The Elephant In The Room Property Podcast | Inside Australian Real Estate

Australia's housing market is in turmoil, but can it be fixed? In this episode, we sit down with respected financial journalist Alan Kohler to delve into the roots of this ongoing crisis and explore potential solutions. Alan shares his insights on why first-time home buyers today face far greater challenges than those in previous generations and how the housing sector has become a critical pillar of Australia's economy, unlike in many other nations. We also dive into Alan's provocative assertion that housing wealth is both “meaningless and destructive.” What does he mean by this? How can something that seems so vital to our financial security be harmful in the long run? Alan unpacks a fresh perspective on the true cost of our housing obsession. His unique take on the interplay between housing and the economy provides valuable insights for anyone concerned about the future of homeownership and economic stability in Australia. This episode is essential listening for those looking to understand the broader implications of our housing policies and what changes are needed to secure a more equitable future. So tune in now! Episode Highlights: 00:00 - Introduction 01:05 - Who is Alan Kohler 01:35 - Has alan shifted his stance on the housing affordability issue? 04:32 - The societal impact of high house prices on the market 14:11 - How are zoning changes impacting the marginal buyer in real estate? 18:18 - Will setting development targets & rezoning lands be enough to address housing needs 24:17 - Is the current housing allocation system inefficient? 26:47 - Is it easier for politicians to pass policies for investors rather than homeowners? 30:56 - Do recent tenancy reforms fail to balance support for tenants and landlord flexibility? 35:40 - Is investing in property part of the Australian national psyche? 38:51 - How Alan's research impacted his perspective on future growth or risks 43:18 - Why encourage build-to-rent over build-to-sell? 47:24 - Is there a relationship between the lack of a recession and house price growth? 53:37 - Housing wealth is both “meaningless and destructive” 55:32 - Alan Kohler’s property dumbo About Our Guest: Alan Kohler is one of Australia's most experienced commentators and journalists, a television personality, and a former newspaper editor. He is the former editor of The Australian Financial Review and The Age, and was business and economics editor of The 7.30 Report. In addition to being CEO of Eureka Report and Business Spectator, Alan is the finance presenter on ABC News and host of Inside Business on ABC TV. Resources: Visit our website https://www.theelephantintheroom.com.au If you have any questions or would like to be featured on our show, contact us at: The Elephant in the Room Property Podcast - questions@theelephantintheroom.com.au Looking for a Sydney Buyers Agent? https://www.gooddeeds.com.au Work with Veronica: https://www.veronicamorgan.com.au Looking for a Mortgage Broker? https://www.blusk.au Work with Chris: hello@blusk.au 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: https://www.youtube.com/@theelephantintheroom-podcast Subscribe on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/ph/podcast/the-elephant-in-the-room-property-podcast/id1384822719 Subscribe on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/3Ge1626dgnmK0RyKPcXjP0?si=26cde394fa854765 See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Are short-term rental platforms like Airbnb contributing to the worsening of the housing affordability crisis by reducing the availability of long-term rental properties? This shift towards short-term rentals makes it increasingly difficult for people to find affordable homes, driving up rental prices and increasing housing instability for vulnerable populations. Join us as Karl Fitzgerald, founder and director of Grounded, brings his extensive research to the table. Karl talks about how Airbnb and similar platforms impact housing markets, particularly in regional areas, and offer insightful solutions based on his findings. Tune in to explore the intersection of short-term rentals and housing policy, and discover innovative community-driven solutions that could help address the housing crisis while balancing the needs of both tourists and residents. Episode Highlights: 00:00 - Introduction 01:12 - Who is our guest for today? 06:04 - How Karl responded to the shift in rental proportions 07:50 - Is it possible to measure long-term rentals converted to short-term? 11:08 - Do short-term rental limits create property scarcity unintentionally? 17:37 - How does car-based and/or public transport influence short-term rental markets? 