What does a successful buyers agency actually need to look like? For Cate Bakos, it doesn’t necessarily mean building a bigger team or chasing growth. After more than two decades in property and finance, Cate has deliberately built a boutique business that allows her to stay close to the client work she loves while creating the right support around her.
In this episode of Buyers Agent Mastery, Cate shares how she has structured her business around her strengths, including her approach to team building, hiring, client service and her hybrid service model. She also explains how consistency across blogging, podcasting, media and referrals has helped build credibility and attract the right clients.
Cate also gets candid about the realities of the role, from the challenges of hiring and retaining great people to the long-term responsibility that comes with advising clients on property decisions. For buyers agents thinking about growth, this is a practical conversation about building a business that works for you — not simply making it bigger.
Episode Highlights
00:00 — Consistency and Finding Your Voice
01:10 — Meet Cate Bakos
02:06 — Why Bigger Isn’t Always Better
05:17 — Finding Her Path into Buyers Agency
09:51 — Starting Small and Growing Fast
12:54 — Why Cate Stays on the Tools
15:10 — Dealing With One-Star Reviews
18:34 — Managing Client Expectations Long Term
22:31 — Knowing Your Market and Ideal Client
24:13 — The Co-Involved Service Model
30:53 — Building Support Without Burning Out
33:31 — Hiring the Right Buyers Agent
34:35 — Salary, Bonuses and Retaining Great People
35:56 — The True Cost of a Bad Hire
38:49 — Negative Gearing and the Policy Outlook
43:20 — Advising Clients Through Uncertainty
47:55 — Consistency as a Lead Generation Strategy
50:47 — Qualifying Leads and Protecting Your Time
55:22 — AI, Motivation and Why Cate Keeps Going
59:37 — Key Takeaways: Build Your Business Your Way
About the Guest
Cate Bakos is one of Melbourne’s most respected buyers agents, with more than 16 years of experience helping clients secure the right properties across the city’s Inner North and West. Starting her career in chemistry before moving into real estate sales and mortgage broking, Cate brings a unique mix of analytical skills and on-the-ground knowledge to every deal.
She has secured over 2,000 properties for clients and is known for her deep understanding of zoning laws, heritage overlays, and the local factors that make or break a property’s performance. Beyond transactions, Cate is a trusted advisor who guides buyers through the emotional and financial challenges of purchasing, always with honesty and a focus on long-term success.
Connect with Cate
Build a profitable buyers agency - at every stage of the journey
➡️Visit our website
🎧 Find us on Apple Podcasts & Spotify.
Enjoyed this episode? Subscribe to Buyers Agent Mastery for more real conversations about growth, systems, leadership, and what it actually takes to build a successful buyers agency.
