In this episode of Brick to the Future, we tackle the hot topic of buying property at auction and whether it stacks up as a smart investment strategy. With clearance rates climbing and media headlines fuelling buyer FOMO, Michael Beresford and Alister Lewison unpack the realities of auctions, from underquoting debates to the risks of overpaying. They share why auctions often make poor ground for investors and what strategies can help you buy smarter without getting caught in the hype.

Highlights:

• Auction Sentiment and Market Heat: Boz and Al break down why Melbourne’s clearance rates are up, what that really signals, and why auctions can be misleading as a measure of true supply and demand.
• The Underquoting Debate: A candid take on why complaints about underquoting miss the point and why doing your own due diligence beats relying on an agent’s price guide.
• Why Auctions Don’t Suit Investors: Clear analogies (including the $2 petrol example!) show how winning at auction usually means overpaying, which contradicts the core principles of smart investing.
• Optimum Size and Quality: Insights into buying below the median price point with the right floorplan and demographic fit to maximise rental return, tax benefits, and long-term growth.
• Life is for Living: Why managing cash flow smartly lets you hold more properties with less stress and why boring, repeatable investing strategies often outperform the auction rollercoaster.
• Final Takeaway: Auctions may make for exciting TV, but investors should stick to proven, disciplined buying strategies to build sustainable wealth

Thanks for tuning in! If you found this episode valuable, share it with your friends and family. Stay tuned for more practical insights on building wealth through property.

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High school teacher, competitive bodybuilder, and proud dad - OpenCorp client, Tyler never thought property investing was for “people like him.” Growing up with a traditional mindset of buying one home and paying it off, it wasn’t until the COVID lockdowns hit that Tyler paused, reflected, and began digging into how everyday Australians build wealth through property.

After discovering OpenCorp’s Brick to the Future podcast and running the numbers on his own home’s equity, Tyler took the leap and hasn’t looked back. In this episode, Tyler opens up about the fears, delays, and doubts he and his wife faced along the way and how their first investment now brings in $1,800/month in positive cash flow.

Whether you’re a young couple wondering if you can invest, or someone who thinks property is out of reach without a six-figure salary, this conversation is proof that mindset, education, and the right team can change your future.

Watch: https://youtu.be/aYjZxQ0XpDs

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In this episode of Brick to the Future, Cam McLellan sits down  business partner Michael Berisford to tackle one of the biggest questions aspiring investors face: “How do I get started?”

From jaw-dropping stats (like the 60% of people who don’t know how much debt they have) to practical money strategies, Cam and Michael break down what it really takes to go from stuck to successful.

You’ll learn:

• Why understanding your true income and debt is non-negotiable
• How unused credit cards could be silently sabotaging your borrowing power
• The spending habits that might be holding you back—and how to reset them
• Creative ways to accelerate your deposit savings (including Cam’s $500 challenge with his daughter)
• Why sacrifice now equals speed into the market later
• The timeless 10% savings principle, and how to make it work for you

This isn’t just theory, it’s the same strategy used by OpenCorp clients, including millennials making smart moves in today’s tough market.

Whether you're a want-to-be rentvestor, a first-timer, or just tired of sitting on the sidelines, this episode is your wake-up call to take action.

Listen now to take your first confident step toward property investment.

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Client success storey:

In this episode, Khaysan shares her journey from growing up in a caravan park to building a property portfolio that now costs her just $94 a week to hold. She shares her storey of resilience, a clear plan, and OpenCorp’s structured guidance helped her leverage equity, buy multiple properties, and invest confidently despite setbacks and interest rate challenges. 

Khaysan also explains her role as a Portfolio Manager, helping clients stay accountable, cut through media noise, and time their next moves so they can grow their portfolios faster while still enjoying life. A practical, inspiring discussion showing everyday Australians how to take action and build wealth without waiting for the “perfect time.” 

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In this episode of Brick to the Future, OpenCorp CEO, Al Lewison chat's with Portfolio Manager Khaysan, on how strategic tax planning can help property investors reduce costs and grow portfolios faster. 

Khaysan highlights how powerful strategic tax planning can be, citing a real client who reclaimed $43,000 over two years due to expert intervention. 

 The episode offers actionable advice, including differentiating repairs vs. improvements and securing depreciation schedules. With real examples and tips, the conversation empowers listeners to leverage tax benefits, build lasting wealth, and avoid common financial missteps in property investment. 

