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7 reasons to engage a Buyer’s Agent

Secure that property, sans the stress with Hunters Buyers Agents.

Photo by Kara Eads on Unsplash
Photo by Kara Eads on Unsplash

Ok so we’re curious, how much do you know about buyer’s agents? Many of us think of The Block, and assume they spend their days bidding at uber luxe auctions. Yeah, nah – that’s only a small part of the story.

Did you know that irrespective of budget, a good buyer’s agent can add significant value for any buyer, at any stage of the buying process and in any market? And, they certainly do a lot more than don poker faces and speed-dial clients at auction bidding wars. They’re end-to-end property sourcing and securing experts, scoping, evaluating, negotiating and/or bidding like a boss!

So, whether you’re a time-poor buyer, someone seeking their first abode, or an investor keen to add a Gold Coast property to your portfolio, here are seven reasons why buyer’s agents are worth their weight in gold.

Property on the Gold Coast, Hunters Buyers Agents (image supplied)
Property on the Gold Coast, Hunters Buyers Agents (image supplied)

You’re the client!
Unlike a real estate agent who is working on behalf of the seller, a buyer’s agent is working for you! So, you can have full confidence that they have your best interests at heart, with no hidden agendas. From go to whoa, you – the client – are their numero uno.

Experience matters
We look to Insta for style expertise right, so why wouldn’t we do the same with a big-ticket item (okay, the biggest ticket item) like a property? Buyer’s agents do this Every.Single.Day. They’re experts at negotiating, often suggest different strategies, and understand all the nuances and tricks of the trade. 

Photo by City of Gold Coast on Unsplash
Photo by City of Gold Coast on Unsplash

They know the area inside out and back to front
Think you know the GC? Sure, most of us do…but not like these guys. Their local knowledge – applied specifically in a real estate context – is second to none. And if you’re an interstate buyer/investor unfamiliar with the area, a buyer’s agent is a bona fide godsend.

Save time and stress
Those of us who have embarked on the laborious house hunting journey are acutely aware of how all-consuming it can be. Buyer’s agents do all the background research and real estate agent liaison, traipsing around open homes, negotiating, and bidding at auction. Translation, they make it easy as 1,2,3…SOLD!

Gold Coast beach, Hunters Buyers Agents (image supplied)
Gold Coast beach, Hunters Buyers Agents (image supplied)

Get access to off-market opportunities
The intel you’re tapping into when you engage a buyer’s agent is priceless. Purchasing property on the Gold Coast is quite tactical and using a buyer’s agent can provide the edge. Their extensive networks mean they hear about off-market opportunities before us mere mortals.

They’re not emotionally attached
This is especially important when push comes to shove at negotiation stage and at auction. Unlike a buyer who may have fallen head over heels with the chi of a house, a buyer’s agent couldn’t give a toss – in the best possible way! They won’t let anything cloud their judgement or reflect in their bidding, so there’s no risk of an emotional purchase.

Maximise value and ultimately save dollars
For all of the reasons listed above, a good buyer’s agent will get you the best deal possible. Yes, there is of course a fee to enlist their services, but the savings you make along the way will far outweigh that initial outlay.

Photo by roam in color on Unsplash
Photo by roam in color on Unsplash

Cool, so now you know why Buyer’s Agents are actual kryptonite for finding and purchasing property. But with a growing number of them on the Coast, who should you trust?

One name, three words; Hunters Buyers Agents. Sharon and Douglas from Hunters have been in the game for more than 30 years and crikey, that’s like our whole lives (give or take…mostly give…*sigh). These gurus boast permanent purple patch status, with a 100% success rate hooking up clients with properties #CueApplause. Their mantra is “there’s no prize for second place in a real estate transaction” and with them in your corner, you’ll come out trumps every time.

To find out more, head here.

Words by Bianca Trathen.

STORY SPONSORED BY HUNTERS BUYERS AGENTS

Photo by NELbali Photography on Unsplash
Photo by NELbali Photography on Unsplash

10 Pinterest-worthy Gold Coast homewares stores

St Barts
St Barts

Homewares are equally the love of our lives and an unhealthy obsession we should probably nip in the bud. Won’t though, because pretty cushions are life and we’re home ALOT these days.

Not to mention the fact that the Gold Coast is home to an unfair amount of homewares stores filled with absolutely beautiful things we definitely need and will make us happy. You too? Thought so.

Here’s a list of ten local homewares stores to get in your life, next time a shopping spree is in order.

