FORMER AFL player turned buyer’s agent Jake Edwards is helping AFL players kick property goals with a string of stars reaching out for help to find their dream homes.
Edwards, 34, who also shot to reality TV fame in 2021 with an appearance on season 8 of Channel 9’s Married At First Sight, moved to the Gold Coast last year to chase his dream of working in the property market.
Former AFL player turned buyer’s agent Jake Edwards is helping AFL players kick property goals with a string of stars reaching out for help to find their dream home. Picture Glenn Hampson
Buyer’s agent Jake Edwards moved to the Gold Coast last year. Picture: Nigel Hallett
His elite sporting clients have so far included Gold Coast Suns players Ben King – who snapped up a Burleigh Heads house in July – and Connor Budarick who bought a property in Ashmore in February.
He has also ventured up the M1 to Brisbane to help Brisbane Lions players Zac Bailey and Ely Smith, who bought properties in Camp Hill and Wynnum respectively.
Buyer’s agent Jake Williams helped secure this Burleigh house for Suns player Ben King.
Mr Edwards, who played for Carlton Football Club from 2006 to 2009, said it was a privilege working with AFL players to help them secure their dream homes.
“Having been in the AFL industry there’s that initial trust and rapport with management and players,” said Mr Edwards, who now calls Hope Island home.
“It’s nice to work with players who are looking into investing into their future and do the right thing with their money.”
Jake Edwards is sharing his knowledge with Ely Smith. Smith is pictured during the 2022 VFL Second Semi Final match between the Brisbane Lions and the Carlton Blues on September 3, 2022 in Brisbane, Australia. Photo: by Russell Freeman
His jump into the property industry came after he last year stepped down as CEO of his mental health charity Outside The Locker Room.
Keen to share his property knowledge, Mr Edwards has taken Brisbane Lions star and property enthusiast Ely Smith under his wing.
“He actually wants to become a buyer’s agent so I’ve taken him on as a bit of an associate,” he said.
“He’s looking, as most footballers do, to have an outlet outside of football.”
Edwards also helped Connor Budarick buy his Gold Coast house. Budarick, of the Suns poses for a photograph during the Gold Coast Suns 2022 Official Team Photo Day in February, 2022. Photo: Chris Hyde
Mr Edwards last year created buyer’s agency Edwards & Mills with business partner Kiana Mills to fill a gap in the southeast Queensland property scene.
“I wanted a clean slate and to get away from the spotlight when it came to reality TV stuff,” he said.
“It was never really on my radar to become an agent three to four years ago but it was a seamless transition for me as I knew how to buy and sell and I’ve always had a big interest in it.
“I’ve been fortunate enough to buy and sell since I was 18 years old.”
Zac Bailey of the Lions is also one of Jake Edwards’ clients. Bailey is pictured during the 2022 AFL Second Elimination Final match between the Brisbane Lions and the Richmond Tigers at The Gabba on September 1, 2022 in Brisbane. Photo: Russell Freeman
Mr Edwards believed the property market had shifted but said he still had buyers wanting to splash their cash on the Gold Coast.
“There are still people coming up from interstate,” he said.
“A lot of them are wanting to buy a four or five-bedroom waterfront house ranging from $2 million to $3 million and they don’t want to renovate, they want it ready to go.”
Buyer’s agent Jake Edwards says his job is to guide his clients on the market and come in tough with property negotiations. Picture Glenn Hampson
He said vendors hoping to achieve prices from six months ago would struggle to sell.
“Buyers are becoming more aware of paying too much now,” he said.
“More properties are sitting on the market a lot longer because of that reason.
“As a buyer’s agent it’s our job to guide our buyers on that and come in tough with negotiations.”
And he said the other challenge was finding his clients the right property.
“Six to 12 months ago you had to rush to buyer a property here but now we can take our time and be a bit more picky.”
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