“The best chance for a great sale hinges on pushing the boundaries.” - Dino Gatti.
The Agency’s Dino Gatti won his first Top Salesperson Award just four months after joining the real estate game.
Since then, he’s gone from strength to strength, and after 20 years he’s had a hand in some of the Lower North Shore’s most significant sales and become one of the region’s most trusted agents.
In his spare time, Dino has a passion for racing yachts and has tried his hand at basic level motor racing.
Image: "top line racers compete with milliseconds apart lap after lap, the concentration and physical exertion is awe-inspiring." Source: Dino GattiWILLIAMS MEDIA spoke to Dino Gatti about the state of the market in Sydney’s North Shore and Northern Beaches.
What are your predictions for the 2021 luxury market in your area?
I see the luxury market in my area only getting stronger, similar to what we are seeing currently, but maybe without the wild swings. The wealth being transferred into luxury real estate is evident, whether it is owner occupier or for other purposes, it has proven to be a stable and reliable long-term investment.
Image:"The teamwork and camaraderie no matter your skill level is very special." [yacht racing] Source: Dino GattiAre you noticing a significant change in buyers and sellers after 2020?
Sellers who are in the market today seem to be more committed sellers who will spend more on marketing if they feel it will improve the chance of a better price. There is a sense of cautious urgency with many buyers I have met in 2021, they are fearful of missing out but also concerned about overpaying in a heated market.
What advice would you give to vendors for the best outcome?
Work with your agent and trust the process, whether auction or strategic private treaty. Agents sell properties day in, day out for a living, in some cases for over 30 years. The best chance for a great sale hinges on pushing the boundaries, this is what we do. Don’t be afraid to kick ideas around and try suggested alternatives. Communication is very important, explain your thoughts and feelings with your agent.
Image: Filming Mosman property video. Source: Dino GattiWhat advice do you give buyers?
From personal experience on missing out on our dream property only to buy it 6 months later, my advice is to eat, breathe, sleep real estate when you are in the process of buying. You need to feel the pulse of where you are buying, what sales are above and below your price bracket, who is selling, who is buying and be honest with yourself about your ability to buy what you are inspecting. Communicate as much as possible with the selling agent – they need to know everything. Don’t be afraid to have a go!
What are your vendors saying?
Right now: as the market is going up, so is our sale price, and we are not in a rush to sell unless we get an offer well above our expectations.
What are buyers saying?
Right now: we are looking for value and we don’t want to pay more than we have to, but if the right property comes along we will stretch ourselves.
Image: At home, Queenscliff. Source: Dino GattiWhere do you see demand coming from?
I deal with many multi-generational downsizers who own large stately homes to high end apartments in boutique waterfront estates. The demand has been there for years but more recently it has stepped up another level. The tipping point where apartments were selling for more than houses started only a few short years ago, now some apartments are well beyond the reach of house owners who want to downsize into them. Our area is on the global radar, and the interest level is as strong as I have ever seen it.
Around 75% of buyers are locals of the upper and lower North Shore and Northern Beaches, and about 25% are off-shore including expats, and the occasional Eastern Suburbs buyer looking for value.
Image: Wallaringa Mansions Apartment Kurraba Point for sale by Dino Gatti of the Agency. Source: The AgencyWhat are your interests outside of real estate?
I enjoy racing yachts when I have spare time, being a part owner of one is very rewarding, the teamwork and camaraderie no matter your skill level is very special.
I have tried my hand at basic level motor racing, I am a huge motorsport fan – top line racers compete with milliseconds apart lap after lap, the concentration and physical exertion is awe-inspiring.
I also have a love of vintage and collectable cars, and have started my own small but eclectic collection.
Image:" I have a love of vintage and collectable cars" Source: Dino GattiGrowing up in the country on a farm has given me an appreciation for the great outdoors. Having lived in Sydney for over 20 years now, my outdoor adventures are largely spent in or by the Ocean. At home on the beach, my partner and I get to experience nature at its best (and sometimes it’s most challenging). Every day is just incredible, and being able to step out our front door, run down some steps and jump into the ocean is a privilege we never take for granted.
Image: Wallaringa Mansions client meeting. Source: Dino GattiWhat is one thing you have learned over your years as an agent?
In 20 years of working in real estate I have learnt that through all the ups and downs (we work through quite a few compared to many other industries), persistence and determination gets you through every time. I also found you need to be true to yourself and your clients, this goes on to build long-term relationships and friendships – my most valued clients have stayed with me through it all. I also pride myself on being the trusted advisor and go to agent for some of Australia’s prominent business, political and high net worth family identities, where privacy and confidentiality play a large role.
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