St Barts
From Mongolia to Morocco, Denmark to India and Asia to Africa, St Barts have travelled across the world collecting beautiful pieces designed to invoke a sense of wanderlust and adventure within the home. St Barts opened their Ferry Rd Markets store in May 2010 and expanded their empire to Burleigh in September 2019 (with the neat addition of Next Door Espresso attached) and since then, have delighted the good folks of the Gold Coast with their inspiring and perfectly on trend range. It’s a store you could spend the rest of your days gushing over (and spending up a storm in).
Where: The Brickworks, 107 Ferry Road, Southport and 24 Junction Road, West Burleigh

The Beach Furniture
Unique, handmade pieces in raw, natural colours, perfect for anyone who’s keen on the beautiful, laidback things in life is how we feel about The Beach Furniture’s collection of goodies. Unpolished wooden tables, whitewashed cabinets and consoles and an array of homewares in the prettiest of pastel shades are the perfect match for any home, particularly on the Gold Coast (lucky). No matter what you may need for your abode, you’ll find it at The Beach Furniture and it will be oh so beautiful.
Where: 48 Bundall Road, Bundall and 74 Kortum Drive, Burleigh 

Village Stores
One of the original and the best, Village Stores have been around for quite some time and it’s not hard to see why. Their collection of perfectly Pinterest-worthy pieces will make your space absolutely pop (and be the envy of all your friends). From furniture to photographs and everything in between, Village Stores offer an eclectic range of homewares including tribal-inspired pieces and stunning rattan pendant lights. Oh, and their rugs are some of the most beautiful around too.
Where: Shop 1/54 Bundall Road, Bundall

Three Balls Red
The ladies at Three Balls Red know what’s up when it comes to absolutely stunning homewares, you won’t find anywhere else. What began as a beautiful lighting and tile store in Bundall, not long ago became a homewares store stocking primarily local brands and we are absolutely obsessed. From linen bedding to award-winning leather chairs, art, rugs, cushion, everything, you will no doubt find at least 35 things you want for your home. If you’re not sure what you need, the gals are very knowledgeable so they can point you in the right direction. Don’t miss grabbing a coffee from next door coffee shop Roller Door Espresso!
Where: 2/85 Ashmore Rd, Bundall

Kira & Kira
A game changer to the Gold Coast homewares store game is Kira & Kira (so nice they named it twice) in Miami. The absolutely stunning store is a workshop and retail space dedicated to the design and development of furniture and interior pieces. Each piece is made with the highest quality materials and inspired by a mid-century modern aesthetic, celebrating functionality, clean lines and beautiful finishes. We absolutely love every single thing in there and would very much appreciate being stylish enough to include them all in our home. Please.
Where: Cnr Gold Coast Highway and Kratzman Avenue, Miami 

Trader Trove

Trader Trove
Oh Moroccan-inspired homewares, how you have our hearts (and a lot of our money) with thanks, in no small part, to the impeccably styled space that is Trader Trove. With new and vintage wares, sourced both locally and from around the globe, it is the homewares store of our dreams and there is not a thing in there we would not love to own. Brightly coloured Turkish cushions are artfully placed next to Moroccan grass baskets and beside intricately woven rugs and it’s all absolute perfection.
Where: 22 Christine Avenue, Miami

Maison & Maison
A bohemian-inspired beauty you’ve no doubt wandered past in your travels around Burleigh, Maison & Maison is filled with an eclectic range of tapestry cushions, leather pouffes, carved buffalo skulls and throw rugs. The pieces here are also inspired by the beauty of the world and sure to ignite some wanderlust within your holiday-hungry soul. They want you to imagine meandering through the streets of Istanbul, with a cocktail in hand and tropical living on your mind. But in Burleigh. Don’t mind if we do.
Where: 53 James Street, Burleigh Heads

Emporium on James
Expect to find all the delightful things at Emporium on James. There’s beautiful wicker furniture, Mongolian sheepskin throws, hanging chairs, Maison Blanche candles and the loveliest gifts. All of which will definitely tickle your fancy. There’s also a pretzel shaped bottle opener that we simply must have. If quirky, unique pieces in natural colours and textures are your thing, Emporium on James is the one for you.
Where: 1/50 James Street, Burleigh Heads 

Gather Store
Gather is a beautiful little home goods and gallery store filled with thoughtfully curated goodies with a strong emphasis on raw, crafted and botanical. The gals are passionate about supporting local artisans and brands AND they even have a micro nursery with a hand-picked selection of indoor and patio plants. We absolutely LOVE the range of handmade ceramics on offer and may have quite the collection in our house already. It’s the perfect place to find an incredible gift for a loved one or, of course, to treat yo’self. Located next to Dust Temple, pop in for your art gallery fix too!
Where: Shop 1, 56 Currumbin Creek Road, Currumbin

Salt Living
Perfectly representative of the coastal life we know and love, Salt Living has been filling the homes of Gold Coasters since 2014. With a love of relaxed, beachside vibes and high quality, handmade and ethically produced pieces from around the world, the space itself is all white, shades of blue and golden accents and it’s as pretty as you could ever hope your house to be. The store also stocks some incredible artworks, slides from everyone’s (our) fave brand St. Agni and swimwear by local brand peony. So all the best things. Love this place.
Where: The Strand, 72 Marine Parade, Coolangatta

