Bringing clarity to concealed sales prices.

Scrolling through property listings and seeing phrases like 'offers from', 'expressions of interest', 'all offers considered', or simply 'contact agent' instead of a clear price can be frustrating for buyers. This lack of transparency makes it difficult to figure out what a seller is truly expecting for a property.

In fact, the frustration at properties advertised with no price at all is consistent feedback clients give to agents. Buyers often report frustration after calling agents and not being given any guidelines on where the property sits on a price scale.

The absence of price information can impact user engagement, with industry feedback suggesting it can significantly influence how users interact with property websites. Clear, visible pricing may enhance user trust and interest.

Strategic steps for buyers.

How to overcome the problem when agents don't give a price guide.

Navigating a property purchase without a price guide is challenging, but buyers can take strategic steps to reduce uncertainty and strengthen their buying position.

Research comparable sales: Understanding market trends and researching comparable sales in the area is crucial for setting realistic expectations. While median values are widely referenced, they don't always accurately reflect individual property values, so look at recent sales of similar properties for a clearer picture.
Know your financials: Have a clear understanding of your risk profile and financial position. Know your borrowing capacity and secure a loan pre-approval. This streamlines the buying process and makes your offer more appealing to sellers in a competitive market.
Use online tools: Experimenting with the minimum-to-maximum price range feature online can assist in providing a general price range.

The limitations of desktop valuations.

While desktop valuations can be handy, be careful not to overstate their accuracy due to certain variables. Desktop valuations are just averages based on an area's lot size, house size, nearby sales, number of bedrooms, and bathrooms.

They may not accurately account for homes that are unique, have views, or don't fit the suburb's prescribed pattern. Furthermore, distinct features are ignored. A significant difference between properties may be that one has been totally upgraded and renovated, with sellers spending hundreds of thousands, versus a property in original condition. This difference is often not taken into account by automated valuations.

We’re here to help.

Buying a home is a financial and an emotional decision. If you’re buying, do your homework on comparable sales and understand the tax implications with Ascent Accountants . You can also consult with Ascent Property Co. and be matched with a home that suits your needs.

< Older Post

Newer Post >

Need help with your accounting?

Find Out What We Do

In Your 50s? 10 Ways to Give Your Super a Boost Before Retirement

September 14, 2026

In your 50s and thinking about retirement? Discover 10 practical strategies to boost your super and get your retirement savings on track.

Buying Your First Home? 5 Government Schemes Worth Knowing About

September 14, 2026

Buying your first home? From deposit schemes to stamp duty concessions, here are 5 government schemes that could help you get into the market sooner.

The New $1,000 Work-Related Deduction: What Does It Mean for Your 2027 Tax Return?

September 14, 2026

A new way to claim work-related expenses is coming for the 2027 tax return — but there is an important catch. From 1 July 2026, eligible taxpayers can claim a standard deduction of up to $1,000 for certain work-related expenses, without having to substantiate each expense individually. Sounds simple enough. But before you assume you can claim $1,000 on top of everything else, there are a few things you need to know. The $1,000 Is the Maximum The new standard deduction is capped at $1,000. It is designed to cover certain common work-related expenses, such as work-related phone and internet, home office expenses, stationery and some travel expenses. You can't claim the $1,000 and then claim those same expenses again separately. If you have actual work-related expenses of more than $1,000, you can continue to claim your actual expenses under the existing rules, provided you meet the requirements and have the records to support them. Do I Still Need to Keep My Receipts? Yes: and this is where it is worth being organised. If you use the standard deduction, you don't need to substantiate the individual expenses covered by it. But if you think your actual work-related expenses could be more than $1,000, keeping your receipts and records throughout the year will allow you to claim your actual expenses instead. There are also some deductions that aren't covered by the standard deduction and can still be claimed separately if you are eligible. It's for Your 2027 Tax Return The new deduction applies from the 2026–27 financial year, so you won't use it for the tax return you are preparing now. It will first apply to your 2027 tax return, lodged from July 2027. Is the $1,000 a $1,000 Tax Refund? No. The $1,000 is a deduction from your taxable income. It doesn't mean you'll receive an extra $1,000 back from the ATO. The value of the deduction will depend on your individual tax circumstances. What Should You Do Now? The best thing you can do is keep track of your work-related expenses throughout the 2026–27 financial year. When it comes time to prepare your 2027 tax return, we can look at your circumstances and determine whether the standard deduction or claiming your actual expenses is likely to give you the better outcome. At Ascent Accountants, we can help you make sense of the new rules and make sure you're claiming the deductions you're entitled to: without claiming the same expense twice!

Bringing clarity to concealed sales prices.