22:19 - How are communities still functioning when core workers can’t find housing? 23:31 - Is the housing shortage phenomenon unique to Australia? 26:44 - Has the report's media attention resulted in any significant change? 28:39 - How does a community land trust work? 35:28 - Are community land trusts already operational in Australia? 44:18 - Karl Fitzgerald’s property dumbo About Our Guest: Karl Fitzgerald, founder and Director of Grounded, is an economist with a distinguished background as the former Director of Research at Prosper Australia. Over 18 years, he led research on speculative investment and housing affordability, including directing the Speculative Vacancy reports that contributed to the Victorian Vacancy Tax. Karl also championed Victoria’s Rezoning Windfall Gains Tax to reinvest rezoning profits into community infrastructure. His 2022 report challenged the belief that increasing housing supply alone improves affordability. Karl advocates for Community Land Trusts as a community-led alternative to current housing models, emphasizing equity and justice. Connect with Karl Fitzgerald: Website https://grounded.org.au/ Instagram https://www.linkedin.com/in/karl-fitzgerald/ Resources: Visit our website https://www.theelephantintheroom.com.au If you have any questions or would like to be featured on our show, contact us at: The Elephant in the Room Property Podcast - questions@theelephantintheroom.com.au Looking for a Sydney Buyers Agent? https://www.gooddeeds.com.au Work with Veronica: https://www.veronicamorgan.com.au Looking for a Mortgage Broker? https://www.blusk.au Work with Chris: hello@blusk.au 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: https://www.youtube.com/@theelephantintheroom-podcast Subscribe on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/ph/podcast/the-elephant-in-the-room-property-podcast/id1384822719 Subscribe on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/3Ge1626dgnmK0RyKPcXjP0?si=26cde394fa854765 See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Are you grappling with decisions about your investment property? In this episode, we dive into a range of listener questions to provide the insights you need. We’ll explore the impact of land tax variations across different states and discuss the pros and cons of buying in A-grade versus B-grade suburbs. Our discussion also touches on the reasons behind the surge in properties for sale in lifestyle areas post-COVID, shedding light on the market dynamics at play. We tackle the tough decision of whether to sell an investment property to upgrade your primary home, providing practical advice to help you weigh your options. Additionally, we answer a listener’s question about how land tax changes affect traditional holiday destinations, offering a fresh perspective on generational property sales and their social impacts. To round out the episode, we share a “listener Dumbo” segment, highlighting lessons learned from real-life property decisions. Tune in for a comprehensive yet concise discussion that will help you navigate the complexities of property investment with confidence. Episode Highlights: 00:00 - Introduction 01:20 - Why are so many properties for sale in holiday destination markets? 07:23 - What negative gearing reforms could balance investor interests and housing affordability? 17:56 - Fact check regarding the heritage status and development in Edgecliff 22:50 - Should I invest in property outside Victoria due to land tax? 31:04 - Which is wiser: A-grade home in a B-grade area or vice versa? 50:00 - Listener dumbo Resources mentioned in this episode: The Elephant in the Room Property Podcast Ep 330: What’s Behind Melbourne’s Unusual Property Market Behaviour? https://www.theelephantintheroom.com.au/podcasts/330 The Elephant in the Room Property Podcast Ep 333: Is Increased Housing Supply the Real Solution to this Housing Crisis? http://www.theelephantintheroom.com.au/podcasts/333 Resources: Visit our website https://www.theelephantintheroom.com.au If you have any questions or would like to be featured on our show, contact us at: The Elephant in the Room Property Podcast - questions@theelephantintheroom.com.au Looking for a Sydney Buyers Agent? https://www.gooddeeds.com.au Work with Veronica: https://www.veronicamorgan.com.au Looking for a Mortgage Broker? https://www.blusk.au Work with Chris: hello@blusk.au 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: https://www.youtube.com/@theelephantintheroom-podcast Subscribe on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/ph/podcast/the-elephant-in-the-room-property-podcast/id1384822719 Subscribe on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/3Ge1626dgnmK0RyKPcXjP0?si=26cde394fa854765 See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Are you curious about how demographic changes will shape the property market in the coming decade?  