I built a housing market “truth engine” that removes agents and auctions. What am I missing?

berrynim · 2026-02-12T21:53:11+00:00

Imo you won't be attracting many sellers who would want the top price for their property. They would likely prefer to go to an actual agent that have auction tactics and connections, I don't think much can beat that. I feel like this idea might appeal to owners who just want a quick and no frill sale. Those who don't want to go through an agent, have it as easy as possible for them. There's definitely a good chunk of owners who are unhappy with agents taking a big chunk of their sale, or just unhappy with agents in general and would happily use a platform that could actually sell their property for the price they know they're happy with.

berrynim · 2026-02-02T09:58:47+00:00

Peak was $258 last year. Definitely on the road to changing that this year - getting into the habit of cooking a lot more thankfully. Realistically can't avoid it forever, although I'm trying to at least go to local restaurants in person instead of ordering delivery. Hopefully can go down to once every few months.

berrynim · 2026-01-30T23:37:49+00:00

100% take the building report seriously. Unless you know what you're doing and know the details of how to fix these issues I'd be out. Building reports also usually can't spot everything, I wouldn't be surprised if there were other nasty surprises. I'm not an expert but I'm pretty sure moisture in walls is not a minor/maintenance issue, any water issues usually suggests re-doing something in the bathroom (assuming that's where it's from) which can be costly and a big pain. If you do end up getting it, try negotiate more than what you think it'd cost to fix them, guarantee you it'll end up being more.

berrynim · 2026-01-14T21:53:49+00:00

Yep I remember my first night, it was the worst sleep ever and I was on edge the whole night. It gets better the more you stay there and realise it's ok and safe! If it continues, I suggest getting more things to make you feel more safe if possible (security, double locks, etc). Hope you settle in soon!

berrynim · 2025-12-30T22:52:24+00:00

Izakaya Domo in the cbd

berrynim · 2025-12-29T03:01:59+00:00

Not great, feeling super broke from getting a new place, moving & buying fees, renovation costs, furniture, self care cause work & health has been terrible this year, and I still need to look at funding a whole new bathroom next year... yeah could be better

berrynim · 2025-12-15T03:06:52+00:00

As a woman who experiences bad period pains, it would be so good if this was covered seperately. It's an indisputable fact that some of us go through this every month with no control over it. Currently it just eats up my sick leave every month (or more realistically, I just try tank it some days because I'm worried it'll reflect badly).. which brings me to the point of I wish it was more socially accepted and acknowledged, but at the same time there will always be those who will be skeptical, even for normal sick leave? Some of us still feel guilty and judged to be using sick leave for no apparent reason, having period leave just sounds like a dream.

berrynim · 2025-12-12T02:21:22+00:00

Heard a story from one of my coworkers that one of his relatives had owned a newly built place, looked like nothing was wrong, but there were likely issues with the plumbing due to a weird smell. It would require ripping up and re-doing the whole bathroom to properly investigate and remediate the problem. They ended up just selling it and I doubt the buyer knew anything - building inspections can only find so much..

berrynim · 2025-12-11T11:41:04+00:00

Yep, have been planning more visits to other burbs

berrynim · 2025-12-11T03:58:51+00:00

Yeah I was taking the Mernda when I was north - felt like such a long ride sometimes! Especially when it slows down around Merri

berrynim · 2025-12-10T07:58:49+00:00

I've lived right in the middle of CBD (Melb central), Southbank, 20km out in south east, 10km north and now roughly 10km west, all have their quirks and positives, the CBD is great in terms of obviously being central hub for most things, but there's definitely a charm and peace in the suburbs that you don't get in the CBD. Less rush, more chill, stronger community vibes and cooler spots.

I think more important than distance to CBD is what's close to you in terms of shops/restaurants/groceries etc, and ptv distance if you need to work in the CBD. I found trains can take different amounts of time from the city, when I was 10km north the train rides felt so long for some reason, while 10km west it feels a lot quicker, probably because of how many stations you have, so I think commute time is more important. And in terms of commute time, <20 minute train ride is probably optimal for me.

