In this episode we bring back the insightful Eliza Owen on the podcast, we interviewed her last year in Episode 81 discussing the previous economic booms and downturns. Eliza has recently been made the Head of Residential Research at CoreLogic and is playing an active role in investigating the impact of the virus on the property market. With new restrictions on real estate in place to curb the growing threat of Covid-19 and with over 150,000 people applying for unemployment benefits Veronica and Chris ask the questions that you’re thinking.

Here’s what we covered:

• How far has buyer activity fallen?

• How has the clearance rate been affected?

• What alternatives do buyers have to auctions?

• How quickly will unemployment climb?

• How the property market performed after stock market crashes?

• Why is the current downturn radically different to past downturns?

• Who will be most impacted by falling housing prices?

• Is it inevitable that Australia will go into recession

• Have the RBA hit rock bottom with rates?

• How to recognise opportunity?

MENTIONED EPISODES:Episode 81 | Eliza Owen  Episode 88 | Rate cuts Episode 112 | Coronavirus Update

GUEST LINKS:CoreLogic News Coronavirus and Australian Property Market Continued Uncertainty Around COVID-19 Has Seen The Preliminary Clearance Rate Take A Hit This Week

HOST LINKS: Looking for a Sydney Buyers Agent? www.gooddeeds.com.au Work with Veronica: [email protected] 

Looking for a Mortgage Broker? www.wealthful.com.au Work with Chris: [email protected]

Buy the book - AUCTION READY How to buy property at auction even though you’re scared s#!tless: www.getauctionready.com.au Use the coupon ELEPHANT for your 30% listener discount.

EPISODE TRANSCRIPT: Please note that this has been transcribed by half-human-half-robot, so brace yourself for typos and the odd bit of weirdness… This episode was recorded on 26 March, 2020.

https://www.theelephantintheroom.com.au/podcasts/115

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Who did you believe was going to be right about the market? Did you buy or sell based on an ‘experts’ predictions? In this years edition of the Fool or Forecaster report (releases on April Fools), Veronica and Chris discuss progression of the property market over the last year with investors representing a tiny fraction of purchases, Coronavirus’s impact, and those analyst that had a conflict of interest in their reports. Find out which experts got it right, who got it wrong and who was dramatically wrong; one expert predicted an 85% fall in the market that never came. 

Here’s what we covered:

• When was the bottom of the market?

• How long did it take the Sydney market to go down 15%?

• What were the biggest names saying?

• Who got it right? And who got it wrong?

• What suburbs were hotspots?

• What is the impact of these 'predictions' on individual people?

• Why is most property not worth buying?

• Who's pushing up prices? 

• What things can you do to view a property's possible growth?

• Who is missing the market?

MENTIONED EPISODES:Episode 61 | 2019 Fool or Forecaster Episode 71 | Kent Lardner Episode 73 | Roger Montgomery Episode 75 | Warren Hogan Episode 77 | Cameron Kusher Episode 81 | Eliza Owen Episode 88 | Alan Kohler Epiosde 102 | Louis Christopher

LINKS:Veronica Morgan’s Article: Proof Sydney house prices have stopped fallingCore Logic Report: 2019 Fool or Forecaster Report2020 Fool or Forecaster Report

HOST LINKS: Looking for a Sydney Buyers Agent? www.gooddeeds.com.au Work with Veronica: [email protected] 

Looking for a Mortgage Broker? www.wealthful.com.au Work with Chris: [email protected]

Buy the book - AUCTION READY How to buy property at auction even though you’re scared s#!tless: www.getauctionready.com.au Use the coupon ELEPHANT for your 30% listener discount.

EPISODE TRANSCRIPT: https://www.theelephantintheroom.com.au/podcasts/114

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this insightful episode Veronica Morgan and Chris Bates chat with Dr. Nicole Johnston, socio-legal researcher and senior lecturer at Deakin University. Nicole has spearheaded the development industry, shining the spotlight on defective developments in her university published report “An Examination of Building Defects in Residential Multi-owned Properties”. The report highlights the severity of the development industry, analysing 3227 defects across 212 buildings in NSW, Victoria and Queensland.

In today’s episode our hosts discuss the problems plaguing the development industry and how they can redeem themselves in the coming years when truth surrounding their dodgy dealings spills.

Here’s what we covered:

• The risks of buying brand new.

• Why NSW is the riskiest state to buy a new apartment.

• Why is there very little research on new buildings?

