Currently living and working in Switzerland, Simon – from Melbourne, was looking to purchase a home he and Dawn could return to in the future. As with all home buyers Simon had a number of preferences and requirements that needed to be fulfilled plus a few areas where he was seeking advice. Overseas client “Search” briefs demand an additional level of service considerations and communication is especially important to get right. With modern day technology, we are fortunate to be able to present properties in a way where an overseas (or absent) purchaser can feel they are almost in the room with you for inspections. Free phone calls are also a great help for the many necessary conversations that take place. Talking is infinitely better than emailing when it comes to good communication – emails, have their place but there is no comparison between the two!)

Our search initially covered several areas but progressively narrowed down to the South Yarra area. On behalf of Simon and Dawn we inspected many properties and for apartments of particular interest we conducted walk-through tours, discussing the property as we went. It also enabled special requests from Simon and Dawn of views from different angles of a property during the tour. After 8 to 10 weeks we successfully purchased a future home – within budget and successfully ticking the required boxes. The hope to have purchased and settled prior to Christmas was achieved. We and the client are very happy with the outcome.

“I wholeheartedly recommend RBA to anyone considering buying a property.

Simply put, with Bruce Renowden (RBA) by your side, you cannot go wrong. Rather, you will come away with a property that you’ll be happy with, that makes good sense for you and at the very best price possible. And you’ll do it with someone who is an ultimate professional, and a real joy to work with.

In summary:

Working with RBA has been one of the best, and unexpectedly enjoyable professional service experiences I’ve had.

RBA is based in South Yarra, but with the capability and specific local area knowledge all across Melbourne.

The details – experiences and highlights:

1- Knowledgable and connected: Bruce is with you at each step (this was especially important for us since we were first-time buyers).

⁃ He is incredibly knowledgeable, with decades of experience in the industry (we saw the value of this first hand in the search, with Bruce bidding for us at auction and ultimately in a private sale process)

⁃ You will have access to off market properties, together with his practical sense of what properties really fit the bill (vs. those that don’t)

⁃ Bruce maintains an invaluable network of industry connections developed over many years, and which are current and influential

2- Personalised and structured: Bruce adopts a customised, personal and structured approach to the mission. He is clear, logical and understanding of your needs and individual circumstances.

– For example with explaining why a particular place is or isn’t worth pursuing, how best to go for something of interest, and actually with every part of the process

3- Tenacious and comforting: With Bruce, you feel in safe hands – navigating through any twists and turns.

– Bruce really listens to you, spending time to get to know what you are after

– In my case, there were the added challenges of being overseas with an 8 hour time difference (Bruce helpfully live streamed video tours for us), and working with someone (me) who had no prior experience, no fixed idea of location, and some fairly particular criteria (including some that even I didn’t realise I had until Bruce helped me really figure them out)

4- Well-managed and accommodating communication: RBA and Bruce will always know and keep you informed of what’s going on. His communications were frequent, easy and always clear.

⁃ You will be part of it all, but with Bruce also working hard behind the scenes, coming up with ´outside-the-box ideas’ and filtering through many properties

5- You will be guided but not pressured: Bruce ensures that a proven process is followed, which is both focussed and efficient. It is also without any sense of pressure to go in any direction that’s uncomfortable.

6- Tests your preconceptions: Bruce may frankly challenge your thinking sometimes – which is particularly valuable, in your interest, and ultimately helps to make sure you will be satisfied with the outcome.

7- Finally, working with Bruce is really fun! The sort of person you will be happy has come into your life 😊

Thank you RBA and Bruce! 🦞    Simon (Switzerland)    Google