I personally went up to Brisbane and "interviewed" six different agencies for my SE Qld properties and for my Logan property I decided on Pure Rentals. They charge a very competitive flat management rate are friendly, on the ball and knowledgeable. Katie manages my property and she is fantastic. 

Good luck!

I've read a number of books and articles that say you should always at least ask the question to a prospective broker whether they are willing to refund a part of their commission. As they are all well aware, the best commission and their long term income is provided by the trailing commission and whilst I personally would never ask to garnish that, I don't see a problem with asking for a part of the upfront commission back to cover some of your own costs, particularly if you are planning on putting a substantial amount of business through them.

For a referral, I would say this could also apply. There are also many brokers out there who will sacrifice a small percentage of their up front commission for referrals because it's better to get smaller percentage of something than nothing at all – and they will still get the trail. If you bring them business they otherwise wouldn't have, I would suggest that's worth something. If showing some gratitude for bringing them business by refunding you some commission turns the relationship sour or lowers their standard of service, then I would suggest they are not the right broker for you regardless.

I was recently searching for a new broker and put this question to a few out there. Some said no but I found a couple that did, I chose one and have subsequently put about $3million worth of loans (both from my own purchases and referrals) through him in the space of two months with many more to come given my circumstances. I would say it was a smart decision on his part to sacrifice a small percentage of his up front commission for that kind of business. I get no referral commission at all – I refer people to him because he's an excellent broker and his future clients also get the benefit of a small refund. I've dealt with a number of brokers in the past and I can assure you that I haven't found one as good as this guy to date.

No broker on this forum is going to encourage you to ask them to give you some money back from a deal and although my reply is not going to be popular with some on here, I am sure they are still fantastic brokers. However, if you can get the same service and some of the commission back, why wouldn't you choose that option? Just ask the question.

Good luck with your search.

Tonight on 60 minutes there was a segment on property prices dropping by up to 40% within the next few years. How do you rate these kind of comments with the current situation? I can foresee further price drops, and although I'm no expert, it does seem a little drastic to throw around figures of 40%. Thoughts?