• What happens to tenants with defects and the red tape involved?

• Water related defects are the most costly and common defect.

• Why does home and contents insurance not protect you from defects?

• Why you should always invest more into a specialised property lawyer

• How do we make quality builds and also solve the housing affordability crisis

• Will developers make the first stand and take ownership for defects?

• Rectification costs never capitalised when you go to sell.

• Cheap apartment = Costly endeavour.

MENTIONED EPISODES:Episode 87 | Kerry Hunt Episode 91 | Rod Fehring Episode 106 |  Dodgy Developers

GUEST LINKS:Deakin University: Nicole Johnston Deakin University: Home Research Hub Home Buyer Academy

HOST LINKS: Looking for a Sydney Buyers Agent? www.gooddeeds.com.au Work with Veronica: [email protected] 

Looking for a Mortgage Broker? www.wealthful.com.au Work with Chris: [email protected]

Buy the book - AUCTION READY How to buy property at auction even though you’re scared s#!tless: www.getauctionready.com.au Use the coupon ELEPHANT for your 30% listener discount.

EPISODE TRANSCRIPT: Please note that this has been transcribed by half-human-half-robot, so brace yourself for typos and the odd bit of weirdness… This episode was recorded on 26 February, 2020.

https://www.theelephantintheroom.com.au/podcasts/112

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

By now we are all highly aware of the Corona Virus as it has spread far and wide throughout the world, governments are imposing lockdowns and the world economy holds its breath as it adapts to the crisis. The question is, where will Australia be once the dust settles? In our first out of cycle special episode, Veronica and Chris aim to answer the questions surrounding the impact of the virus on the property market and the greater Australian economy. 

Here’s what we covered:

• Should you buy or sell during the pandemic?

• Very little stock will hit the market.

• People should start refinancing mortgages and cut expenses.

• Why you should purchase the most perfect property.

• Will the market boom or bust?

• Who will win and who will lose?

• Is this a good time to buy or sell shares?

• What will happen to the unemployment rate?

• How it will impact labour mobility and housing affordability?

• Why should people start getting ready to buy?

MENTIONED EPISODES:Episode 58 | Nerida Conisbee

LINKS:Send us your questions HERE

HOST LINKS: Looking for a Sydney Buyers Agent? www.gooddeeds.com.au Work with Veronica: [email protected] 

Looking for a Mortgage Broker? www.wealthful.com.au Work with Chris: [email protected]

Buy the book - AUCTION READY How to buy property at auction even though you’re scared s#!tless: www.getauctionready.com.au Use the coupon ELEPHANT for your 30% listener discount.

EPISODE TRANSCRIPT: Please note that this has been transcribed by half-human-half-robot, so brace yourself for typos and the odd bit of weirdness… This episode was recorded on 19 March, 2020.

https://www.theelephantintheroom.com.au/podcasts/covid-19

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Taking a different turn from the usual episode, our hosts talk to Sharon Bradley, columnist and writer for the Good Weekend. Her recent article in the Sydney Morning Herald “Having to ask for somewhere to live, it’s difficult indeed”, caught Veronica and Chris’s attention. Our hosts want to open the conversations on rising property prices, increasing unemployment, and where it leaves you and financial stability.

In today's episode our hosts discuss how securing your financial future with the appropriate financial advice can safeguard you and your family from the uncertainty of current housing prices, and economic stability.

Here is what we covered;

• Changing our perceptions of homelessness.

• Why is a particular demographic becoming homeless at an alarming rate.

• How to protect yourself and your family from severe unexpected circumstances.

• What factors are forcing this increase in homelessness?

• How long is the public housing list?

• Building more social housing.

• What can the government do to curb the housing crisis?

• Bridging the gap with impact investing?

• Gambling with your own home?

MENTIONED EPISODES:Episode 66 | Michele Adair Episode 89 | Ownership Crisis Episode 95 | Craig Bigelow Episode 104 | Adam Hirst

GUEST LINKS:‘Having to ask for somewhere to live, it’s difficult indeed’

 CHARITY LINKS: https://sharethedignity.com.au/http://steppingstonehouse.com.au/https://www.ozharvest.org/https://www.benevolent.org.au/https://orangesky.org.au/

HOST LINKS: Looking for a Sydney Buyers Agent? www.gooddeeds.com.au Work with Veronica: [email protected] 

Looking for a Mortgage Broker? www.wealthful.com.au Work with Chris: [email protected]

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this special episode, our hosts breakdown the purchasing process from the view of a new client and all of their needs and wants.. Veronica Morgan, asks all the right questions in understanding their story and how best to deliver their perfect property whilst also answering all of your questions on where the value lies when it comes to purchasing property with the advice of a buyer's agent.

