019: Cathy McGowan | McGowan Property Buyers | Upper North Shore Sydney

“I think we can do better than this property. Let's walk away from this one.” – Cathy McGowanBuying property in Sydney’s North Shore and Hills looks simple from the outside—desirable schools, leafy streets, and strong demand. But beneath the surface, there are traps most buyers don’t see until years later.In this episode, Chris Bates speaks with Cathy McGowan, founder of McGowan Property Buyers and one of Sydney’s most experienced buyers agents. With more than three decades in the industry, Cathy shares how buyer behavior, demographics, transport, and planning controls are reshaping the northwest.They dive into suburb-by-suburb thinking, the real impact of the Metro , why some developments quietly destroy livability , and how buyers end up overpaying for properties that won’t hold long-term appeal.If you’re buying or investing in Sydney—especially the Hills or North Shore—this conversation will help you avoid emotional decisions and focus on assets that truly perform.Episode Highlights00:00 — Understanding the Role of a Buyer's Agent01:45 — Cathy's Journey into Real Estate06:13 — Insights into Sydney's North and Northwest Markets10:04 — Helping Clients Find the Right Property15:05 — Challenges and Considerations in Property Buying17:08 — The Impact of Developments on Property Value19:48 — Common Pitfalls in Property Buying22:34 — Changing Suburbs and School Fees23:39 — Transport Challenges in the Hills26:00 — Community and Family Ties32:43 — Unexpected Value from Buyer's Agents35:08 — The Importance of Good Professionals40:28 — Final Thoughts and ConclusionAbout the GuestCathy McGowan is the Principal of McGowan Property Buyers, specializing in the North and Northwest regions of Sydney. Her career is defined by a unique "triple-threat" background: a double major in Accounting and Finance, years as an investigator for the Office of Fair Trading, and over a decade with the Real Estate Institute (REI).With a real estate license held for over 30 years, Cathy transitioned into the Buyer’s Agency space 14 years ago, mentored by industry pioneer Jackie Parker. Today, she is known for her integrity, her deep network of local agents, and her refusal to let clients settle for anything less than an "A-grade" asset.Connect with CathyMcGowan Property Buyers’ WebsiteMcGowan Property Buyers’ LinkedInMcGowan Property Buyers’ InstagramMcGowan Property Buyers’ Facebook PageCatherine McGowan’s LinkedInWork with Chris (Alcove)Business Webpage Link - https://alcove.com.auEmail - [email protected] Alcove at: (1300 252683)Socials: LinkedIn (Alcove) - https://www.linkedin.com/company/alcovembLinkedIn (Chris) - https://www.linkedin.com/in/christopherbates/Instagram (Chris) - https://www.instagram.com/chrisbates_alcove/🗓️Book a chat with us!🗓️Follow us on our socials!YouTubeLinkedInInstagramTikTokEnjoyed the podcast? Don't miss out on what's yet to come! Hit that subscription button, spread the word, and join us for more insightful discussions in real estate. Your journey starts now!Subscribe on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@street-secretsSubscribe on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/street-secrets/id1837331268Subscribe on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/7sBYmpcuxCYwceQiHdBnaq?si=2Gdl60HRRWCBoUlcBHB0nAThe information provided in this podcast is for general informational purposes only and should not be relied upon as financial, investment, or credit advice. It does not take into account your personal objectives, financial situation, or needs. You should consider the appropriateness of the information to your circumstances and seek advice from a licensed financial adviser, mortgage broker, or other qualified professional before making any decision. Canopy Private Pty Ltd holds Australian Credit Licence 558709.