North Queensland's Premier Buyers Agent
Testimonials
Ian & Elaine Rudgley, March 2022
“One of the most important things we were looking for in a Buyers Agent was trust as we were buying from Sydney and had to rely heavily on the experience, communication skills, and local knowledge of our buyers agent and Jennifer met all of these criteria. While we spoke to a number of buyer agents, Jennifer was an easy choice to move forward with. We are very pleased with our purchase and can honestly say without Jennifer it would not have happened. From our first online meeting Jennifer gave us a feeling of confidence in her ability to carry out our requirements. We felt that she was working for us. We ended up purchasing a property in Trinity Beach Cairns and could not be happier with our purchase. Jennifer was even there for the building and pest inspections to give us her opinions. We would have no hesitation in highly recommending Jennifer to anyone who requires the services of a buyers agent.”
G&A Elakis, November 2021
"My wife and I stumbled across the northern beaches of Cairns 9 years ago while on a work conference. From that moment we were both sold on the weather and the laid back lifestyle, and made it a life journey to purchase a holiday home on the northern beaches of Cairns, after countless vacations there for the past 8 years. Although we were familiar with the area, we were not experts, and that is where Jennifer came in.
Jennifer listened to our needs and wants for this property, as it was not going to be used as an investment, but rather as a holiday home to escape the cold winters of Sydney, hence we both were very picky with the type of property we wanted, and Jennifer fully understood that. Jennifer’s in depth knowledge of the region, what to look for and what to avoid in a property was invaluable to my wife and I. Trying to buy a property interstate is difficult at the best of times let alone with Covid-19 keeping borders shut. Jennifer, through numerous zoom meetings, was able to vet through countless properties with us, until we finally found our dream holiday home. Jennifer organised a comprehensive video inspection of the chosen property, and then put it in an offer on our behalf. Jennifer also handled all the pre settlement inspections and paperwork.
We are now the happy owners of a fantastic holiday apartment on the northern beaches of Cairns. I thoroughly recommend Jennifer’s services, if you want a smooth and trouble free process, purchasing property in FNQ."
Lynne and Jim Newth, November 2021
"My husband and I recently contacted Jennifer Smith at NQ Buyer's Agent to help us purchase a house in Cairns. Purchasing an interstate property during a pandemic proved very challenging at times as we were not allowed to travel to view the properties. Jennifer was able to take control of the situation and was excellent in organising video inspections and ruling out properties that didn't suit our needs. She went above and beyond to meet our requirements to find the ideal property.
Although we hit a few hurdles along the way Jennifer made the sometimes stressful events easier to deal with. We can't thank her enough for her time, her understanding and great efforts she put into help us with the purchase of our new home."
Dr Peter Steane, October 2021
"We have used three Buyers Agents over 20 years and we are very familiar with the value-add this service brings. We live in Sydney and sought a property in Cairns. Jennifer has been an absolute god-send in finding the right property for us. Cairns had always been on the agenda, and our search coincided with Covid-19 travel restrictions, so everything had to be done remotely. The benefits we gained from NQ Buyer’s Agent were:
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Focus
It is so helpful to have someone who understands the variables of the regional market in north Queensland, from locations to building regulations to changes in suburban profiles. What Jennifer provided is clarity in finding a home that met our requirements but also enabled us to share our home with family and friends.
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Professional Knowledge
Jennifer provided a range of industry-specific analyses to assist our prioritization of short-listed properties. This knowledge of the real estate profession and her research on changing market trends saved us time and effort and helped avoid expensive mistakes. The provision of customized video inspections by trade professionals as well as multiple property reports provided a superior level of evidence. This enabled us to engage in this search remotely and, regardless of distance, we were provided with evidence upon which to make confident decisions.
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Availability
Jennifer was always available, by phone or zoom and via the NQ Buyer’s Agency portal. This was no ‘sign up and forget’ arrangement. Jennifer returned calls within minutes, and regularly called us with advice arising from her research and discussions in the market. Jennifer was proactive in her advice in providing ideas and considerations. We felt we were in control of the process but had an expert accompanying us on the journey.
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Contacts
Jennifer has a network second to none. She was able to reach out to professionals from across the spectrum to ensure we had the right information in order to make the best decision. Our access to this network from across the trades and disciplines meant that the due diligence for this new property in Cairns has definitely been superior.
There is little doubt in our minds that our search was a success due to Jennifer’s assistance. We are very happy with our purchase and would highly recommend Jennifer and North Queensland Buyer’s Agency."