In this episode, we chat with Simon Kuestenmacher from The Demographic Group to dive into the evolving trends in wealth transfer and their impact on housing. Simon gives us some great insights into the demographic factors affecting today’s wealth transfer, exploring how predictable these shifts are and how major events like COVID-19 change market dynamics. We talk about how baby boomers handle inheritance differently based on their experiences and how this intergenerational wealth transfer impacts the property market over the next decade. We also touch on the broader economic effects of demographic trends, like their impact on interest rates and wage demands in a tight labor market. Simon shares his take on the government’s ambitious goal of creating 1.2 million dwellings in five years and how that’s going. Plus, we explore how elderly home preferences influence property challenges and the ongoing debate about different work arrangements in Australia. Join us for this engaging chat that unpacks the future of property demographics and gives you a solid understanding of the factors that shape the market in the years to come. Episode Highlights: 00:00 - Introduction 01:10 - Who is Simon Kuestenmacher? 02:09 - What are the demographic insights on today's wealth transfer and its predictability? 03:55 - Are demographic trends and major events like COVID-19 influencing market dynamics? 06:12 - Have baby boomers started giving inheritance sooner due to their own experiences? 15:45 - The impact of demographic trends on interest rates in Australia 18:32 - How does inflation influence wage demands when labor is scarce? 21:41 - How intergenerational wealth transfer is likely to impact the property market 26:40 - Current state & future trajectory of the debate surrounding different work arrangements 31:52 - How can Australia address the workforce shortage linked to its aging demographic? 39:31 - Simon's stand on the bold policies being implemented in New South Wales 46:10 - How is the government’s target of 1.2 million dwellings in 5 years tracking? 53:04 - What impact does elderly home preference have on property challenges? About Our Guest: Simon Kuestenmacher is a Co-Founder of The Demographics Group together with Bernard Salt. The group provides specialist advice on demographic, consumer, and social trends.  Simon writes a weekly column for The New Daily and a monthly column for The Australian newspaper. He is a thought after media commentator on demographic matters.  In his spare time Simon has authored three books on maps and runs what is by now the world’s largest Twitter account dedicated to maps and data. His social media posts reach over 25 million people every month. Simon ranks as one of the world’s top 10 influencers in data.  Connect with Simon Kuestenmacher: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/simonkuestenmacher/ Instagram https://www.instagram.com/simongerman600/ Website https://www.tdgp.com.au/ Resources: Visit our website https://www.theelephantintheroom.com.au If you have any questions or would like to be featured on our show, contact us at: The Elephant in the Room Property Podcast questions@theelephantintheroom.com.au Looking for a Sydney Buyers Agent? https://www.gooddeeds.com.au Work with Veronica: https://www.veronicamorgan.com.au Looking for a Mortgage Broker? https://www.blusk.au Work with Chris: hello@blusk.au 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: https://www.youtube.com/@theelephantintheroom-podcast Subscribe on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/ph/podcast/the-elephant-in-the-room-property-podcast/id1384822719 Subscribe on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/3Ge1626dgnmK0RyKPcXjP0?si=26cde394fa854765 See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Have you ever wondered if there’s a need for vendor advocates or if it’s just another money grab by some players in the real estate industry? Vendor advocacy is a term you may not have heard before, but it’s a service that’s gaining popularity. A vendor’s advocate is an advisor engaged by a person selling their property to help them choose a selling agent to make the selling process easier. Think of them as an agent whisperer. In today's episode, we explore how vendors might benefit the most from engaging a vendor’s advocate and discuss the skills and experience these advocates should possess to ensure they’re qualified for the job. We also dive into the necessity of vendor advocates, weighing the genuine need against potential profit motives within the industry. If you’re considering selling your property, this episode is a must-listen to ensure you have the right support to achieve the best outcome. Tune in now and let’s get started! Episode Highlights: 00:00 - Introduction 01:41 - What is a vendor’s advocate and how do they work? 09:09 - Do you pay a fee for the vendor’s advocate? 