Chris and Veronica, share opinions, frequently asked questions and peculiar case studies in their line of work, asking the right questions that you should be asking yourself when purchasing your next property.

Here’s what we covered:

• The good the bad and the ugly of buyers agents.
• Where the value lies in a buyer's agent.
• What questions do Buyers Agents ask you?
• Are you saving money or spending more?
• Understanding what your capacity is.
• What makes you ready to buy?
• Procrastinating purchases and the associated costs.
• The 3 P's of a property searching.
• Chasing the market and not having the budget.
• What education do you do to become a buyers agent?
• Where do buyers agents loyalty lies?
• Why to never do business with buyers agents who are partners with developers.
• Why you should buy a buyers agent.

MENTIONED EPISODES:Episode 2 | Damien CooleyEpisode 46 | Lorna Patten

HOST LINKS:Looking for a Sydney Buyers Agent? www.gooddeeds.com.au Work with Veronica: [email protected] 

Looking for a Mortgage Broker? www.wealthful.com.au Work with Chris: [email protected]

EPISODE TRANSCRIPT: Please note that this has been transcribed by half-human-half-robot, so brace yourself for typos and the odd bit of weirdness.|This episode was recorded in January, 2020.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this treasure trove of an episode, our hosts chat with Amy Stead, CEO and creative director of Sydney-based Amazema, which specialises in styling property for sale, as well as interior design and decoration. Amy lives and breathes all things interior design, which comes through in her own personalised furniture and textiles line, The Amazema Edit. Amy has become an authority in the property styling industry and if you’re actively selling your home, or hoping to soon, this episode could mean money in your pocket.

Amy and our hosts discuss the styling industry from the lens of the real estate market, and the massive value it brings during a property’s sale because appealing interior design can significantly lift your property’s desirability.

Here’s what we covered:

• Why stylists bring real value to selling property.
• How much of the market is being styled for sale?
• Should you have family photos up during an open house?
• Clearance rate differences between ‘good’ stylists and ‘bad’ stylists.
• 'manufactured styled' vs hands-on styled.
• What visual tricks do property stylists use?
• What three things should property buyers look for during an open house?
• What do professional stylists services cost?
• What are the key current styling trends?
• What kinds of property don't need to be styled?
• Tips on how to furnish your new property.
• Where do people go wrong when it comes to flipping and styling?
• The realities of 'flipping houses' and over-capitalising on renovations.

MENTIONED EPISODES:Episode 97 | Jacqui Pollock Episode 12 | John Cunningham Episode 27 | Overcapitalisng

GUEST LINKS:Instagram: @Amazema_interiors | @the_amazema_edit Web: Amazema.comFacebook: Amazema Interiors

GUEST OFFER:Use code “Elephant” on online purchase for 20% off either:

• Interiors Package 1: Initial Consultation  (with recommendations report & mood board) 

or 

• Styling For Sale Consultation (in person) — Amazema Interiors (with recommendations report) 

INTERIOR + STYLING CHEATSHEETDownload at theelephantintheroom.com.au/podcasts/109

HOST LINKS: Looking for a Sydney Buyers Agent? gooddeeds.com.au Work with Veronica: [email protected] 

Looking for a Mortgage Broker? wealthful.com.au Work with Chris: [email protected]

EPISODE TRANSCRIPT: Please note that this has been transcribed by half-human-half-robot, so brace yourself for typos and the odd bit of weirdness…This episode was recorded on 6 February, 2020.

View the Episode at: https://www.theelephantintheroom.com.au/podcasts/109

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In today’s episode Veronica Morgan and Chris Bates interview Kris Daff, managing director of Make Venture, a Melbourne-based boutique development and investment company, Kris is also the managing director of Assemble, a homeowner-focused development company. Assemble attempts to bridge the gap between renting and home ownership by offering unique community-based development projects.

Developer Kris Daff and our hosts discuss the value that comes with nurturing organic communities within future development projects, but also discusses the hard questions about developments and their stagnant capital growth and severe defects.