David Plant, Sydney, Purchase 4 unit block, June 2020
"We wanted to buy a place in Townsville having been priced out of the Sydney and Brisbane market. Came across Jennifer’s website on google, reviews looked good but I was concerned till I spoke to her. She has been very helpful in terms of property (we ended up with a 4 unit as 5 is commercial) , location (especially flooding and less desirable areas) and was lovely to deal with and very quick in responses. She found, reviewed and negotiated the property we went for, and helped with a better mortgage broker. She also helped us get $10k off the house we eventually got so actually paid for herself. Cannot speak highly enough of her and happy to chat to anyone."
Max Burns, Townsville, June 2021
"A friend referred us to Jennifer in late 2020 to help us buy our first home. She was diligent, patient, professional and operated with a high level of integrity. Although we are locals and had spent some time doing research and preparing for the process, her systematic approach and wealth of knowledge was invaluable. She helped educate us about many contributing factors in the local property market; she took the time to get to know us and help us to refine and prioritise important property features; and finally, taught us how to accurately value properties in a changing market. Jennifer attended inspections with us, and for us when we were unavailable and was very helpful in talking to real estate agents.
Jennifer identified various issues with properties that we likely would have overlooked, helping us to avoid taking on risk or making unnecessary compromises. She also checked in with us regularly, helping us to remain positive and level headed throughout the process.
After 6 months, we had an offer accepted on a great property at a price that we were happy with. The purchasing process was stress free as Jen liaised with the real estate agent, building inspectors, and solicitors. Without her help it is quite likely that we would have overpaid for a poorer property in a worse location that wasn't ideal for our current life circumstances. We would highly recommend her to anyone looking to buy a property in the region. For such an important purchase, the investment in her services were absolutely worthwhile."
Graeme & Leanne Howard, February 2021
"Jennifer’s level of service was exceptional and exceeded our expectations.
Jennifer provided an independent video inspection which was very thorough and was the equivalent of looking ourselves. We saved money on travel, and overcame the difficulties of COVID restrictions and work commitments. Jennifer’s body corporate assessment was valuable and left us with no surprises. Jennifer booked all necessary building inspections, cleaning and electrical work. Her market knowledge, in conjunction with negotiating with real estate agents was invaluable.
AND all this was done working within a short timeframe - we could not recommend Jennifer more highly!"
Maree Dibella, Townsville, January 2020
"I enlisted Jennifer's help to purchase my first property in Townsville. I was attracted to the services of a buyer's agent because I was a solo first time buyer, working full time out of the city and unable to make it to inspections and appointments myself. I was unclear about what I was looking for, and Jennifer helped me refine the specifications of my ideal property. I also enjoyed the decision support, knowing that I had an expert supporting me at each step of the process and the peace of mind that comes with the help of someone who knows what they are doing. It was a positive experience and much less stressful than had I gone at it myself. I appreciated having one central contact in Jennifer and minimising my personal dealings with real estate agents. I am really happy with the property that I purchased and would recommend Jennifer's services to anyone in a similar situation as my own."
Martin F., December 2019
"Jennifer was recommended to us by two sources. One was a former colleague who engaged her on two property purchases in Cairns, and the other from a nephew who works in real estate in Cairns. When we decided take the step of purchasing a house in Townsville for the family to use we reached out to Jennifer and we are very glad we did.
Our first learning through the process was that great properties sell before or immediately after coming to market and without someone expert and plugged in being on the spot you miss those opportunities and are left selecting from the rest of the market. We also learnt that there are some significant nuances with buying property in FNQ compared to the southern states and Jennifer was brilliant in navigating us through the process savings us both significant stress and money. I would not hesitate to use Jennifer again."
S. Odenthal, Cremorne, Sydney, December 2019
"I am so glad that I decided to engage Jennifer for my property purchase in Cairns. I simply could not have done it without her. She helped me prioritise the features of the property that were important to me, analysed all of the properties on the market for suitability and came up with a short list. We met in Cairns and Jennifer took me around to multiple property inspections that she had arranged over two days. After I returned to Sydney, Jennifer organized several video inspections of properties which were very detailed and were as good if not better than being there. When it came to making an offer, Jennifer put a lot of work into determining the market value and managed negotiations to achieve the best price. I am sure that I would have agreed to a much higher price if I had been negotiating on my own. Jennifer organised all of the necessary pre-purchase inspections and referred me to a solicitor for the conveyancing. The first property that I tried to purchase turned out to have a major fault in the bathroom but I was able to terminate the contract after the cooling off period thanks to the conditions Jennifer had made with the offer. I am very happy with the property that I eventually ended up purchasing."
Marjorie Savage, On behalf of Aquatown Pty Ltd., VIC, November 2018
"Our company employed Jennifer as a Property Agent, as being from Melbourne we were unfamiliar with the Cairns real estate market. We were looking for a small investment property under $250,000.
