Why the Best Property Decisions Start with the Right Conversation

These days, property advice is everywhere.

You can find market updates online, scroll through social media, listen to podcasts and ask friends or family what they think.

According to the National Association of Realtors (NAR) survey data, 82% of real estate businesses use social platforms for marketing which can influence buyers’ decisions when looking to purchase a home. Additionally, 96% of homebuyers now search for homes online. When used properly, social media real estate marketing can reach buyers who may not have been actively searching, showcase homes through video, photos and storytelling and generate further enquiries around a property. Further, the latest data from ING Bank shows approximately 41% of Australians actively follow financial content, which can also influence potential property buyers.

While having access to so much information can be helpful, it can also leave you wondering which advice applies to your situation.

The reality is that every buyer, seller and investor has different goals, timelines and circumstances. That's why one of the most important questions you can ask isn't simply, "What should I do?" It's "Who should I be speaking to?"

The Challenge with Property Advice

Property decisions often involve much more than property alone.

Whether you're thinking about buying, selling or investing, questions can quickly overlap with finance, insurance, legal requirements, building inspections and long-term planning. With so many moving parts, it's no surprise that people often receive conflicting advice.

You might have one friend saying it's the perfect time to buy, another suggesting you wait, and a family member sharing a property success story from ten years ago. While these conversations are usually well-intentioned, they are often based on personal experiences rather than current market conditions.

The truth is different people require different advice and there is no universal guidance. Every household is at a different level of their property journey and require different advice depending on where they are at. Local expertise is becoming more valuable as Australia’s property market is becoming increasingly divided, as markets become more localised, national headlines become less relevant to individuals. As a result, a 2023 PIPA (Property Investment Professionals of Australia) survey identified that 40% of buyers had considered using a buyer’s agent, up from just 10% a decade ago.

The reality is that markets change, lending policies change and individual circumstances change. What made sense for someone else may not be the right approach for you.

Not Every Question Has the Same Expert

One of the easiest ways to make better-informed decisions is to identify the right person to speak to. For example:

• How much can I borrow? A mortgage broker or lender can help explain your borrowing capacity and available options.
• What's my property worth in today's market? A local real estate professional can provide insight into recent sales, buyer demand and current market conditions.
• What insurance cover do I need? An insurance specialist can help you understand your policy and whether it still suits your needs.
• What does this contract mean? A solicitor or conveyancer is best placed to explain legal obligations and answer any questions.
• Are there structural issues with a property? A qualified building inspector can identify concerns and provide an independent assessment.

While every situation is different, the same principle applies: the best advice often comes from the people who deal with those questions every day.

Property Decisions Are Rarely Made Alone

One of the biggest misconceptions about property is that there's one person who has all the answers.

In reality, most successful property journeys involve a team of professionals. Real estate agents, lenders, mortgage brokers, conveyancers, solicitors, insurers and building specialists all play different but important roles throughout the process.

The latest survey from Cotality suggests that 88% of buyers lean on a professional during the process of purchasing a home, but about 73% of buyers still conduct a large portion of their due diligence rather than primarily outsourcing the journey.

Further, in their “From House to Home” report in 2025, 52% of Gen Z homebuyers find the process stressful and 36% are experiencing a long closing period; leading to many new buyers now more eager to have an expert involved during the process.

A real estate professional is often one of the first people involved, helping buyers and sellers understand their position and connecting them with other specialists when needed.

The goal isn't to find someone who knows everything.

It's knowing who to turn to when different questions arise.

When people surround themselves with the right expertise, they're often able to make decisions with more confidence and avoid unnecessary surprises along the way.

Understanding Your Local Market

While finance and legal professionals provide important expertise, understanding the local property market often starts with speaking to someone who works in it every day.

According to the National Association of Realtors' 2025 Home Buyers and Sellers Generational Trends Report, 41% of buyers reported that their real estate agent improved their knowledge of potential buying areas, while 27% said their agent helped shorten their home search.

Property is highly local. What's happening nationally may be very different from what's happening in your suburb or neighbourhood.

Local market knowledge can help provide insight into:

• Buyer demand
• Recent sales activity
• Property value trends
• Levels of competition
• Emerging opportunities

Having access to local insights can help you make decisions based on current market conditions rather than assumptions.

Start with a Conversation

Many people assume they need to have a complete plan before speaking with a professional. Gaining the right information is often what helps shape the plan in the first place.

Whether you're actively preparing to buy or sell, considering an investment opportunity, or simply exploring your options for the future, understanding your current position can provide valuable clarity. Australian consumer advocacy group CHOICE advocates that sellers must research recent local property sales, seek independent property valuations, and compare appraisals from different real estate agents before deciding on a selling strategy.

A property appraisal, market update or professional discussion can help you better understand the opportunities available, the challenges you may need to consider and the steps required to achieve your goals.

Taking the time to have these conversations early can help ensure future decisions are based on informed insights rather than assumptions. 

Making Decisions with Confidence

Property decisions are rarely based on a single piece of information. They are often the result of gathering the right advice, understanding the facts and seeking guidance from professionals with relevant expertise. According to Mortgage Choice's 2025 Home Loan Report, 14% of Australian borrowers felt they had made the wrong choice when purchasing their first property. A 2025 study published in the Journal of Property Investment & Finance, based on 412 Australian commercial property investors, found that property investment decisions are influenced by multiple factors, including market demand, prices, returns, vacancy rates and behavioural biases.

Whether you're buying, selling, investing or simply evaluating your options, speaking with the right people can provide a clearer picture of your position and help you navigate the process with greater confidence.

If you'd like to better understand your local market, your property's current value or the opportunities available to you, a conversation with your local PRD team can be a valuable first step.