Mr Valentine operates VEANDN Buyers, a Victoria-based buyers agency that helps both owner-occupiers and investors find the right properties across Australia.
His journey into real estate began organically, starting with buying investment properties with his partner that they would renovate, flip, or hold as rentals.
“We’d renovate, flip, or hold on to and rent out, or we’d sell it, depending on the market,” Mr Valentine said.
“Then I started doing it for friends and family. So I did that for a while. That’s been the last sixteen years.”
From renovation to representation
An unexpected injury forced Mr Valentine to pivot his business model when he could no longer climb ladders to complete renovation work.
Rather than seeing it as a setback, he recognised an opportunity to continue doing what he loved – just without getting on the tools.
“I basically thought, well, what am I going to do now? And I thought, well, why don’t I keep on doing what I was already doing, just not getting on the tools anymore?” he said.
After coming across a course, Mr Valentine decided to make it official and obtain his buyers agent license in September 2024.
A tailored approach
Mr Valentine’s business model is deliberately focused on quality over quantity, taking on only three clients at a time.
“I try to keep my numbers low each month,” he said.
“I feel that I want to give my full attention to a client rather than having them feel like they’re just another number.”
His clients range from those seeking commercial properties with residential attachments, to investors looking for development opportunities, to those wanting pure rental returns.
For owner-occupiers, Mr Valentine focuses exclusively on Victoria, preferring to meet clients face-to-face for these more emotional purchases.
“With owner occupiers, there’s a lot more heart involved in buying a house,” he said.
“They’re buying their home.”
However, for investment purchases, he works with clients across Australia.
Renovation expertise
Mr Valentine’s background as a handyman business owner gives him a unique advantage when assessing renovation opportunities for clients.
“I have a very good idea of what can be done within a certain budget,” he said.
He evaluates whether properties can increase rental yields through strategic improvements like adding an extra bathroom or dividing oversized living spaces.
However, he notes that most of his clients want to generate income as quickly as possible, so full-scale renovations are less common in his current work.
Building on solid foundations
Like any new business, Mr Valentine’s first year presented challenges, but he remained committed to doing things his way without cutting corners.
“The first year definitely was the hardest,” he said.
“But it is starting to get on now. I’ve got people who are recommending me. So referral is working well.”
That referral business serves as validation that his client-first approach is working.
Looking ahead, Mr Valentine has set clear goals for the next five years, including hiring one or two team members – likely starting with an admin person, followed by someone in the field.
He has also partnered with buyersagent.com.au to help grow his business presence.
A philosophy of service
At the heart of Mr Valentine’s business is a genuine desire to help people achieve their property goals.
“I just want to help people,” he said.
“When you want to help people, and you’re being honest in that, then the business will grow naturally.”
He draws inspiration from observing other successful business owners who have thrived by putting their community first.
“I know someone else who’s been in business for twenty-five years doing the thing that they love doing, and they would help everybody in the community as much as they can, and their business thrives,” Mr Valentine said.
“So you look at that, and you go, well, let’s put people first.”
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