Don’t be lured in by “one stop shop” SMSF advisors: REBAA

Investors should seek an independent second opinion when investing their super savings in property, according to the Real Estate Buyer’s Agents Association of Australia (REBAA).

The industry body’s president Jacque Parker urges investors to question advisors offering inflated property values and guaranteed rents.

“The real estate industry has always attracted its fair share of ‘shonky’ selling agents and it’s disappointing to hear advisors accepting kickbacks from developers under the guise of “financial advice” and taking advantage of innocent investors,” says Parker.

REBAA’s warning comes amid reported claims of advisors receiving higher than standard commission payments for recommending off the plan residential apartments as self-managed super fund investments.

Earlier this year, property commentator Neil Jenman told Property Observer that "property spruikers are getting commissions ranging up to $50,000 per property".

Parker advocates engaging an accredited buyer’s agent for a second opinion on property investments. Buyer’s agents do not sell real estate but specialise in finding, evaluating and negotiating property purchases on the behalf of buyers.

 “The old saying ‘if it sounds too good to be true, then it probably is’ certainly applies here,” said Parker.

“If you are an investor who is considering investing your superannuation in property, then we would highly recommend you get an independent second opinion from a buyer’s agent.

“Independent buyer’s agents do not sell real estate or accept any kickbacks from other sources for doing so.

“If they do and they don’t disclose this to the buyer then they are contravening Section 47 of the Agents Act.”

Parker claims that using a buyer’s agent can save investors thousands of dollars.