PHOTO: FILE
📢 Buyers, beware! A leading property investor has sounded the alarm on a shady tactic some real estate agents are using to manipulate offers and drive up prices — and it could cost you tens of thousands.
🧠 Jack Henderson, a 28-year-old real estate mogul with a $40 million property empire, says the use of “imaginary buyers” is rampant in today’s market. The aim? To make you bid against yourself.
🎭 The Trick That’s Costing Buyers Big Money
💬 “They’ll tell you there’s another buyer with a better offer just to squeeze more out of you,” Henderson revealed. “But if you call their bluff, that buyer often vanishes.”
🔥 This bombshell comes after Sydney agent Amir Jahan admitted he regularly uses the phrase:
“You need to hurry — I’m talking to another buyer.”
He described it as a “magical phrase” that motivates nervous buyers to increase their bids — even when no other buyer exists.
Jack Henderson said he has encountered the sales tactic plenty of times. Picture: Instagram/JackHenderson
📉 One Buyer Was Tricked Into Paying $70,000 More Using This Ploy
Mr. Jahan claims he’s used the tactic to drive up offers by as much as $70,000, calling it part of his negotiation strategy. But buyers online aren’t impressed — branding the trick:
-
❌ “Disgusting”
-
❌ “Totally unfair”
-
❌ “Cheating”
“This is why the real estate industry has a bad rap,” one user wrote.
Mr Henderson told Aussies to call agent’s bluffs. Picture: Instagram/JackHenderson
🛡️ How to Protect Yourself from Fake Offers
Jack Henderson’s top advice? Get educated, and go to auctions.
👀 “Watch who’s bidding. See when people back off. You’ll learn what real offers look like,” he said.
🧠 “Understand that agents work for the vendor – not you. Their job is to push every dollar out of you.”
He adds that if you know the market, you’re far less likely to fall for shady tactics.
Mr Jahn’s claim has caused a stir online. Picture: Instagram/MyAgentAmir
✅ What You Can Do:
-
🔍 Research the area before making an offer
-
🧾 Ask for written proof of competing offers
-
🏷️ Stick to your budget — and walk away if it feels off
-
🧠 Attend local auctions to get a feel for real buyer behaviour
💥 Bottom Line: Don’t let slick agents talk you into overpaying. Fake buyers are real — and they’re costing Aussies big.
🛑 Always remember: You’re negotiating with someone who’s trained to take your money. Be smarter. Be sharper. Be ready.
SOURCE: NEWS.COM.AU