Remember that silly game where you had to choose between three people: who to shoot, who to shag, and who to marry? If you don’t recall, you’re not missing much!

But this idea can actually help when it comes to property hunting. Just like in the game, buyers must make trade-offs - because let’s face it, nobody can have it all. Unless you have an unlimited budget.

Here are some key “Would You Rather?” questions I often pose to clients:

• Would you rather be on a main road in Petersham or a quiet street in Ashfield?

• Are you willing to be directly under the flight path in Sydenham/Marrickville, or would you prefer a quieter spot in Earlwood?

• Would you choose a 2-bedroom with parking in Balmain, or a 3-bedroom without parking in Lilyfield?

• Would you prefer a house in Redfern near social housing, or an apartment/townhouse in a desirable part of Marrickville?

• Would you opt for a renovated 2-bedroom house, or an unrenovated 3-bedroom?

Whatever your specific brief, these questions are geared at trading off one value for another.

If you want it all then you just need to come up with a bigger budget!

When clients say they’re “open” to many options, these questions quickly help clarify what they truly value.

If your online property searches span multiple suburbs and property types, it’s essential to get crystal clear on your priorities and how they align with your budget.

To maximize your long-term value, consider this advice:

Shoot: Don’t worry too much about the level of renovation; this is the easiest aspect to change later.

Shag: Identify temporary concerns that you think matter but actually don’t.

Marry: Location is key—you can’t change where a property is situated.

And a friendly reminder from two weeks ago…

The time to buy in Sydney is NOW!

Prices have softened, and it will take a couple of months for settlement data to reflect this shift. Once the media picks up on it, demand will surge, and prices are likely to rise again.