Words by Kirra Smith

Three Balls Red

5 next-level Gold Coast Airbnbs

65 Hedges Avenue, Mermaid Beach via Airbnb (image supplied)
65 Hedges Avenue, Mermaid Beach via Airbnb (image supplied)

If ever there was a time to explore your local ‘hood and book a little staycay with your other half, your posse, or the fam, it’s now! And the good news is, the Gold Coast has an endless array of amazing Airbnb options to explore. Afterall, we already live in Australia’s holiday capital, so why not enjoy our own backyard….or, someone else’s backyard (see what we did there?!)

Here are five of our fave Gold Coast Airbnb abodes.

65 Hedges Avenue
If a magazine-worthy coastal abode makes you swoon, then call off the search – this one’s for you. Lovingly restored to luxe beach perfection, this classic beach bungalow is a real-life oasis. It features 4 bedrooms and 3 bathrooms, and is located fittingly along the iconic Hedges Avenue. What’s its secret sauce you ask? This (not so) little beauty is built right on the edge of the sand, with direct private access to the beach. The simple and soothing colour pallet of whites, neutral tones, caramel leathers and white linen enhance the beach aesthetic, but with an air of refinement and coastal sophistication. The use of natural oak flooring works in tastefully with the neutral colour scheme, and the limestone tiles give just the right amount of wow factor. Offering the crème de la crème of alfresco living, with the indoors transitioning seamlessly to the outdoors, you can even pop upstairs to the private viewing deck for a sneaky sunset Bellini.
Where: Mermaid Beach, Gold Coast

Belleview on Beechmont via Airbnb (image supplied)
Belleview on Beechmont via Airbnb (image supplied)

Belleview on Beechmont
With 11 bedrooms (yep, re-read that) and 6 bathrooms staged across 3 living quarters; the main house, the guest house and the glasshouse, this awe-inspiring exclusive multi-faceted property sets the benchmark for Gold Coast grandeur. Set on 8 acres, Belleview on Beechmont embodies peace and tranquility, ensuring complete privacy and sheer luxury at every turn! Features include a brand spanking new tennis court, a 25-metre swimming pool, spa, sauna, wood fireplace (toasted marshmallows anyone?) and BBQ with alfresco dining. And, it would be rude not to give a special shoutout to the magnificent uninterrupted views, stretching from the hinterland to the city skyline, and out to the sparkling waters of the Pacific Ocean.

The main house boasts two spacious lounge areas, a piano and a French Provincial-style kitchen, with bi-folding doors opening to the veranda. The 2-level stylish guest house, brimming with natural light, has everything you need for independent living, and the glasshouse (which once served as a chapel for Japanese weddings) delivers charm in spades. Yep, this one is special….
Where: Advancetown, Gold Coast

Outdoor teppanyaki area with cabana at Rivermead Estate via Airbnb (image supplied)
Outdoor teppanyaki area with cabana at Rivermead Estate via Airbnb (image supplied)

Rivermead Estate
If a tree change is more your thing and you have a BIG group (we’re talking up to 21 peeps), then you can’t go past the majestic charm, stately vibes and countryside goodness of Rivermead Estate. Situated on 55 acres of spectacular hinterland, this showstopper is split into the main homestead (6 bed, 5 bath) and a guest house (3 bed, 2 bath, 1 kitchenette) because let’s be real daaarling – what estate-style property is complete without a guest house?!

Breathe in the fresh country air while watching horses graze on the international polo fields, or explore cascading rock pools, lush gardens, secluded forests and winding streams. Stretch out in a sun lounger by the pool or sit for an alfresco breakfast on the white-washed wrap-around veranda. Why not test your forehand on the private tennis court, or burn off those scones and jam with a workout sesh in the home gym. If you’re feeling a titch adventurous after playing lady (or lad) of the manor, book a helicopter tour of the nearby sprawling mountains and lakes. Then, treat-yo-self to a massage and unwind in the hot tub, before a night of entertainment in the billiards room, media room, and palatial bar and lounge areas. Can we just take a moment to take that all in?! Wowzers!
Where: Guanaba, Gold Coast

Hamptons on Burleigh Hill via Airbnb (image supplied)
Hamptons on Burleigh Hill via Airbnb (image supplied)

Hamptons on Burleigh Hill
If you fancy living like a Grayson (minus the outlandish storylines…and the 24-hour flight to get there), then the no-expense-spared ‘Hamptons on Burleigh Hill‘ has your name written all over it. This modern holiday mansion has 4 bedrooms, 4 bathrooms, entertainment on all 3 levels and a large sun-drenched outdoor area with a private pool. It’s perfect for larger families, or for getting the crew together to make some memories.

