In this episode of The Smart Investor Show, Julian sits down with Nick Reilly, founder of Inovayt, to unpack what smart investing looks like in today’s fast-moving world. With nearly two decades of experience in lending and financial planning, Nick brings clarity to common pitfalls—from high-rise apartment traps to outdated SMSFs—and the red flags in property spruiking. They discuss the rise of buyer’s agents, the myth of the “best rate,” the increasing role of AI in finance, and why structure and planning matter more than ever. Nick also opens up about what makes a good advisor, how investors are changing post-COVID, and why confirmation—not just data—is what clients really seek. If you're planning to build a portfolio, refinance, or just want to avoid financial mistakes that could cost you decades, this episode is packed with insights you won’t want to miss.

(06:00) The evolution of mortgage broking
(07:00) Compliance then vs now
(08:00) How the industry changed post-Royal Commission
(09:00) Lessons from business: trust your gut
(10:00) The cost of hiring the wrong people
(19:00) Unwinding failed SMSF strategies
(20:30) When to sell underperforming assets
(21:30) Poor structure = poor returns
(23:30) Government schemes: pros, cons, and fine print
(27:00) The role of buyer’s agents in owner-occupier deals
(32:00) The rise in buyer’s agent leads
(34:00) AI in finance: threat or ally?
(38:00) Caution in AI implementation
(39:00) Why rates aren’t everything
(42:00) Avoiding rate traps and bank switches
(44:00) Land tax, cashflow, and chasing numbers
(45:00) The negative gearing myth
(46:00) Property growth expectations vs reality

About Nick:

Nick Reilly is the CEO and Founder of Inovayt Group, one of Australia’s leading independent financial services firms. Since 2007, he has built Inovayt into a nationally recognised organisation that delivers tailored solutions across mortgage broking, wealth planning and financial strategy. With a career in financial services that began in 2001, Nick combines a Bachelor of Business (Accounting & Finance) with extensive industry qualifications to guide both clients and his team toward long-term success.

His leadership focus is on helping clients make smarter financial decisions while also creating an environment where his team can thrive. Over nearly two decades, Nick has developed expertise in scaling financial services businesses, diversifying into complementary markets and building strong referral partnerships.

Beyond leading Inovayt, Nick is also a co-host of The Numbers Game podcast, where he joins Jason Robinson and Marty Vidakovic to share insights on finance, business and investment in a practical, conversational way. Passionate about helping people understand their numbers, Nick’s focus is on creating strategies that empower clients to build wealth and achieve their goals.

Connect with Nick:

Visit the website: https://www.inovayt.com.au/team/nick-reilly/

Follow Nick on LinkedIn: 

https://www.linkedin.com/in/nickreilly/

Follow Inovayt on Instagram: 

https://www.instagram.com/inovayt.your.finance/

Follow Inovayt on Facebook: 

https://www.facebook.com/share/16sD23fhCt/

Subscribe to The Numbers Game podcast: 

https://thenumbersgamepodcast.com.au/

About Julian:

Julian Khursigara is the CEO of Search Party Property, a Sydney-based buyers agency helping busy professionals build sustainable investment portfolios with clarity and confidence. With over two decades in customer experience and loyalty across the Asia-Pacific region, Julian brings a sharp, data-driven lens to property investing. What began as a personal passion quickly became a mission—to close the knowledge gap and empower everyday Australians to invest smarter. In recognition of this impact, Search Party Property was named a Finalist for Buyers Agency of the Year, and Julian a Finalist for Buyers Agent of the Year at the 2025 REB Awards.

As host of Invest Smarter Grow Faster, Julian draws on his own investing journey and years of strategic insights to demystify property for time-poor professionals. His philosophy is simple: life’s no dress rehearsal, and smart property decisions today create the freedom to choose tomorrow. Through the show, he shares real-world lessons, expert conversations, and proven strategies to help listeners take control of their financial future—one property at a time.

Connect with Julian:

Visit the website: https://searchpartyproperty.com.au/

Follow Julian on LinkedIn: 

https://www.linkedin.com/in/buyersagent-sydney-brisbane-melbourne-adelaide-perth/

Follow Julian on Instagram: 

https://www.instagram.com/juliankhursigara_buyersagent/

Follow Julian on Facebook: 

https://www.facebook.com/investmentpropertybuyersagent/

Follow Julian on Tiktok: 

https://www.tiktok.com/@julian_buyersagent

Subscribe to Julian Khursigara YouTube Channel: 

https://www.youtube.com/@juliankhursigara_buyersagent

If you’d like a personalised review of your financial situation, help setting clear investment goals, and a data-driven strategy to guide your property journey—including insights into high-growth areas and a roadmap to financial freedom—book a time with Julian here: https://calendly.com/julian_spp/45min

Disclaimer

Invest Smarter Grow Faster provides general information and commentary about property, finance, and investing. It does not constitute financial, legal, tax, or investment advice tailored to your personal circumstances. Before making any financial decisions, you should seek professional advice from a qualified adviser.

While we aim for accuracy and quality, we cannot guarantee all information is complete, up-to-date, or free from errors. Past performance is not a reliable indicator of future results.