G'day Mal James. Off Markets $4M-$65M
Maybe you’re here because you met me at an open and you’re trying to figure out who I am, why I am different and how I can help you.
I am a licensed buy and sell advocate and agent with 25 years of experience in Melbourne’s top-end market.
Over the years, I’ve been putting together 1500+ deals ranging from $4M to $65M, primarily in Inner, Eastern, and Bayside Melbourne. Much of my work happens behind the scenes, often through collaboration with other selling agencies. You won’t often see my name—or my clients’—in the papers, and that’s intentional for privacy reasons.
I focus on private inspections, off-market opportunities, and developing real strategies for both buyers and sellers. Many of the best homes don’t end up in flashy auctions, and I’m here to guide my clients through those discreet but significant opportunities, whether buying or selling or buying and selling.
I believe in the power of collaboration, shared values, and maintaining a respectful, timely, strategic approach. It works, and I’m here to make it work for you.
Love getting out of bed most days, going for a swim in the bay or a walk in the mountains, some Tai Chi, a coffee and chat with my mate of 50 something years, check my grown up children haven’t sent me a request for more money or time before heading into …well it’s not a job, it’s a lifestyle…. heading into James Buy Sell and Shelter By The Bay.
- Wrote for The Age Melbourne Weekly for 4 years and marketnews.com.au since 2006.
- Travel to Africa regularly on our morechildsurgeries work. Favourites are Everest, Kilimanjaro, Patagonia, Kokoda.
- Believe in helping those in our local community who are homeless and have been involved in substantial projects in the 70s and 80s and again since 2006 to now. Most recently in other agent foundations Marshall White and Shelter.
- Camberwell Grammar (1976). Diploma from Swinburne (2002) and face to face Masters Degree RMIT (2024)
- Divorced, lead a single life with 3 adult (ha) children and I see myself as a happy and grateful person.
- Spiritually I believe in the goodness of us all and a Vietnamese Buddhist monastery in France is a favourite sojourn.
My goals are simple and been with me for many years
- Make a positive difference with people to help others.
- Do unto others as I would want done to me and my family and
- Be balanced, follow a middle way, have fun and keep going.
Above are my business partners Sim, Zali, Danny and Brett who I love to work with.
Don't hate agents, I am one, as well as an advocate. I like to collaborate where possible.
Worked with many as a buyer advocate and conjunctional seller advocate, as well as on the opposing side of, these great agencies to buy and/or sell.
Happy to be tough if someone wants it, up for it. But for me win-win and expanding the pie is my preferred way of dealing, be I the buyer advocate or on the other side as a selling agent. Everyone has their truth……sincere ones work best.
Quietly we acted as the buyer advocate on 9 Towers, then a Victoria record!
What is the most interesting property you’ve ever sold Marcus?
The most interesting property I’ve ever sold was 9 Towers Road, Toorak, in 2016 which at the time set the Victorian record – a little over $26 million. It was designed by Wood Marsh architects and it was so unique. There will never, ever be another one of these again. It was like a sculpture that you lived in.
[The home was sold by Daniel and Danielle Besen]
Quietly we were
Buyer Advocate 2013 Seller Advocate 2022
Quietly we sourced and bought
Quietly we were
Buyer Advocate 2016 Seller Advocate 2023
Can we help you?
Enough of me, what about you?
Please tell me about yourself on the form below if you feel we can help and I will get back to you as soon as I can for a chat.
Believe in private inspections more so than OFI's
- Act for either a buyer or a seller but never both sides in the same transaction.
- Like to buy A-Grade PPPs, that is quality Position, Property and Price. That’s not always easy to tell at the Top End.
- Like to sell to the right buyer, whenever that may be. Respect, patience and belief in the home and price are my keys.
Focus on buyers
Whether buying or selling, my focus remains on the buyer—whether it’s working directly for the buyer or representing the seller. It’s always made clear who is being represented, with transparency being key.
Providing buyers with the time they need, offering additional appointments to fully experience the home, and assisting with due diligence is essential. If requested, guidance through the negotiation process ensures a smooth experience.
People don’t want to feel unnecessary pressure; they want time, care, and understanding, and they’re willing to pay for that level of service. This level of attention is possible by maintaining a narrow focus on what buyers truly value.
What do we do when you engage us?
- Liaising with professionals finance, mortgage, architects, builders, settlement.
- Full Service – long-term planning & market conditions
- Pre Sale presentation Options that make a difference
- Values. Asking Price. Underquoting.
- Detailed Market Analysis (free Marketnews)
- Methods of sale options: EOI v Others
- Look at homes on your behalf
- Take a detailed brief
- Search for homes off-market (knock on doors)
- Provide “realistic” values
- Offer Levels, Bidding at Auction and EOI
- Deal with Selling Agents – so you don’t
- Liaise with inspectors, planners, architects
- Listen and provide alternatives
- Say No, if no if your best answer
- Provide detailed buyer analysis through James Ratings
Who engages our team?
- Medical Professionals time poor
- Overseas / Interstate clients – eyes on the ground
- Financial and Legal professionals – better deal
- Older People needing care and trust
- People who feel uncomfortable with agents
Contact me if I can help - thank you!
- Email:
mal@james.net.au - Text, phone or leave a message 24/7:
0408107988