Richard Thode is proving you don’t need slick sales tactics or a sharp suit to dominate real estate. In just six years at Ray White Epsom, he’s built a reputation as one of the network’s top performers — by doing the opposite of what most agents do.

In this episode of HomeRun, Richard breaks down why pushing buyers rarely works, how reading the room closes more deals than pressure ever could, and the systems he uses to turn buyers into future vendors.

From reinventing stale listings to networking with some of New Zealand’s biggest business leaders on the golf course, this is a raw look at what it really takes to win in the modern property market.

There’s constant recession talk, rate cuts on the horizon, and investors sitting on the sidelines — so are we heading for more pain, or is this the start of the comeback?

Nick Goodall joins us on the HomeRun, brought to you by realestate.co.nz, to unpack the economic signals most people are ignoring and what they could mean for property investors.

This isn’t the safe, polite property chat — it’s the real money conversation.

Listen before you make your next move. 🎙️

A year in review across New Zealand real estate, property development, architecture, and housing policy. In this end-of-season recap, we reflect on the biggest conversations, standout guests, and key lessons from 20+ interviews — from what makes a smart long-term property investment, to passive homes and healthy housing, to why planning, consents, and regulation remain major handbrakes across the system. We unpack the common themes that kept coming up all year: the importance of the right team, early advice, informed decision-making, and understanding the system before pressure hits. A look back at what we’ve learned, what surprised us, and where the conversation goes next.

You think NZ real estate agents are all suits and small talk? Think again. We sit down with Diego Traglia — the school-dropout turned Auckland’s #1 agent — and unpack all the raw truth they don’t want you to hear. 💥

👉 He started at Burger King. ✅

👉 He washed cars in South Auckland. ✅

👉 Now he’s selling houses like hotcakes, dominating the listings and rewriting the rules. ✅

In this episode of HomeRun, we ask the uncomfortable questions: Is real estate in NZ rigged for insiders? Are average sellers getting fleeced while “top agents” laugh all the way to the bank? Diego doesn’t hold back — and neither do we.

Don’t tune in if you’re comfortable with status-quo. But if you want your eyes opened on what really goes on behind the “For Sale” sign — hit play.

🔊#HomeRunPodcast #DiegoTraglia #RealEstateExposed #NZProperty #NoFluff

New HomeRun episode out now!We sit down with Hamish Firth — Managing Director of Mt Hobson Group — one of Aotearoa’s most experienced resource-consent consultants. After 25 years navigating the tangled planning system, he’s seen it all: from shiny proposals to agonising delays, council curveballs, and projects that never see the light of day.In this episode we get real about what really gets consented — and what gets buried. Because in our housing/development world, the difference between “approved” and “dead in the water” often comes down to one meeting or one misunderstood clause.Tune in if you want the truth about how building dreams and nightmares get shaped.

On this episode of Home Run, we talk with Paul Glover — Kiwi actor turned real estate agent and TV host — about the unlikely crossover between Hollywood and housing. He opens up about his acting past, why he jumped into property, and how his on-screen grit helps him navigate real-estate high stakes.

Bridgette from EqualExes breaks down the hidden chaos that hits homeowners when relationships fall apart—muddy ownership, forced sales, financial shock, and the emotional toll of losing the family home. A confronting look at the side of divorce the property world never talks about.

Bridgette has kindly provided us links to a few resources to help, please find them below;

1. Divorce Cost and Professional Fees Estimator:Money is one of the biggest shock points in separation. Most people don’t know what to expect, what’s normal, or where the hidden costs are. This tool lays everything out including legal fees, counselling, moving costs, parenting apps, valuations, and more so you can make smart decisions early, not reactive ones later. It is practical, transparent, and created to help you protect your time, your budget, and your sanity.

https://course.equalexes.com/divorce-cost-estimator

2. Relationship Readiness Digital Deck:Most people wait until breaking point before they ask the real questions. These cards bring those questions forward so you can check the health of your relationship now instead of when it is too late to repair it. Use them on your own or together with your partner to see what is strong, what needs attention, and what needs a real conversation.

https://readiness.equalexes.com/relationshipreadinessdeck

3. Free Should I Stay or Go Masterclass:Most people do not need more hope or more fear. They need facts. The Should I Stay or Should I Go? Masterclass breaks the decision into practical markers that show whether your relationship can be repaired or whether it has moved beyond repair.It gives you straightforward criteria so you can stop second guessing yourself.

Watch the free masterclass and get the information you have been missing.

https://masterclass.equalexes.com/Masterclass-Landing-Page

4. The Separation Clarity Checklist:Most people in this stage are overwhelmed and trying to make sense of things without a framework. The Separation Clarity Checklist gives you a fast, expert-designed way to understand your emotional state, practical readiness, support network and next steps.It can help you avoid costly mistakes, reduce stress and get clear on what you need right now.

Download it and get immediate guidance from people who do this every day.

https://readiness.equalexes.com/separationclaritychecklist

40,000 people. One march. One message.A nation divided over David Seymour’s Treaty Principles Bill.Why does a document signed 184 years ago still stir such strong emotions?Is the Treaty of Waitangi a partnership between peoples — or are we one nation, equal under one law?In this powerful episode, David Seymour joins the HomeRun Podcast to confront the questions shaping New Zealand’s future — and the conflict at the heart of who we are.

Buildings aren’t keeping families healthy — and it shows in rising respiratory issues across the country. With 40% of New Zealand homes affected by mold, it’s clear our building practices are failing to prioritize well-being. The Building Act’s circular definition of “adequate” only makes real progress harder.After seeing too many poorly built homes, architect Joe Lyth decided to act. Through WEL Architecture, he’s raising the standard of what “good building” means — creating homes that are warmer, stronger, and smarter for the future.🎙️ Hear Joe on our podcast as we unpack New Zealand’s build-quality crisis and what it takes to change it. A Registered Architect, Certified Passive House Designer, and Homestar Assessor, Joe leads WEL Architecture with a focus on budget, beauty, and buildability — alongside health, performance, and efficiency.

What makes great architecture? Michael Cooper, founder of Michael Cooper Architects, shares his journey from draftsman to award-winning architect — and why practicality, teamwork, and purpose are key to creating homes that truly work for the people who live in them.