16:32 - After selecting an agent, what else does a vendor’s advocate do? 20:00 - What do vendor’s advocates deem as major deal breakers when looking for an agent? 25:54 - Are there any potential drawbacks or challenges in picking a vendor’s advocate? 29:10 - Real life story of how a vendor's advocate rescued a mismanaged property sale 34:47 - Why should property buyers and sellers seek a trustworthy vendor's advocate? 44:07 - Why is it important to seek professional advice when selling property? 50:12 - Why should potential sellers reach out for vendor advisory advice? Resources: Visit our website https://www.theelephantintheroom.com.au If you have any questions or would like to be featured on our show, contact us at: The Elephant in the Room Property Podcast questions@theelephantintheroom.com.au Looking for a Sydney Buyers Agent? https://www.gooddeeds.com.au Work with Veronica: https://www.veronicamorgan.com.au Looking for a Mortgage Broker? https://www.blusk.au Work with Chris: hello@blusk.au 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: https://www.youtube.com/@theelephantintheroom-podcast Subscribe on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/ph/podcast/the-elephant-in-the-room-property-podcast/id1384822719 Subscribe on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/3Ge1626dgnmK0RyKPcXjP0?si=26cde394fa854765 See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

How can integrity be restored in an industry often criticised for its ethical shortcomings? In this episode, we sit down with John Minns, the NSW Strata and Property Services Commissioner, to delve into the measures being taken by the Office of Fair Trading to regulate and improve the real estate sector’s reputation. With an industry plagued by issues ranging from underquoting by sales agents to property managers grappling with rental shortages, and strata managers caught in conflicts of interest, John Minns has a formidable task ahead. John shares his motivations for stepping into the commissioner role and the surprises he encounters along the way. He discusses how he balances managing immediate crises with long-term strategic planning and tackles significant resistance from various stakeholders, particularly focusing on the pervasive problem of underquoting. We also explore the potential opportunities he sees in the PropTech space and his updates on the Strata Hub system in New South Wales. The episode covers critical issues such as the licensing loophole allowing new buyer’s agents to practice in NSW via Queensland and the potential benefits of a national licensing system. John addresses frustrations and pricing tactics that often leave consumers disillusioned, sharing his vision for a more transparent and ethical real estate industry. Don’t miss his candid recounting of property blunders that offer a humorous yet insightful perspective on the challenges within the field. Episode Highlights: 00:00 - Introduction 01:23 - Who is John Minns? 02:29 - What is John’s motivation to make a difference as commissioner 04:10 - What surprised John most about the role? 07:12 - How John manages both short-term crises and long-term planning 08:57 - Among the key stakeholders, which group is the biggest resistance? 11:38 - Tackling the issue of underquoting 16:54 - John’s strategies for effecting change in a slow moving industry 25:03 - Does John see any real opportunities in the PropTech space? 29:19 - What are the plans for improving the Strata Hub system in New South Wales? 35:23 - What’s motivating the government to take action NOW? 38:17 - The issue of new buyer’s agents getting licensed in NSW via Queensland 44:51 - Would national licensing be a good thing? 