059: Grant Atherton of Open Doors Buyers Agent | Newcastle

“I just give everyone as much information as possible. It’s up to them how they decide if they want to move forward.” — Grant Atherton Newcastle and Lake Macquarie continue to attract buyers looking for a different lifestyle from Sydney, but finding the right property takes more than knowing which suburbs are popular. In this episode of Street Secrets, Chris Bates sits down with Grant Atherton from Open Doors Buyers Agent to explore what makes the region appealing, where buyers need to look closer, and how local knowledge can help them make more informed property decisions. Grant shares what draws families, downsizers and former locals back to the region, from its beaches and lakes to its lifestyle amenities and relative value compared with Sydney. He also explains why buyers need to look beyond a suburb’s reputation and consider the differences between individual pockets, their amenities, school options and long-term appeal. The conversation explores the practical details buyers can easily overlook, including peak-hour traffic, commuting distances, flood risks and local knowledge that may not be obvious during a weekend inspection. Chris and Grant also discuss changing investor demand, opportunities for first-home buyers, and how some investors are adapting their strategies through dual-income properties and granny-flat potential. 📝Episode Highlights: 00:00 – From Teaching and Ministry to buyers agent 06:07 – How Ministry Shaped Grant’s Approach to Buyers 08:32 – Choosing the Right Pocket of Lake Macquarie 12:02 – The Local Insights Outsiders Often Miss 15:06 – Why Buyers Are Moving to Newcastle 19:53 – Building Trust with Newcastle’s Sales Agents 21:53 – How Cooling Investor Demand Is Changing the Market 27:01 – Finding the Right Fit: A Newcastle Buyer Story About the Guest Grant Atherton is a buyers agent at Open Doors Buyers Agent, specialising in helping buyers navigate Newcastle and Lake Macquarie. Having lived in the region for around 40 years, he brings an in-depth understanding of its suburbs, local amenities, lifestyle differences and the practical considerations that can influence a property decision. Grant began investing in property in 1998 and purchased his first investment property a couple of years later. Before entering buyer’s agency in 2020, he worked as a primary school teacher for seven to eight years before spending around 12 to 13 years in church ministry, including establishing a church in the Maitland area. His background in education and pastoral work informs his people-focused approach to buyer representation. He helps clients clarify their priorities, weigh up competing needs and understand the trade-offs between different locations and properties. For buyers unfamiliar with Newcastle and Lake Macquarie, his local knowledge offers valuable context on everything from commuting conditions and flood risks to schools, amenities and the differences between neighbourhoods. With personal property investment experience and six years in buyer’s agency at the time of recording, Grant offers a practical perspective for investors, relocating buyers and downsizers looking to make more informed decisions in the Newcastle and Lake Macquarie property markets. Connect with Grant LinkedIn –   / opendoorsbuyersagent   Instagram –   / open_doors_buyers_agent   LinkedIn –   / grant-a-7149471bb   Work with Chris (Alcove) 🌐Business Webpage Link - https://alcove.com.au ☎️Contact Alcove at: (1300 252683) 📧Email - hello@alcove.com.au 👥LinkedIn -   / alcovemb   📱Instagram (Chris) -   / chrisbates_alcove   🗓️Book a chat with us!🗓️ https://meetings.hubspot.com/hello-at... Follow us on our socials! LinkedIn –   / 108454250   Instagram –   / street_secrets_podcast   TikTok –   / street_secrets_podcast   Enjoyed 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:    / @street-secrets   Subscribe on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast... Subscribe on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/7sBYmpc... The 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.