When to use a BA?

Sorry @bob shovel, I just metion about my 10 houses strategy in my another post (Use my Equity or Savings).

 

No wuckers
It's up to you, call a ba or two and see what they can tell you
Is a service to assist you, services aren't free but you do get something for your money.

For me I don't have time to play games with agents and want to buy asap so a ba is for me at this stage

 

Hi @dominican

I agree with your sentiment that $11k+ is a bit steep as a fee for a property within in the $350k budget. It is for this reason I decided on a much lower fixed rate service to accommodate buyers within this budget range. You might be more suited to a service model along those lines.

The level of service offered by a BA will vary so it is important to be clear on what is covered. For instance if you are nervous about limited knowledge of the contractual process and the legal steps you might want help with that as part of the BA service offering.

 

Its all about value. If you think there is value in getting a BA for a particular purchase and it makes business sense to do so this time, then it simply just makes sense. But you need to be able to justify it with objective reasons.

I have used BAs in the past and I have gone alone for many in the past too. But on the times I decided to engage a BA, it was either because I was time poor due to other deals, or specialist BA for off market sites etc.

I wouldn't just dismiss engaging a BA because some say don't, just as I wouldn't engage with a BA because some say do.

You need to find the objective reasons, and make a business decision for your next purchase that will have the best chance to take you one step closer to your goals.

 

Using a BA should not cost that amount on your budget. There are a few BA's around who will take on a simple job for less money. If you knew exactly what you wanted, in what area and it was realistic and achievable, someone would do it for you for a competive price.

What aspects do you think you need the most help with?
- working out where to buy/what to buy?
- negotiating?
- physically going to inspect the properties
- working out how to determine the right price to pay?
- working out whether a property is a good one or not?

If you feel you need assistance with all of these aspects then perhaps it will be very worthwhile for you. Each of these aspects can be learned. If you can identify which of them present challenges for you, perhaps we could pitch in and help out with some suggestions on more cost effective ways to get the help and knowledge you need.

 

I think you should be looking at a BA fee of about $7,700-$9,900 tops for your budget providing you are not looking for development or flipping opportunities which require far more work and time to find, assess and negotiate.