47:50 - John Minns’ property dumbo #1 50:45 - Addressing frustrations and pricing tactics in property transactions 55:25 - John Minn’s property dumbo #2 About Our Guest: John Minns, a prominent figure in the Australian residential property sector for over 30 years, brings a wealth of experience to his role as Strata and Property Services Commissioner. His career spans diverse areas including residential sales, project marketing, property management, and franchising, alongside leadership in digital innovation and professional development. John is committed to enhancing consumer experience and protection by promoting transparency and accountability within the industry, advocating for innovation-driven opportunities to foster a trusted and empowered sector. Connect with John Minns: LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/john-minns-40386324/ Resources: Visit our website https://www.theelephantintheroom.com.au If you have any questions or would like to be featured on our show, contact us at: The Elephant in the Room Property Podcast questions@theelephantintheroom.com.au Looking for a Sydney Buyers Agent? https://www.gooddeeds.com.au Work with Veronica: https://www.veronicamorgan.com.au Looking for a Mortgage Broker? https://www.blusk.au Work with Chris: hello@blusk.au 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: https://www.youtube.com/@theelephantintheroom-podcast Subscribe on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/ph/podcast/the-elephant-in-the-room-property-podcast/id1384822719 Subscribe on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/3Ge1626dgnmK0RyKPcXjP0?si=26cde394fa854765 See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Ever found yourself torn between relying on hard data or trusting local insights for your property investments? It’s a tough call many investors struggle with, wondering if the numbers can tell the full story or if boots-on-the-ground knowledge is more reliable. In the Suburb Trends Report for the month of June 2024, we dive into the age-old debate of whether numbers or on-the-ground knowledge holds the key to successful property investments. We weigh the pros and cons of both data and local insights, and explore how the perfect blend of both can give you a real edge in the market. Kent Lardner joins us once again to help us unpack how these two worlds intersect and why both are essential in today's investment landscape. If you're curious to see how combining data and local insights can give you a competitive edge, then don’t miss our latest episode. Click play and get ready to take your property investment strategy to the next level. Tune in now! Episode Highlights: 00:00 - Introduction 01:39 - Analysis of 10 aspects where data might be limited and local insights are necessary 02:57 - Aspect #1: Local market sentiment 08:42 - Aspect #2: Neighbourhood trends 12:50 - Aspect #3: Community events 14:54 - Aspect #4: School reputation changes 18:07 - Aspect #5: Local business openings and closures 20:56 - Aspect #6: Traffic pattern changes 29:29 - Aspect #7: Property condition 38:09 - Aspect #8: Neighbourhood aesthetics 40:20 - Aspect #9: Local government policies or zoning changes 46:12 - Aspect #10: Insider transactions About Kent Lardner: Kent Lardner is an expert data science and business leader with 30+ years of experience at leading companies like JLL, CoreLogic, and General Electric. He has led teams of 5 to 200 people across Australia and China, driven by his passion for high-growth digital businesses. Kent is also the founder of Suburb Trends, a leading property research firm trusted by major names in Australian property and featured in mainstream media. Connect with Kent Lardner: Kent Lardner’s LinkedIn: https://au.linkedin.com/in/kentlardner Kent Lardner’s Website: https://suburbtrends.com/ Resources: Visit our website https://www.theelephantintheroom.com.au If you have any questions or would like to be featured on our show, contact us at: The Elephant in the Room Property Podcast questions@theelephantintheroom.com.au Looking for a Sydney Buyers Agent? https://www.gooddeeds.com.au Work with Veronica: https://www.veronicamorgan.com.au Looking for a Mortgage Broker? https://www.blusk.au Work with Chris: hello@blusk.au 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: https://www.youtube.com/@theelephantintheroom-podcast Subscribe on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/ph/podcast/the-elephant-in-the-room-property-podcast/id1384822719 Subscribe on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/3Ge1626dgnmK0RyKPcXjP0?si=26cde394fa854765 See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Choosing the wrong broker can lead to higher costs and missed opportunities. It’s crucial to find someone who doesn’t just process loans but also offers solid advice and guidance. With so many options, it’s tough to figure out who’s genuinely good and who’s just looking to close a deal. So in this episode, we break down how to find the perfect mortgage broker for you. We kick off by explaining the differences between a financial planner and a mortgage broker, helping you make the right choice. Then, we discuss what makes a broker "good" – is it their reputation, awards, or payment structure? We also look into how industry awards can be misleading and how