025: Mark Errichiello of Master Advocates | Melbourne - North West

“It’s not always just a property to occupy or invest — you’ve got to dig deeper. What are the goals over the next five, ten years?” – Mark ErrichielloMelbourne’s inner northwest is no longer a sleeping giant. With major infrastructure upgrades, hospital and education precinct expansion, and steady gentrification, pockets like Brunswick, Ascot Vale, Essendon and Strathmore are back in serious focus.In this episode, Chris Bates sits down with Mark Errichiello, second-generation real estate agent, Co-Founder of Master Advocates, and Director on the REIV Board — to unpack how this region has evolved. From growing up in the family business to building a buyers’ advocacy firm grounded in long-term strategy, Mark shares how experience changes the way you assess risk and opportunity.They dive into:Why infrastructure projects can create both growth and short-term painThe difference between emotional buying and strategic buyingWhat makes heritage homes in Melbourne’s inner northwest so desirableHow to identify true value-add opportunitiesWhy investor sentiment in Melbourne is shifting againIf you’re weighing up Melbourne’s west or inner north — or trying to avoid the “one that got away” — this conversation will sharpen your lens.Episode Highlights01:12 — Meet Mark Errichiello: Second-Generation Advantage01:45 — Raised in Real Estate: Lessons from the Family Business03:01 — The Turning Point: Why He Chose Buyers Advocacy05:10 — Why Independent Buyers Agents Have the Edge06:24 — Melbourne’s Inner Northwest: The Sleeping Giant10:09 — Buying With a 10-Year Lens, Not a 10-Week Brief13:34 — Infrastructure, Risk Appetite & Smart Due Diligence17:58 — The Assets That Always Win in Melbourne30:08 — FOMO, Emotion & “Chasing the Right Rabbit”About the GuestMark Errichiello is the Co-Founder and Director of Master Advocates – Real Estate Services Pty Ltd, an independent buyers’ and vendors’ advocacy firm based in Melbourne. A second-generation real estate professional, Mark has operated in the industry since 2000, with past experience as a Sales Consultant, Auctioneer, Senior Property Manager and Franchise Director.He is a Licensed Estate Agent, Certified Estate Agent (REIV), Accredited Member of REBAA, and a current Director on the Board of the Real Estate Institute of Victoria (REIV) — notably the first independent buyers’ agent elected to the REIV Board in 2023. He also serves on the REIV Finance Risk & Audit Committee and multiple strategic working groups focused on transparency in price guides.Mark has been a three-time finalist (2021–2023) for REIV Buyers’ Agent of the Year and has served as Victorian State Representative for REBAA. Beyond property, he is deeply embedded in the Moonee Valley community, having served as Chairperson of the Essendon North Village Traders Association and an Independent Candidate in the 2024 local government election.Together with his wife Michelle — an Australian Paralympian — Mark has invested extensively in residential property since 2005, with a particular passion for renovating established homes to create long-term value.Connect with MarkLinkedInInstagramFacebookMark’s WebsiteMaster AdvocatesAuction Bidding Melbourne📱Mobile | 0408 988 118☎️ Phone | 03 9379 1919Work 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.