Hi wealth4life,

I looked into buying in Perth, met with buyers agents, but for the same amount of money and the distance from CBD, I could only get townhouse or villa with no option for value adding in the future. Hoping for the capital growth only was not the option. As far Carina Heights is concern, I couldn't find a free standing house for sale under $500K last time I checked on the net (only townhouses).
To answer god-of-money,I don't think that all buyers agents in Australia are spruikers. They simply provide the service for a fee. At least they are working for me, not the seller. I might be inexperienced or naive, time will tell if I made the right decision.
As stated before, I didn't want the hustle and time spend to find the right property, hence I was prepared to pay for it.

Warm regards

Greg

Hi,
I didn't realised that my post will generate so many questions. I will do my best to answer them all.
Metropole fees: one of strategy fee $1000 (doesn't apply to future property purchases) and 2.5% buyers commisison.
Property was second hand, in Carina Hights, bildding inspection revealed repairs to the roof and gutters for which Metropole organised the deduction from seller to pay for it. From many pictures and agent's thorough inspection property looked good for the age. Painting was recommended by the agent, quotes provided. Property was listed by another agent. Metropole agent inspected the property one day before its listing on the internet. He recommended the price for the offer and the terms of the offer. The first two attempts on other properties, we were outbid by higher offers. It took 3-4 weeks to find the property, but that can vary. The agent was a senior adviser with more than 10 years experience in Brisbane realestate (not sure about the certificate?), in my humble and inexperience opinion, very knowledgeable.
I don't have any other connection with Metropole and my testimonial is totally unsolicited! I have attended their presentation in Perth and after some deliberations decided to give them a go.
Metropole are the property managers and so far I thing an excellent one.
 The Metropole's concept of the total package (were I didn't need to do anything) did appeal to me and I was prepared to pay for it. That obviously my not be suitable for everyone. I am quite sure that if my property is going to perform well and be well managed, I will use the Metropole for the future IP's purchases (on which I am sure they counting on and should have a vested interest to provide me with a good service).
I hope I managed to answer most of the questions.

Warm regards,

Greg Rochowczyk

Hi,
Chan & Naylor would fit your requested profile.

Cheers Greg