to find genuine quality. The mortgage industry is evolving, with online platforms and AI-driven portals challenging traditional brokers. Could these digital solutions replace traditional brokers? We explore current trends, future possibilities, and big bank moves to cut brokers out of deals. We also emphasise the importance of consulting a broker even after a loan rejection to explore other options. By the end of this episode, you’ll have a clear idea of what makes a good mortgage broker and how to avoid the drawbacks of working with the wrong one. Tune in for tips on spotting red flags, questions to avoid asking your broker, and key considerations for your mortgage discussions. Let’s get started! Episode Highlights: 00:00 - Introduction 03:49 - What’s the difference between a financial planner and a mortgage broker? 07:42 - How to define a “good” broker 12:44 - Can awards and badges mislead consumers in the mortgage broking world? 15:43 - How are awards typically awarded in the mortgage broking industry? 18:53 - How are brokers remunerated? 25:25 - Can online solutions and AI render traditional mortgage brokers redundant? 29:34 - The importance of talking to a broker after a loan rejection to explore other options 31:33 - Some red flags to watch out for when dealing with ‘shady’ mortgage brokers 37:51 - What questions should homebuyers avoid asking their mortgage broker? 40:31 - Chris’ take on the “rate lock” from CommBank for mortgage brokers 45:56 - Key considerations borrowers should prioritise in mortgage discussions with a broker Resources: Visit our website https://www.theelephantintheroom.com.au If you have any questions or would like to be featured on our show, contact us at: The Elephant in the Room Property Podcast questions@theelephantintheroom.com.au Looking for a Sydney Buyers Agent? https://www.gooddeeds.com.au Work with Veronica: https://www.veronicamorgan.com.au Looking for a Mortgage Broker? https://www.blusk.au Work with Chris: hello@blusk.au 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: https://www.youtube.com/@theelephantintheroom-podcast Subscribe on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/ph/podcast/the-elephant-in-the-room-property-podcast/id1384822719 Subscribe on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/3Ge1626dgnmK0RyKPcXjP0?si=26cde394fa854765 See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Wondering how the 2024 property forecasts are stacking up so far? Tune in to our mid-year review as we dive into the real estate predictions that nailed it and the ones that missed the mark. In this episode, we dissect the key trends, market shifts, and unexpected twists that have shaped the housing landscape in the first half of the year. Today, we have Louis Christopher with us again to share his insights from the much-anticipated “Boom or Bust” report. Louis has a knack for making accurate predictions, but he’s also refreshingly honest about where he’s gone astray. We explore his methodology and the factors he weighs when making his forecasts. This episode is a must for anyone keen on understanding property market predictions and figuring out which ones to trust. We also peek into what the rest of the year might hold, including potential surprises and how elements like inflation and geopolitical tensions could sway the market. Tune in to get a better grasp of the 2024 property market trends 'cause whether you're buying, selling, or investing, this episode offers vital insights into the current property market dynamics and what to keep an eye on in the months ahead. Episode Highlights: 00:00 - Introduction 01:01 - Who is Louis Christopher? 01:43 - Discussion on the national market performance and overall trends observed in 2024 03:07 - Analysis of the market slowdown and how it compares to previous years 07:32 - Why the lack of major surprises in the property market despite economic uncertainties 12:15 - Discussion on Perth’s growth trajectory and contributing factors 16:53 - Projected rise of unemployment in Perth and its potential effects on property prices 19:00 - Brisbane’s growth and how it compares to other major cities 22:16 - How the number of property listings in Brisbane has changed over recent years 28:43 - Trend of declining property listings and transaction volumes in various locations 30:35 - The influence of stamp duty on property prices and market activity 35:08 - Louis’ analysis on the Australian Capital Territory 37:00 - The potential impact of upcoming elections on housing market forecasts 41:13 - The importance of creating scenarios to anticipate future developments in real estate 42:27 - How does media coverage influence public perception of real estate forecasts? 