When you’re comparing properties, it’s easy to get caught up in the obvious stuff. Bedrooms, bathrooms, kitchen finishes, outdoor space and, of course, the price.

But some of the biggest differences between two properties have absolutely nothing to do with what you see in the photos. And they can be the difference between a brilliant purchase and an expensive lesson.

Here’s where a little insider knowledge goes a long way.

If you’re in the market and watching the news. Stop it. The watching the news bit. There’s a lot of talk. It’s all pretty dire. “Houses are on fire and only worth $4:50 so you may as well abandon it and go live in your car…”

There’s one thing missing from a lot of the commentary about Melbourne’s “unpredictable” spring market:

People don’t usually buy property because they read a headline and thought, “NOW’S THE TIME!”

They buy because life happens.