unavoidable - especially when it’s the right home and the competition is strong.

If you’re going down the auction path, here’s how we approach it:

1. Do your due diligence upfront
If you buy at auction, it’s unconditional. No cooling-off period. Have everything reviewed beforehand so you can bid with confidence.
2. Know the market better than anyone else there
Understand recent comparable sales, the vendor’s likely expectations, and the level of buyer interest.
3. Set a clear, non-negotiable limit
Decide your maximum before the auction starts and stick to it. Often an odd number (e.g. $1,527,000) can give you an edge over rounded bids.
4. Read the room
If you’re in a strong position, stay patient early and make your move late. Let others show their hand first and see the dynamic of the auction room.
5. Or take control early
If you’re not the strongest buyer, come in confidently from the start and keep pressure on with quick, assertive bids.
6. Stay composed
Auctions are as much psychological as they are financial. Keep emotion out of it and don’t reveal anything to other bidders.
7. Bid with intent
Be clear, confident, and audible. You want the auctioneer and other buyers to know you’re serious.

At the end of the day, auctions reward preparation, discipline, and confidence - not emotion.

Humbled to have been named a finalist at the Australian Buyers Agent Awards last night.A great evening surrounded by som...
24/04/2026

Humbled to have been named a finalist at the Australian Buyers Agent Awards last night.

A great evening surrounded by some of the best in the industry from across the country. Nights like this are a good reminder of how much talent there is in our space, and how far the industry continues to evolve.

There is always a reason not to buy property - or invest in anything, for that matter.Rates are rising.The market feels ...
17/04/2026

There is always a reason not to buy property - or invest in anything, for that matter.

Rates are rising.
The market feels too competitive.
There’s not enough stock.
Government policies are changing.
Something’s happening globally.

The list never ends.

There is no perfect time.

We’ve always believed property is a long-term game. In most cases, you should only be buying if you’re planning to hold for 10+ years.

If you’re confident the asset will be worth more over the long run, then short-term uncertainty shouldn’t be what holds you back.

The truth is, making a big investment will always feel uncomfortable.
And a lot of people lean into that discomfort - finding reasons to delay, waiting for “a better time to buy”.

But the people who do well?
They make decisions anyway.

Especially when there’s uncertainty as often that’s when the best buying opportunity happen.

08/04/2026

Understanding the realistic selling price of a property is one of the biggest frustrations clients have before engaging our services.

Whilst we aren’t always able to control what other buyers are willing to pay, we often have a better idea of what the vendor will accept which can save time, money and stress.


07/04/2026

Buying in Regional Australia?

For most people, I would advise to go with a more blue chip buy and hold strategy - however, this can work for a certain type of person.

It can be much riskier though, so ensure you keep an eye out for these things

06/04/2026

Should you buy in regional or blue chip as an investment?

04/04/2026

Many people believe that they need to sell their property to realise the profit.

In reality, selling has many costs associated with it such as capital gains tax, selling agent costs, legals, marketing, etc.

Through refinancing, you can pull out equity to use in any way you need - purchasing a property, car, holidays, general expenses.

30/03/2026

Many people avoid making decisions out of fear, uncertainty and procrastination.

In my experience, even making the wrong decision is often better than make no decision.

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Newcastle, NSW

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