47:27 - Louis Christopher’s property dumbo About Our Guest: Louis Christopher established SQM Research in 2006. He was Head of Research and General Manager of the property statistics agency, Australian Property Monitors (APM) for six years. During his time at APM, Louis constructed key residential property market indexes published by the Reserve Bank of Australia. Prior to APM Louis spent three years at the Securities Institute of Australia as a Technical Editor. Louis previously spent 18 months at MLC working in the investment services. He is widely respected for the quality and accuracy of his market outlooks, ratings philosophy and forecasts for the Australian residential property market. Connect with Louis Christopher: Connect with Louis on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/louischristopher/ Visit SQM’s website: https://sqmresearch.com.au/ Connect with Louis on X: https://x.com/LouiChristopher Resources mentioned in this episode: Download Louis Christopher's 2024 Housing Boom and Bust Report here: https://sqmresearch.com.au/boombustreport.php Resources: Visit our website https://www.theelephantintheroom.com.au If you have any questions or would like to be featured on our show, contact us at: The Elephant in the Room Property Podcast questions@theelephantintheroom.com.au Looking for a Sydney Buyers Agent? https://www.gooddeeds.com.au Work with Veronica: https://www.veronicamorgan.com.au Looking for a Mortgage Broker? https://www.blusk.au Work with Chris: hello@blusk.au 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: https://www.youtube.com/@theelephantintheroom-podcast Subscribe on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/ph/podcast/the-elephant-in-the-room-property-podcast/id1384822719 Subscribe on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/3Ge1626dgnmK0RyKPcXjP0?si=26cde394fa854765 See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

How can you distinguish the trustworthy buyer’s agents from the rest in a market flooded with options? With so many buyer’s agents vying for your attention, it's easy to fall prey to misleading promises and hidden agendas. In this episode, we delve deep into the world of buyer’s agents, uncovering the essential red flags every prospective property buyer should be aware of before making that crucial hire. With the real estate market booming and buyer’s agents popping up left and right, it’s more important than ever to discern who can truly save you money and secure the best property assets. If you're looking to buy a property but feel overwhelmed by the sheer number of buyer’s agents out there, this episode's for you. Tune in to uncover the red flags every property buyer must know before selecting and hiring a buyer's agent. Episode Highlights: 00:00 - Introduction 03:49 - Why should clients be more careful in selecting a buyer’s agent today? 06:56 - How regulatory disparities impact the credibility of financial advisors and buyer's agents 13:43 - What challenges arise in managing relationships between clients and buyer's agents? 19:14 - Why you need to be cautious in engaging buyer's agents for property investment 23:40 - Understanding the true value proposition of buyer's agents in property transactions 29:24 - What should clients know before engaging buyer's agents for off-market transactions? 35:31 - Why inexperienced buyer’s agents should be treated like first home buyers 37:48 - What are the crucial factors to consider when choosing a buyer's agent? 40:19 - The importance of local market knowledge in property valuation 42:50 - What's the true cost of being a buyer's agent? 46:00 - The pitfalls of rose-colored glasses when it comes to property investment 49:25 - Qualities to look for in a buyer's agent for an advantageous home purchase 53:18 - Final words of advice for those in search of an effective buyer’s agent Resources: Visit our website https://www.theelephantintheroom.com.au If you have any questions or would like to be featured on our show, contact us at: The Elephant in the Room Property Podcast questions@theelephantintheroom.com.au Looking for a Sydney Buyers Agent? https://www.gooddeeds.com.au Work with Veronica: https://www.veronicamorgan.com.au Looking for a Mortgage Broker? https://www.blusk.au Work with Chris: hello@blusk.au 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: https://www.youtube.com/@theelephantintheroom-podcast Subscribe on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/ph/podcast/the-elephant-in-the-room-property-podcast/id1384822719 Subscribe on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/3Ge1626dgnmK0RyKPcXjP0?si=26cde394fa854765 See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.