Jennifer guided us through the myriad of properties and provided us with fantastic research to shortlist the properties.
She went over and above my expectations with her eye for detail and real estate expertise.
I would highly recommend Jennifer as a Property Advocate; she was invaluable to our search for an investment property in Cairns."
E. Draycott, Glen Iris, Vic. February 2018 - Return Client
"Jennifer first helped me in 2015 with an apartment purchase in Trinity Beach, which, apart from our family enjoyment of it, has provided excellent holiday rental returns. It was inevitable then that I would use Jennifer's services again when looking to purchase another property, but this time seeking one purely as an investment. Jennifer's vast local knowledge, extensive research and impressive negotiation skills, led to my purchase of a low maintenance, highly rentable investment property and I couldn't be happier.
Many thanks again, Jen.
Liz
PS: I am also more than happy to speak with anyone who wants a verbal reference."
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Ryan Mehlhopt, 2017
"I live in Sydney and wanted to invest in a property in Cairns. The first step was engaging in Jennifer from NQ Buyer’s Agent. Although I holiday in Cairns regularly, it was important I had a professional on my side to help me from: “starting to look”, all the way to settlement.
Jennifer provided great advice when I was short-listing potential properties including Crime map information and flood zones that may affect the property.
For me, not having to deal with Real Estate agents was a real bonus, Jennifer handed all of that. Jennifer was most impressive when it came to price negotiation – saving me thousands on the final purchase price of my investment.
From start to finish, Jennifer has gone above and beyond my expectations. Jennifer is excellent and I would highly recommend her to anyone looking to invest in the FNQ region."
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Robyn and Glenn Turnley, Ballarat, Victoria, June 2017
"Robyn and I recently purchased a holiday home in Mount Sheridan. We were delighted with the services provided by Jennifer Smith from North Queensland Buyer’s Agent in helping us purchase the right property at the right price.
Jennifer’s detailed market research and professional advice saved us close to $40,000 at the final purchase price compared to what we would have otherwise paid without her. She listened to our needs and requests and at all times kept our best interests as her number one priority. We knew what we liked but being from Ballarat in Victoria we were always going to lack intricate market knowledge. Jennifer provided this extensively and helped us maintain our objectivity, which can be very easy to lose when you like a particular property.
I would strongly recommend her services to anyone intending to purchase a property in the North Queensland area that she covers. This recommendation is not only for interstate purchasers but anyone including local residents."
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Jason, Meagan & family, 2017
"Early this year we decided to consider looking for a long-term Investment Property in far North Queensland, in particular Port Douglas.
We had a very particular vision in mind and Jennifer helped us achieve this in a very professional manner. We live in Victoria and we are unfamiliar to a lot of aspects regarding purchasing a property in Queensland. From the initial engagement our experience with Jennifer was flawless. We narrowed down a property and Jennifer went to work very quickly researching every component needed for us to make an informed decision. The most impressive aspect of dealing with Jennifer was her constant communication and reliable attitude. Again, we live in Victoria and purchasing this property would not have been a reality without Jennifer's service.
I have nothing but great memories of our experience dealing with Jennifer and would highly recommend her service to anyone looking to buy property in Queensland.
Thank-you very much Jennifer"
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Deb Knight | ACT
"Earlier this year my work moved me to Cairns. I had never been there before and had no idea where was a good place to live. I also wanted to make sure whatever I bought was a good investment as my last house was an emotional choice that I didn't win economically on. I had read an article about buyers agents so went to the website of the national body. Jennifer's company was listed and so I emailed her, and thus began our relationship.
Jennifer was amazing. She provided me with more services than was listed in the package I chose. She was responsive and spoke to my level of understanding, yet never made me feel foolish. Jennifer went out of her way to educate me as well as help me find a good investment/home.
When I finally identified the house - it was placed on the web one night, we drove by the next day (Jennifer sweet-talked the owner to let us look around), we had an inspection the following day and an offer in that afternoon. Settlement was ridiculously easy as well. During this period I was living out of three suitcases, travelling regularly and learning a new and demanding job. Jennifer's support meant I didn't fall apart, as it never felt too much for me - because I was never alone.
I would use Jennifer's services again in a heartbeat if the need arises and cannot recommend her enough to anyone looking to buy in this region. She knows the market and the people (real estate agents etc) very well.
I consider Jennifer my friend now, as I am sure many others she has helped do as well. Looking back on this experience I think employing Jennifer was one of the best investments I could have made."