Here’s what we covered:

• New direction for creating communities, rather than ‘just’ developments
• The severity of housing anxiety
• Ownership and locking down where you want to live
• Housing prices growing faster than consumers ability to save
• Why is one of Australia’s the largest super funds interested in one of Assembles developments
• Building the gap between societal needs and development projects
• How nurturing meaningful relationships in a complex can increase tenancy lengths
• Creating scarcity by creating quality communities
• How to find out how your builder attends to defects
• If you are going to buy off-the-plan how to do your due diligence

MENTIONED EPISODES:Episode 80 | Co-Living Episode 104 | Build-To-Rent Episode 106 | Dodgy Developers

GUEST LINKS:Assemble Make Ventures

HOST LINKS: Looking for a Sydney Buyers Agent? www.gooddeeds.com.au Work with Veronica: [email protected] 

Looking for a Mortgage Broker? www.wealthful.com.au Work with Chris: [email protected]

EPISODE TRANSCRIPT: Please note that this has been transcribed by half-human-half-robot, so brace yourself for typos and the odd bit of weirdness…This episode was recorded on 10 September, 2019.

https://www.theelephantintheroom.com.au/podcasts/108

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Top property expert commentator and trusted Buyers Agent, Veronica Morgan’s long awaited book is here, ‘‘Auction Ready: How to buy Property at Auction even though you’re scared s#!tless’.  In this episode, the tables have turned, Chris interviews Veronica, and Veronica gives the inside scoop and shares her secrets to help property buyers master the art of auctions.

Here’s what we covered:

• Veronica Morgan releases her new book ‘Auction Ready: How to buy Property at Auction even though you’re scared s#!tless’
• What percentage of quality assets are sold under auction conditions?
• How to understand the value of a property through a price guide.
• Thinking beyond getting a 'good deal'.
• What happens if the property has great macro factors but needs a renovation?
• How far will you push your budget?
• What happens when you miss out?
• The life changing results of buying a quality asset.
• What value do buyers agents bring to your property search?

MENTIONED EPISODES:Episode 1 | Simon Russell Episode 2 | Damien Cooley Episode 8 | David Scholes Episode 14 | Marnie Seinor Episode 36 | Tim Heavyside Episode 92 | Phil De Fegley

GUEST LINKS:To request a promo code & order a signed copy of "Auction Ready" click here.Amazon link here

HOST LINKS: Looking for a Sydney Buyers Agent? www.gooddeeds.com.au Work with Veronica: [email protected] 

Looking for a Mortgage Broker? www.wealthful.com.au Work with Chris: [email protected]

EPISODE TRANSCRIPT: Please note that this has been transcribed by half-human-half-robot, so brace yourself for typos and the odd bit of weirdness…This episode was recorded on 10 October, 2019

https://www.theelephantintheroom.com.au/podcasts/107

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

We have a cracker of an episode for you. Today we interview Jimmy Thomson, the writer of the Flat Chat column, which you may have seen featured in Domain, AFR and SMH. The multi-talented Jimmy has authored 15 books, is a screenwriter, a university lecturer and has his own podcast “Flat Chat Wrap”, which is all about strata living. Jimmy tells a screenwriter's dark, but ultimately hopeful tale about strata living, which includes exposing dodgy developers who over promise and under deliver. 

Here’s what we covered: 

• How one email revealed a developers dodgy intentions 
• Developers putting their own people in building management positions 
• The deep corruption of developers in Queensland 
• Does building warranty actually protect you? 
• Positives of strata living 
• The darkside of short term subletting 
• How extra facilities of strata property can greatly increase rent and property value
• Adding value vs maintaining in strata property 
• When should Strata owners contact NSW Civil and Administrative Tribunal (NCAT)? 
• Who enforces the bylaws of an apartment complex? 
• Will company titles make a comeback? 
• Where to find the bylaws 
• And the crazy but true story of the guy who turned his balcony into a fish tank (yes, really)

MENTIONED EPISODES:Episode 103 | Amanda Farmer Episode 25 | Amanda Farmer Episode 18 | Reena Van Aalst

GUEST LINKS:Flat Chat Column Flat Chat Wrap StrataBox

HOST LINKS: Looking for a Sydney Buyers Agent? www.gooddeeds.com.au Work with Veronica: [email protected] 

Looking for a Mortgage Broker? www.wealthful.com.au Work with Chris: [email protected]

EPISODE TRANSCRIPT: Please note that this has been transcribed by half-human-half-robot, so brace yourself for typos and the odd bit of weirdness...This episode was recorded on 30 January, 2020.https://www.theelephantintheroom.com.au/podcasts/106

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.