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

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.

On this week's episode Veronica dives into the past to talk about her own property dumbos.  With 25 years experience in the property sector, from buying, selling and advising on all things property, Veronica relives the early days of her own property journey. Chris discusses the common mistakes first home buyers make and the opportunity costs associated.

Here’s what we covered:

• Next steps to take when you purchase a property
• How market conditions can alter your decision making time frame
• How to visualise your dream property
• Choosing a safe property for your children
• What you need to know about the influence your subconscious has on your decision making
• Why reactionary purchases are likely to lead to bad property decisions 
• How property purchases when single affect your ability to purchase with a future partner
• Make good property decisions now rather than regretting your decision in the future
• Does purchasing where infrastructure is being built improve property growth?
• How home bias impacts new investors
• What is the appropriate loan structure for investment properties 
• The opportunity of cost of waiting and buying later
• Chris and his new home inspection story

MENTIONED EPISODES:Simon Russell | Episode 1

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 Dec 2019

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On today’s episode we pick the brains of Adam Hirst, General Manager of Build-To-Rent at Mirvac. Adam is currently overseeing Mirvac’s newest development at Sydney Olympic Park, Indigo Pavilion, Australia’s first mass scale build-to-rent project. Adam discusses the overseas success of build-to-rent also known as ‘multifamily’, the viability of this alternative to generic residential development and how this alternative model will benefit renters.

Here’s what we covered:

• What is build-to-rent/Multifamily?
• Is build-to-rent the future for renters?
• Why are build-to-rent leases longer than standard leases?
• What are the building costs associated?
• What are the benefits of build-to-rent?
• Why are superannuation funds investing in build-to-rent?
• Will there be an under supply of housing in 2021 - 2023?
• Why consumers want sustainability but are not willing to pay for it
• How developers are trying to create a community in their developments
• How capitalisation rates impact build-to-rent
• Why to never buy in areas of over supply

GUEST LINKS:Find out more about Adam Hirst his work in Build-To-Rent.Indigo Pavilion - Sydney Olympic Park MENTIONED EPISODES:Episode 80 | Ed Fernon Episode 62 | Cecille Weldon

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 the 28 November, 2019

https://www.theelephantintheroom.com.au/podcasts/104

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Amanda Farmer returns to the Elephant in the Room Property Podcast to discuss all things Strata. Amanda is the Director of Lawyers Chambers on Riley and Founder of Your Strata Property. With 16 years under her belt as a specialist Strata Lawyer, Amanda is a respected and well known authority in the property market. In this Episode Amanda opens up on the rights and obligations of strata owners and looks at the case study of Mascot and Opal Tower.

Here's what we covered: 

• How building defects impact strata owners
• What are the strata challenges facing Mascot and Opal Tower
• How to have your say as a strata owner?
• Is Opal Tower legally obliged to repair the building?
• What are your rights as a strata owner
• Why your strata report is important
• How to learn more as a strata owner
• How embedded network contracts can impact strata owners
• The importance of strata meetings
• Why you should always do your due diligence

MENTIONED EPISODES:Episode 25 | Amanda Farmer Episode 1 | Simon Russell

GUEST LINKS:Lawyers Chambers on Riley Your Strata Property - Website - Podcast

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

Looking for a Mortgage Broker? www.weatlhful.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 14 November, 2019.

https://www.theelephantintheroom.com.au/podcasts/103

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.