Other practical tax tips discussed include:

• Maintaining organised property records (folder per property, per year)
• Understanding the difference between repairs (deductible) vs. improvements (capitalised)
• The importance of depreciation schedules
• Prepaying eligible expenses like landlord insurance
• Having a trusted, experienced team who has achieved similar investment goals

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In this episode of Brick to the Future, Cam, Al and Matt discuss the impact of global tariffs, particularly on Australian exports and property markets. Key points include:

1. Tariffs and Their Impact: The hosts discuss U.S. tariffs, particularly on goods like beef, iron ore, and cars. Tariffs lead to increased costs for American consumers and affect supply chains, which creates uncertainty in global markets, including Australia's economy.
2. Uncertainty and Market Reactions: The discussion emphasises that uncertainty often leads to government responses, such as interest rate cuts and economic stimulus, which can lead to buying opportunities in the property market. Historically, periods of uncertainty have resulted in significant property market gains, such as during the GFC and COVID-19.
3. Current Market Outlook: Despite global uncertainties, there is a strong outlook for the Australian property market, driven by potential interest rate cuts and the stimulus provided by government policies. The hosts highlight that the property market is poised for growth, particularly in Victoria, where housing prices are currently undervalued.
4. Investment Strategies: The hosts encourage listeners to view uncertainty as an opportunity, noting that downturns often lead to long-term gains for property investors. They mention that now could be a prime time to invest, as interest rates are expected to fall, increasing borrowing capacity and fueling further market activity.
5. Historical Perspective: The conversation reflects on how past periods of uncertainty, such as during the introduction of GST and the GFC, led to profitable property investments, reinforcing the idea that investing during uncertain times can yield high returns.

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With Australia heading into another federal election, what does this mean for the property market—and more importantly, for property investors?

In this episode of Break to the Future, Matt, Cam, and Al unpack what the major parties are promising (or not), and how their policies could impact investor confidence, housing supply, negative gearing, and affordability schemes.

Expect no sugar-coating—just real talk on:
- Why elections create both fear and opportunity
- Liberal vs. Labor vs. Greens: What really separates them on housing?
- Why housing undersupply isn’t going anywhere
- The truth about negative gearing (and who really benefits)
- What renters, first-home buyers, and investors need to watch

Whether you’re buying, holding, or just watching the market—don’t miss this breakdown of what the next government might mean for Australian property.

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In this episode of Brick to the Future, we sit down with Tanya—a single mum, corporate high-performer, and now, a confident property investor. After facing the financial reset of divorce, Tanya knew she couldn’t afford to wait for the “perfect time” to start building wealth. With determination and the right support from the team at OpenCorp, she took action—and hasn’t looked back.

Tanya shares how she overcame fear, self-doubt, and market uncertainty to purchase her first investment property in Perth, later expanding her portfolio through a self-managed super fund. 

She opens up about the emotional journey behind the numbers, from questioning whether she could invest solo, to the moment she received her first rental payment—a powerful milestone in her path to financial independence.

Whether you're new to investing, navigating life changes, or looking to take control of your financial future, Tanya’s story is packed with inspiration, strategy, and proof that it’s never too late to start. Tune in to hear how she’s building real wealth—not hype—and setting a powerful example for the next generation.

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In this episode, Cam McLellan joins Canna and Michael on the "How Do They Afford That?" Podcast.

The discussion delves into one of Australia's top 10 lenders, Bank of Mum and Dad, exploring the strategies and stigma. With property prices soaring, the amount needed for a deposit has climbed too. And that's left many people with no option but to turn to the Bank of Mum & Dad. Parental assistance to get into the property market has grown, and yet there's a stigma around it - a stigma that doesn't exist for inheritances.

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Cam McLellan & Allister Lewison discuss the pros and cons of buying new versus established properties for investment purposes. The key takeaways include:

Why People Prefer Established Properties

1. Visual Appeal – Buyers are drawn to what they can see, such as a well-maintained house with a nice garden.
2. Emotional Connection – Buyers feel comfortable with the ability to physically inspect and envision themselves in the home.
3. Fear of Construction Issues – Concerns about builder reliability, project delays, and unexpected costs deter some buyers from choosing new builds.

Why New Builds Are a Better Investment

1. Lower Maintenance Costs – New homes require fewer repairs, whereas older homes often have unexpected expenses within months of purchase.
2. Higher Rental Yield – New properties tend to attract tenants faster and command higher rental income.
3. Stamp Duty Savings – Buyers only pay stamp duty on the land value, making upfront costs lower.
4. Depreciation Benefits – Tax advantages from depreciating fixtures and fittings help investors reduce taxable income and offset holding costs.
5. Cash Flow Control – With new builds, costs are more predictable, reducing financial strain on investors.

Avoiding Overcapitalisation

• Investors should avoid building excessively large homes that won’t yield proportional increases in rent or resale value.
• The optimal property size and design for a given area is crucial for maximising returns.
• OpenCorp applies data-driven methods to ensure clients don’t overspend on unnecessary features.

Lessons from Experience

• Cam shares a personal anecdote about a past investment mistake involving a poorly planned development that led to unnecessary expenses.
• Learning from such experiences has allowed OpenCorp to refine their investment strategies, ensuring clients make smarter financial decisions.

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