As you walk in the door, you’ll ooh and aah at the huge open space, luxury furnishings and breathtaking million-dollar views of our famous Burleigh beach. You’ll love the large, sun-drenched outdoor area where you can tap out and catch some zen, while the kids swim up a storm (and wear themselves out – yassss!) in the glistening pool. Then, channel your inner Jamie Oliver in the fully equipped gourmet kitchen…..or don’t, and instead check out the insta-worthy restaurants, all a hop, skip and a jump away.
Where: Burleigh Heads, Gold Coast

Infinity pool at Mountaintop Villa via Airbnb (image supplied)
Infinity pool at Mountaintop Villa via Airbnb (image supplied)

Mountaintop Villa
You had us at infinity pool. Or was it the private hot tub or tennis court….or perhaps the basketball court? We’re not joking – this mind-blowing mountaintop gem has all three. Cue mic drop. Set on 20-acres with 5 bedrooms and 3 bathrooms to accommodate up to 12 guests, it is anything but vanilla. Spellbinding and equipped with all the bells and whistles, staying here comes with one disclaimer: once you’ve experienced this caliber of living, you’ll never want to leave.

Floating over the Gold Coast with unparalleled panoramic ocean and skyline views of the entire glitter strip right up to BrisVegas (and huge windows to drink them in), the property promises a stay-cay to remember. With marble and limestone accents, a wood-burning fireplace, and a recent $1million+ architectural renovation of the entire house, you’ll feel like you’ve just stepped into an episode of Selling Sunset. Do yourself a favour and book yesterday.
Where: Upper Coomera, Gold Coast

Words: Bianca Trathen.

A French pâtisserie and fancy homewares store… oui oui

A selection of pastries made in-house, Cotton Living (Image: © 2022 Inside Gold Coast)
A selection of pastries made in-house, Cotton Living (Image: © 2022 Inside Gold Coast)

Let’s be real – who doesn’t go weak at the knees for a space that combines a French patisserie and a beautiful homewares store? And, the ham on the croissant is that it’s right by the beach. And it’s family-owned. And….look we could go on and on, because we can’t get enough of Kirra’s newly expanded Cotton Living. Jadore!

With a vision to bring unique and luxurious products to you and your home, and treat you to mouth-watering pastries and quintessentially French treats at the same time, this place is the obvious choice for your next coffee date or lunch with the girls.

From the sandy-hued, washed wooden tabletops and extra-spesh white and gold serve ware, to the curved edges and (on-fleek) vertically stacked white tiles adorning the expansive counter, every inch of Cotton Living is true to theme….and beautifully executed. The divine rattan pendants need to be in our kitchens stat…if only we could buy something just like them and wait, that’s right – we totally CAN!

Cotton Living exterior (Image: © 2022 Inside Gold Coast)
Cotton Living exterior (Image: © 2022 Inside Gold Coast)

Exploring the unique and luxurious homewares is equally as blissful as indulging in their myriad of French treats which BTW, is it even possible to eat only one chocolate eclair? We think not.

A trip to Cotton Living just wouldn’t be complete without picking up one of their ah-mazing croissants, courtesy of esteemed pastry chef Loic Trouiller. You might think you’ve had a good one before but trust us, you haven’t lived until you’ve devoured one of their signature parcels of buttery, flaky crescent-shaped goodness. Taking full advantage of the stunning beachside location, you have the option of sipping and eating outside with the ocean breeze or keeping your makeup intact with the aircon inside.

Homewares, Cotton Living (Image: © 2022 Inside Gold Coast)
Homewares, Cotton Living (Image: © 2022 Inside Gold Coast)

Anywho’s, back to the homewares (because, well, homewares!) owners Ben Rae and Jae Saunders work closely with artisans around the globe, and personally source, manufacture and hand-select the majority of their range. This is a huge point of differentiation as you can be rest assured that when you pick yourself up a little somethin-somethin, you’re not going to see it in every Tom, Dick and Harry’s abode.

These guys are serious about providing quality furniture and homely treasures, and their commitment to the cause is clear as soon as you step inside. Their original, much smaller store (sans patisserie) was undeniably gorgeous and a local fave, but this expansion takes things to a whole new, must-see level.

Front counter, Cotton Living (Image: © 2022 Inside Gold Coast)
Front counter, Cotton Living (Image: © 2022 Inside Gold Coast)

So when you can’t decide whether you want to indulge in some decadent French eats, or go hunting for high-end luxury one-off pieces to add some finesse to your home, crisis averted – do both!

Where: 1 Lord Street, Kirra
When: 6:30am to 4pm daily

Words by Bianca Trathen.

Baguettes, Cotton Living (Image: © 2022 Inside Gold Coast)
Baguettes, Cotton Living (Image: © 2022 Inside Gold Coast)
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