Frequently Asked Questions

Independent Answers to Common Property Questions

What exactly does PROPOHOLIC do?

We are your independent property advocate. We guide people through whatever their next property step is, whether that is selling, buying, styling, moving or renovating, always working on your side of the table rather than the agent’s.

Think of us as the experienced person in your corner: we help you make the right decisions, avoid costly mistakes, and get the best possible outcome for your move.

What is a Property Consumer Advocate?

A Property Consumer Advocate is relatively uncommon. It is someone who advocates solely in the interests of all Property Consumers without being financially motivated by receiving a share of an agent’s commission based on results or outcomes.

There are Buyer’s Advocates and Vendor’s Advocates in this space, however there are vast differences in how they operate, and they are not holistic in their approach to concern themselves with the interests of all Consumers:

  • Vendor’s Advocates are typically acting Real Estate Agents who will refer a Selling Agent to a client and receive a share of commission. This generally occurs when the Referring Agent is out of area, and they will refer into another Agent in their franchise network or group.
  • Buyer’s Advocates (or Buyer’s Agents) will act for the purchaser to secure a property. Buyer’s Agents will take on clients in their target area or out of area in order to receive a commission from the Buyer.

We carry out personalised impartial research on behalf of our clients based on their circumstances to assist them in locating the perfect agent in their area. We do not share in the commission of the Agent, and receive a flat fee from all Agents for saving them the time and money in opportunity costs. This enables us to provide a service with no extra cost to our Consumers and remain objective in our research and fee negotiation.

 

How much does it cost to work with you?

We are paid a flat fee by the agent, never a share of their commission. Because that fee is the same no matter which agent you choose, our advice stays completely impartial. In most cases there is no cost to you for our selling and buying advisory.

Where a hands-on service such as styling or renovation carries its own fee, we explain it clearly and upfront.

Where do you operate?

We work with clients Australia-wide. Our team is most active across New South Wales and Queensland, and we regularly assist clients in other states as well.

Much of what we do, from strategy to agent selection to campaign advice, can be handled wherever you are located.

Who is Nat Gordon?

Nat is the founder of PROPOHOLIC and brings more than 30 years across property, renovation and negotiation, including 20 years owning and operating a real estate agency. Nat now works entirely on the client side.

Known for asking the questions others do not and seeing opportunities others miss, Nat is a regular media contributor on property strategy and market trends.

How do we get started

It begins with an informal, no-pressure conversation about your plans and where you would like support. From there we map out the right approach for your situation.

You can call us on 0489 990 440 or email info@propoholic.com to start the conversation.

Is my information kept private?

Yes. Your privacy is paramount and everything you share with us is treated confidentially.

I am thinking of selling. When is the best time to talk to you?

As early as possible, ideally before you have chosen an agent or spent money on the property. The earliest decisions, such as which agent to appoint and what to improve, have the biggest impact on your final result.

Talking to us early costs you nothing and can save you a great deal.

How do you help me choose the right agent?

We know how agents work from the inside, so we cut through the sales pitch. We help you compare agents on what actually matters, negotiate their fees and commission, and appoint the person genuinely best placed to sell your property.

You stay in control the whole way. We simply make sure you are choosing from a position of knowledge.

Can you really help me get a better sale price?

Yes. A stronger result comes from getting several things right together: the right agent, the right preparation, the right campaign and marketing, and disciplined negotiation. We advise on all of it.

Because we are independent, our only goal is your net result, not a quick sale.

Do you charge me to help me sell?

In most cases there is no extra cost to you for our selling advisory service. We are paid a flat fee by the agent you appoint, never a share of their commission, so our advice stays impartial. If a hands-on service such as styling or renovation applies, we explain the cost clearly before you proceed.

What if I have already signed with an agent?

We can still help. We will work with your existing arrangement to strengthen your campaign, presentation and negotiation, and make sure you are getting the most from the agent you have appointed.

Should I renovate or style my home before selling?

Sometimes yes, sometimes no. The wrong improvements waste money and add nothing to your sale price. We assess your property objectively and recommend only the work that will earn its cost back and more.

We can then manage that preparation for you, from simple styling through to a full renovation.

Do you help with marketing and the sales campaign too?

Yes. We advise on the marketing strategy, campaign structure and presentation so your property reaches the right buyers and shows at its best. This is one of the areas where independent advice makes a real difference to your result.

How do you help people who are buying?

We help you buy well. That can mean guiding your strategy, helping you avoid overpaying, and, where it suits you, matching you with the right buyer’s agent to search and negotiate on your behalf.

As with everything we do, we are on your side and independent of the seller and their agent.

Do I actually need a buyer’s agent?

Not always, and we will tell you honestly. A buyer’s agent can be invaluable when you are time-poor, buying in an unfamiliar area, or facing strong competition. For other buyers, some good strategy and guidance is enough.

We help you decide what level of support genuinely suits your situation.

How do you match me with the right buyer’s agent?

We know the market and the people in it. Rather than leaving you to guess, we match you with a buyer’s agent suited to your budget, location and the type of property you are chasing.

Does it cost me anything to use your buying service?

In most cases there is no extra cost to you for our buying advisory service. We are not paid a share of anyone’s commission, so our guidance stays impartial. You only pay a buyer’s agent directly if you choose to engage one, and any cost is made clear upfront.

What if I am selling and buying at the same time?

That is one of the most stressful moves of all, and one we handle often. We coordinate both sides so your timing, finance and decisions work together rather than against each other.

Do you offer property styling to help sell a home?

Yes. We advise on and manage styling that presents your property at its best for sale, so it appeals to the widest pool of buyers and supports a stronger price.

What is the difference between styling and decorating?

Styling is preparing a property to sell, focused on how it presents to buyers. Decorating is about making a home you are staying in look and feel the way you want it to. We help with both.

Do I have to style my home to sell it?

No, but well-judged styling often pays for itself in a higher sale price and a faster campaign. We give you an honest view of whether it is worth it for your particular property, rather than a one-size-fits-all answer.

Can you help me decorate a home I am staying in?

Yes. If you are settling in rather than selling, we help you decorate in a way that suits how you live and adds lasting value to the home.

Do you manage the whole process for me?

We can. From the initial plan through to coordinating the people who do the work, we can manage as much or as little as you would like.

Can you help with the practical side of moving house?

Yes. Moving is one of the most stressful parts of any property journey, so we help you plan and coordinate it, taking pressure off you at a busy time.

Can you help me if I am downsizing or moving into retirement living?

Absolutely. Downsizing carries both practical and emotional weight. We guide you through selling, preparing and moving at a pace that suits you, and connect you with the right support along the way.

Do you manage renovations?

Yes. We manage renovation projects on your behalf, whether the goal is to prepare a property for sale or to add long-term value to a home you are keeping.

Should I renovate before selling, or hold off?

It depends entirely on the property and the numbers. Some renovations add far more than they cost, others add nothing. We assess yours objectively and recommend only work that makes financial sense.

Can you help with an investment property renovation?

Yes. We help investors renovate in a way that improves returns, whether you are lifting rental appeal or preparing to sell.

How involved are you in the project?

As involved as you need. We can guide you at key decision points or manage the whole project end to end, coordinating the trades and keeping the work on track.