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S.L. | VIC
"I used Jennifer's services in an interstate relocation to Cairns. There was a very specific area in which I was looking for a home, but being so far away it was impossible to vet properties properly. It came down to two properties and Jennifer quickly eliminated one through problems that were revealed on a check of overlays. She then worked to a very tight timeframe to organise building, pest, pool and pool equipment checks on the other property. I visited the property once, then returned interstate, and Jennifer bid at the auction as my agent. The entire process went very smoothly despite the tight timeframe.
From my point of view, Jennifer's fee meant that I avoided costly mistakes, eliminated travel and allowed for an impartial assessment of things. I would use her again."
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Judi & Wayne Wright | VIC
"My husband and I recently acquired a wonderful property in Cairns to which we will eventually retire. We engaged Jennifer Smith, NQ Buyers Agent, to assist us with the search and eventual purchase of our chosen property. May I say it was the smartest decision we have ever made! If not for Jennifer, I have no doubt we would not have been the successful applicants as our property was hotly contested by a large number of interested parties.
With Jennifer’s assistance and guidance we refined our brief through a process of elimination, this allowed us to hone in only on the areas desirable to us without the distraction of the hundreds of properties that were not suitable. A shortlist, which met our needs, was created, and each property rated in order of preference. Jennifer’s local knowledge, commitment to our needs, knowledge of QLD property law and its requirements was outstanding and made our journey exciting and stress free.
When our property eventually came along we had no doubt that it was the one for us! Jennifer’s expertise, organisation, negotiation skills and professionalism gave us an edge over the competition. Jennifer had every detail under control and was exceptional in her dealings with the selling agent, so much so that we secured a strongly contested property under the asking price and well within our budget. We purchased our property sight unseen (via a virtual tour) with total confidence. The contract which Jennifer negotiated for us was watertight.
Wayne and I would highly recommend Jennifer’s services, her guidance and professionalism during the initial search, submitting our offer, negotiation of the contract and pre settlement requirements were exceptional.
If you are contemplating purchasing a property in Cairns, Jennifer Smith is the edge you need! We couldn’t be more thrilled!"
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Philip Whitmont, Sydney. April 2016
"I engaged Jennifer's services to evaluate a property in Cairns that I was considering buying as an investment. I live interstate so it was not very practical for me to inspect the property personally. I was also conscious of the facts that I didn't know the Cairns real estate market well and that the whole buying process in Qld is somewhat different to NSW.
Jennifer conducted an initial inspection of the property and also arranged for her colleague to make a comprehensive 20 minute video walkthrough. She also prepared a detailed valuation of the property which included estimates of it's current value obtained using several different techniques. Based on this information I requested Jennifer to negotiate to buy the house on my behalf.
I was very happy with all aspects of Jennifer's professional services and found her fees to be very reasonable. I would definitely recommend her services to anyone considering engaging a buyer's agent in Nth Qld."
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E. DRAYCOTT (Glen Iris, Victoria)
31 August 2015
"Due to the logistics of buying a property in Tropical North Queensland from a base in Melbourne, I engaged the expertise of Jennifer Smith.
Jennifer's real estate prowess coupled with her methodical research and negotiation skills were a winner. She was always professional in her dealings, showed a high level of commitment and in general was an absolute delight to work with.
I am extremely happy with my property purchase. Without doubt, Jennifer saved me time and money and I would not hesitate recommending her to any prospective buyer."
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D. MCCARRON | NSW
July 2, 2015
"Jennifer recently assisted me in buying an Investment Property in Cairns. Having never lived or invested in the area before, it was critical for me that I got a sound understanding of the market, housing types and locations maximizing both growth and rental return. The amount of detailed knowledge and information not only of the market but also of the community made me confident in the property I eventually chose.
From initially looking and shortlisting, to placing offers, negotiation, contract exchange and settlement were stress free with Jennifer handling all correspondence.
I would thoroughly recommend Jennifer’s services and I personally hope to use NQ Buyer’s Agent again in the future."
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A. GEORGE | ACT
March 27, 2014
"After searching for a buyer’s agent in Townsville I came across Jennifer Smith. Jennifer had replied to a blog post from a potential investor and her response showed me that she was genuine and open in her willingness to help buyers. Very refreshing to see. After contacting Jennifer and seeing how professional she was I decided pretty soon after to sign up.
Jennifer did an amazing job of hearing my brief, searching for properties, evaluating each property against my criteria and providing me with advice on whether to pursue the property or not. Her independent and objective advice saved me countless hours of my time and no doubt steered me clear of some potential lemons. In the end I purchased a great place in a sought after suburb in Townsville. The price was good and I’m confident that the property will be a good long term investment.
I cannot speak highly enough of Jennifer and her professionalism as a buyer’s agent. If you’re after someone to help buy a good investment property in Townsville I’d strongly suggest you speak with Jennifer first."