In this episode of Brick to the Future, Cam McLellan and Michael Beresford tackle one of the biggest wealth killers in property investing: procrastination.

With Christmas approaching, many Australians tell themselves they’ll “wait until the new year” but that delay often comes with a hidden cost. From rising build prices to increased land values and missed capital growth, this conversation breaks down why waiting can be far more expensive than taking action now.

This isn’t theory. It’s based on real client stories, market data, and decades of experience in the Australian property market.

Key Highlights:

• Procrastination is the silent killer of long-term wealth
• Why “waiting until after Christmas” often costs tens of thousands of dollars
• The two times every year builders typically increase prices, and why December matters
• How rising construction costs push up all property prices, not just new builds
• The myth of the “perfect time” and the “perfect property”
• Real examples of investors who waited and the opportunity cost they paid
• How mindset, not money, is often the biggest barrier to investing
• Why interest rates shouldn’t be the deciding factor in smart property decisions
• The danger of taking advice from people who’ve never invested
• Why taking a long-term view changes everything

Key takeaway:

There will always be a reason not to act, interest rates, the economy, kids, work, life.
But history shows that people who wait for certainty usually pay a much higher price later.

Property isn’t about timing the market perfectly.
It’s about time in the market.

If you've been thinking about investing but keep finding reasons to delay, now is the time to get clarity.

If you want help understanding:

- What you can afford

- What strategy makes sense for you

Get in touch with the OpenCorp team.

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Twitter: @OpenCorp_au
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Instagram: @OpenCorp

In this episode, we sit down with Alex and Awhina, a young couple whose story proves that small, smart decisions can completely change your future.

After moving from New Zealand to Perth with their son, Alex and Awhina set out to build a better life, one that could lead to financial freedom and an early retirement at 40. With clear goals and a willingness to do things differently, they started their property investing journey with OpenCorp.

But it didn’t stop there. By sharing their story and encouraging friends and family to start investing too, they’ve helped others get on the same path to long-term wealth creation.

As proud members of the OpenCorp Ambassador Club, Alex and Awhina recently visited us in Melbourne to talk about their experience, and as a thank you, we treated them to the biggest game of the AFL season. 🏉

Their journey is honest, inspiring, and full of lessons about mindset, action, and the power of sharing what works.

In this episode:

• The moment Alex and Awhina decided to change direction
• How they built a plan to achieve financial freedom by 40
• What it means to “do things differently” in property investing
• The ripple effect of sharing your story and helping others invest
• Why community and education matter as much as strategy

Listen Now:

Tune in and hear how one couple turned bold decisions into a life they love.

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Twitter: @OpenCorp_au
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Instagram: @OpenCorp

In this powerful episode, Cam and Michael sit down with Matt Bellomia, a FIFO worker from Perth who transformed his financial future through disciplined investing and the right guidance.

Mathew’s story spans more than a decade, from early mistakes in mining towns to building a multi-property portfolio across Queensland and Western Australia. His journey is proof that everyday Australians can achieve lasting wealth through education, strategy, and persistence.

What you'll learn:

- The power of starting with strategy

- Compounding, consistency, and the long game

- Discipline over regret

- How OpenCorp's system made the difference

Key takeaways:

Education Matters: Investing without guidance can cost years of grwoth

Stick to the fundamentals: Right area, right time, right structure

Mindset is everything: Focus on where you want to be in 5 years, not tomorrow

Trust the process: Even through market cycles and building delays, the strategy works

Discipline beats comfort: Sacrifices today create freedom tomorrow

Quote of the episode:

“I didn’t finish high school, I left at sort of like, you know, year 11. So it was never really like an academic. All I knew was I just was good at working hard. So yeah, it was probably like the first real book I read from start to finish. And yeah, I’ve actually recommended that book to a few other people.” - Mathew Bellomia

Whether you're starting out or scaling up, OpenCorp can help you build your property portfolio with confidence and proven results.

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Twitter: @OpenCorp_au
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/opencorp-au
Instagram: @OpenCorp

In this episode of Brick to the Future, hosts Allister Lewison and Michael 'Boz' Beresford dive deep into the Home Guarantee Scheme, a government initiative aimed at helping first home buyers enter the property market. While investors can’t use the scheme directly, the ripple effects could significantly influence investment opportunities, especially at the affordable end of the market.

They unpack how changes to income and price caps, coupled with surging population growth, are likely to turbocharge demand, push up entry-level prices, and spark a bottom-up market recovery. Whether you’re a first-time buyer or a seasoned investor, this conversation breaks down what’s happening, why it matters, and how to position yourself for growth.

Key discussion points:

• What the Home Guarantee Scheme is, and isn't
• Policy updates that change the game
• Flow-on effects for investors
• Population growth vs. housing supply
• Investor mindset and timing

Key takeaway: 

Even though the Home Guarantee Scheme isn’t designed for investors, it’s one of the most investor-friendly policy shifts in years, because it fuels demand, compresses supply, and accelerates market confidence.

Now is the window to act before prices start moving from the bottom up.

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Twitter: @OpenCorp_au
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/opencorp-au
Instagram: @OpenCorp

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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Twitter: @OpenCorp_au
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/opencorp-au
Instagram: @OpenCorp

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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Twitter: @OpenCorp_au
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/opencorp-au
Instagram: @OpenCorp

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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Twitter: @OpenCorp_au
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/opencorp-au
Instagram: @OpenCorp

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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Twitter: @OpenCorp_au
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/opencorp-au
Instagram: @OpenCorp

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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Twitter: @OpenCorp_au
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/opencorp-au
Instagram: @OpenCorp

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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Twitter: @OpenCorp_au
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