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Lockie O’Connell

From Carpenter to Property Expert While Maintaining Trade Career

Secured over 13 clients in 2024 Built a successful part-time buyers agency over 4.5 years Personally owns multiple investment properties that have doubled in value Prior Industry/Job: Carpenter (still working in the trade) Agency name: O’Connell Buyers Advocate Niche: Melbourne relocators to Ballarat and interstate property investment Heritage & Location: Based in Ballarat, Victoria “I…

Lockie O’Connell

Lockie O’Connell

  • Secured over 13 clients in 2024
  • Built a successful part-time buyers agency over 4.5 years
  • Personally owns multiple investment properties that have doubled in value
Prior Industry/Job
Carpenter (still working in the trade)
Agency name
O’Connell Buyers Advocate
Niche
Melbourne relocators to Ballarat and interstate property investment
Heritage & Location
Based in Ballarat, Victoria

“I still enjoy being on the tools but it’d be nice to have an option that’s friendlier on the body. I really enjoy finding someone their dream home and getting them a really good outcome.”

Lockie’s property journey began early, working at a butcher shop from 15-18 to save for his first investment. With guidance from his father, a financial advisor, he developed a strategy of buying properties he could emotionally connect with – homes he could envision living in himself.

His agency helps Melbourne residents relocate to Ballarat, a regional city with 120,000 residents just 70 minutes from Melbourne by express train. He’s developed expertise in identifying value pockets in suburbs like Wendouree, where clients can purchase quality homes for $500,000-$550,000 near areas where properties sell for over $2 million.

“Young families can buy a house under $600,000 in a quality area and might only commute to Melbourne one or two days a week.”

Balancing his trade work with his agency has proven successful, with carpentry typically finishing at 3pm, allowing evening hours for client consultations. His business has grown primarily through word-of-mouth, referrals from financial professionals, and targeted Google SEO.

“BAI gave me the framework to hit the ground running. The Everest program provides accountability and pushes me to achieve more than I thought possible.”

Looking ahead, Lockie aims to service 20-30 clients annually while maintaining his carpentry career before eventually transitioning full-time to his agency.

“It’s a great opportunity if you’re passionate about helping people. If you think it’s easy money, it’s definitely not for you. There’s a lot of hard work and perseverance involved.”

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