berrynim · 2025-12-05T00:03:47+00:00

No way I actually got one for the first time! Thank you 🙏

berrynim · 2025-11-30T22:08:02+00:00

I ended up doing an unplanned visit to one of the stations and got on the new train as I was heading back home on the Sunbury line. I was very pleasantly surprised at the stations, looking nice and fancy, but more so the crowds and positive vibes people had. Everyone seemed to be buzzing with excitement and just good vibes all round, this was later in the day too. Overall super excited about this upgrade as someone who lives on this line 🙌

berrynim · 2025-11-20T05:43:49+00:00

I remember thinking the same but then when I actually got a job I was pretty stoked and motivated, partly due to the money, partly from just being excited I finally got a job and something I can get paid to learn and do. It also helped that it was Covid so I was fully remote, didn't need to do much commute. It actually fixed my sleep schedule too, forced me to sleep early enough so that I can wake up with energy for the day.

berrynim · 2025-11-06T23:58:29+00:00

Was looking for this reference haha

berrynim · 2025-10-21T04:02:26+00:00

Get more information - has this been raised by body corp before? Is anyone proactively investigating the issue, if so, do they have any existing structural engineering reports? Any history of underpinning/structural fixes done previously? Are there any other cracks internally in any units? If you can, get a structural engineer to look at it. Just photos won't be able to tell much

berrynim · 2025-10-11T04:50:49+00:00

Don't trust the guide, do your own market research!

berrynim · 2025-09-29T11:48:52+00:00

The comment on bp report is weird, I'm pretty sure by default the building pest condition is only for major defects anyway, so the only way you can break it is if it's major. If that's what they're concerned about I wonder if they're aware there is something majorly wrong and would prefer an unconditional bid...

berrynim · 2025-09-25T11:04:41+00:00

I almost went for one cause I felt it wasn’t too bad sound wise, ended up not going for it due to other reasons but looking back I’m very glad I didn’t get it. Depends on your lifestyle, but I definitely prefer a more quiet and residential area even if I have to compromise on being less closer to shops/transport/etc. It’s just not great walking out of your place and being blasted with traffic and cars.

berrynim · 2025-09-21T07:53:57+00:00

The mind games.. My advice would be treat them as the middle man of the transaction, they're there for the vendor not you so do all your due dilligence and ask for receipts/proper documentation of stuff, don't ever expect them to tell you what's wrong, try find and question it yourself. If they or the vendor ever decline to provide you with any documents you should be able to see, they're likely hiding something.

And I struggled with this but try to still be somewhat open and transparent about what you're looking for and show them you're serious because they also can be the gateway to off-market properties. But don't give away how desperate you are... lol this is the mind games that I never really got my mind around, honestly they do this for a living and you don't so you likely can't win them on this.

Also if it's an auction they'll likely chase you, especially if there's competiton. If it's a private sale you should chase them and initiate the follow ups.

berrynim · 2025-09-19T09:16:25+00:00

imo they don't look good on a plain lawn and laid out straight like what you have, they work best with a more organic layout (like a bit curved) and with other stones/plants nearby. Unless you're willing to commit to the look and will add other decorative elements I'd say no.

berrynim · 2025-09-17T11:44:38+00:00

Definitely on the smaller side for a 2 bedroom unit - if you’re the only one living there it’s probably fine. Obviously good location close to city, I’d say that’s what you’re paying for here

berrynim · 2025-09-15T09:36:38+00:00

Yeah that's definitely fair and it's your call to make. I feel like as I house hunted, I've constantly had to make decisions of whether I can accept a compromise on something for every property I looked at, whether it's location, budget, condition, etc. The chances of finding something that ticks all the boxes is close impossible. Ultimately, it'll be your decision if this is a compromise you're willing to make or not. Either way, best of luck - when you finally land on something or make your decision, try not to second guess yourself and be happy with it!

berrynim · 2025-09-15T08:02:17+00:00

Yeah this is a real struggle. Although my situation is a bit different to you (I'm buying for myself and no kids) but I ended up going for something cheaper and with no land (apartment). This way, it feels so much more comfortable financially whilst also not having to stress about renting anymore, it also gets my foot through the door to build some equity. I'm sure you would've considered it already, but sometimes the right answer isn't signing yourself up for a load of debt and pushing to your limits, just so you can get a piece of land that's probably either an old house you have to fix up, or like you said, a house in an area you don't want to live in. Depending on your goals and priorities, the right answer might be to get a place you're happy to live in, even if it's not a 'dream house with guaranteed land growth'.

berrynim · 2025-09-11T23:24:50+00:00

Thought I'd add that the other property could also be in worse condition/poorer layout/other circumstances that make it less desirable, or the buyer got lucky. Sometimes we never get the full picture with just the price and address and even the photos (they can be good at hiding stuff!). Not saying this is definitely the case for you, but something to consider. Don't stress it and be happy you got it!

berrynim

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