FAQ
Straight answers to the questions buyers ask.
Fees, timing, off-market homes and what AJ does for first home buyers, upsizers and downsizers in Sydney’s Eastern Suburbs.
About AJ
Who is AJ?
AJ (Anthony Johnston) is a NSW licensed real estate agent (REP400090601) and buyer’s agent based in Maroubra. He helps first home buyers, upsizers and downsizers across Sydney’s Eastern Suburbs, has been buying and selling homes since 2005, and brings more than 35 years of experience in accounting and finance.
What does a buyer’s agent do?
A buyer’s agent finds, assesses and negotiates the purchase of your next home, working only for you and never for the seller. That includes the search, inspections, strata and contract checks, and negotiating or bidding at auction.
Which suburbs do you cover?
AJ covers Sydney’s Eastern Suburbs, from Watsons Bay to La Perouse. That includes Randwick, Coogee, Maroubra, Bondi, Bronte, Clovelly, Kensington, Kingsford, Paddington, Double Bay and Rose Bay. The office is at 112 Boyce Rd, Maroubra.
What is the Hidden Home Finder?
The Hidden Home Finder is AJ’s own property search system. It searches on-market, off-market and recently withdrawn homes across the Eastern Suburbs, builds a shortlist matched to your brief, and maps each home’s bus routes, schools, cafes and shops.
What is in AJ’s Property Report?
Every home AJ recommends you buy comes with a detailed Property Report. It summarises what the strata and building and pest reports found, shows where fair value sits based on recent comparable sales, and gives AJ’s recommendation on whether and how to make an offer.
Can you find off-market homes?
Yes. Many well-located Eastern Suburbs homes sell before they reach the portals. AJ works directly with local selling agents to see these homes early, and sometimes before they are listed at all.
Do you give financial or lending advice?
No. AJ is a licensed real estate agent, not a financial adviser or mortgage broker. He works alongside a licensed financial adviser and trusted brokers, and refers you to them for super, tax, retirement income and lending questions.
Fees
How much does a buyer’s agent cost in Sydney’s Eastern Suburbs?
AJ Buyers Agent charges 1.5% + GST of the purchase price for first home buyers and upsizers. Downsizers pay 1.5% + GST to buy only (minimum $20,000 + GST), or 2% + GST for the full sale and purchase service (minimum $25,000 + GST). Negotiation only is 1% + GST (minimum $9,000 + GST). See all fees.
When do I pay?
On every service, $5,000 is paid as a retainer when you engage AJ, and the balance is paid when you buy. The retainer counts towards your total fee.
Is a buyer’s agent worth it?
For most buyers, yes. You get current price knowledge, strata and contract checks, off-market access and an experienced negotiator, which often saves more than the fee and avoids costly mistakes.
Downsizers
Should I buy or sell first when downsizing?
Most Eastern Suburbs downsizers are better off lining up both at once. AJ maps your sale price range and buying budget before either goes ahead, then negotiates settlement dates so you aren’t left holding two homes or none.
What is the Downsizer SmartPlan?
The Downsizer SmartPlan is a personalised plan that shows your likely sale price, every cost of selling and buying, your realistic buying budget and a week-by-week timeline. It gives you the full picture before you commit to anything.
What should I check before buying an apartment as a downsizer?
Check the strata report, sinking fund, upcoming special levies, building defects, lift access, parking, storage and pet rules. AJ reviews all of these before you get attached to a property.
Do you help with the move itself?
Yes. AJ coordinates trusted declutter and moving specialists, paid directly by you, and keeps them on the same timeline as your sale and purchase.
First home buyers
How do I know what I can afford?
Start with AJ’s free What Can I Afford? calculator, then speak to a mortgage broker for pre-approval. AJ can introduce you to a trusted broker so your finance is ready before you start bidding.
Can my parents be involved?
Yes. Many first home buyers get help from family, and AJ is happy to include parents in every conversation, from the first call to settlement.
Upsizers
How much can I spend on my next home?
Use the free Upsizer Ceiling Calculator to see the most you can actually pay after selling costs, stamp duty and the funding gap. AJ then plans your sale and purchase so you move once.
Ready to plan your next move?
Book a free 30-minute strategy call. No pressure, just a clear picture of what’s possible.