> Ready to make confident decisions about your home loan? Connect with Lee Rosenfeld and the team at Innovative Home Loans to book your choice of a First Home Buyer Discovery Call, Home Loan Discussion, Home Loan Meeting, or Home Loan Review here: ⁠https://outlook.office.com/book/[email protected]/?ismsaljsauthenabled⁠

In this episode, we sit down with Matt Sharp, founder and director of Sharp Property Buyers, award-winning buyer’s agent, and recipient of the Property Investment Professionals of Australia (PIPA) National Property Investment Advisor of the Year award. With years of experience helping Australians build wealth through strategic property investing, Matt has established himself as one of the most respected voices in the property industry.

Matt shares his personal journey from growing up in a family that rented homes to becoming a successful property investor and business owner. Starting with a simple goal of saving $100 per week, he developed a deep passion for real estate, purchased his first property in his twenties, and eventually left a secure corporate career to launch Sharp Property. Today, he continues to build his own portfolio while helping clients navigate the often-complex world of property investment.

Throughout the conversation, Matt provides valuable insights into what makes a strong investment property, why quality research and education matter, and how investors can avoid common mistakes when building a portfolio. He also discusses the realities of property ownership, the importance of having the right team around you, and why a long-term strategy is essential for creating sustainable wealth.

We also dive into the evolving buyer’s agent industry, the role of PIPA in promoting ethical and independent property advice, and what investors should look for when choosing a buyer’s agent. Matt offers an honest perspective on off-market opportunities, portfolio diversification, market cycles, and the importance of making informed decisions rather than chasing trends.

Whether you're preparing to purchase your first investment property, looking to expand your portfolio, or simply wanting a better understanding of the Australian property market, this episode delivers practical advice, real-world experience, and valuable lessons from someone who lives and breathes property investing.

Lee Rosenfeld | Innovative Home Loans

⁠https://innovativehomeloans.com.au/our-team/lee-rosenfeld/⁠

Matt Sharp | Sharp Property Buyers 

https://sharpproperty.com.au/

***Disclaimer: The topics, conversation, opinions and discussion provided in this episode are general in nature and does not take into account your personal needs and requirements. As a listener you should not take or use the information discussed as financial advice. We always recommend that you engage in independent financial advice before making any finance decisions.

> Ready to make confident decisions about your home loan? Connect with Lee Rosenfeld and the team at Innovative Home Loans to book your choice of a First Home Buyer Discovery Call, Home Loan Discussion, Home Loan Meeting, or Home Loan Review here: ⁠https://outlook.office.com/book/[email protected]/?ismsaljsauthenabled⁠

In this episode of the Property & Lending Podcast, host Lee Rosenfeld from Innovative Home Loans sits down with Mitch Keen from Keen Acquisitions to break down the realities of buying property in Sydney, the Central Coast, and emerging Australian investment markets.

Mitch shares insider insights into what buyers and investors often miss when purchasing property outside their local area, including flood risks, growth pockets, infrastructure opportunities, zoning changes, and the importance of understanding local market dynamics before making a purchase.

The conversation dives deep into the differences between Sydney and Central Coast property investing, why lifestyle locations continue to attract buyers, and how smart investors identify suburbs with strong long-term capital growth potential. They also discuss the rise of interstate investing, positive cash flow opportunities, duplex developments, and why having the right team around you — including a buyer's agent, mortgage broker, accountant, conveyancer, and financial planner — can save you thousands.

Whether you’re a first home buyer, experienced investor, or looking to grow your portfolio through SMSF or interstate property investing, this episode is packed with practical finance, mortgage broking, and property investment advice to help you make smarter decisions in any Australian market.

In this episode, we cover property investing strategies, buyer's agent tips, mortgage broking insights, interstate property investing, SMSF property purchases, capital growth vs rental yield, property development opportunities, and how to avoid costly mistakes when buying real estate.

Lee Rosenfeld | Innovative Home Loans

⁠https://innovativehomeloans.com.au/our-team/lee-rosenfeld/⁠

Mitch Keen | Keen Acquisitions 

https://www.keenacquisitions.com.au/mitch-bio-1

***Disclaimer: The topics, conversation, opinions and discussion provided in this episode are general in nature and does not take into account your personal needs and requirements. As a listener you should not take or use the information discussed as financial advice. We always recommend that you engage in independent financial advice before making any finance decisions.

> Ready to make confident decisions about your home loan? Connect with Lee Rosenfeld and the team at Innovative Home Loans to book your choice of a First Home Buyer Discovery Call, Home Loan Discussion, Home Loan Meeting, or Home Loan Review here: ⁠https://outlook.office.com/book/[email protected]/?ismsaljsauthenabled⁠

In Part 1 of this episode, host Lee Rosenfeld from Innovative Home Loans sits down with buyers agent Mitch Keen from Keen Acquisitions to break down how to buy property without overpaying in today’s competitive Australian market.

Mitch shares his journey from a long-term career in television to building a successful buyers agency, offering a real and honest look at what it takes to step away from stability and pursue a new path in property. His experience highlights the importance of playing the long game, building relationships, and developing the confidence to make high-stakes decisions in a fast-moving industry.

This conversation dives into the biggest mistakes buyers make when entering the market, particularly around relying on price guides, letting emotion drive decisions, and navigating high-pressure auction environments. Lee and Mitch unpack how buyers can approach property with a clear strategy, understand true market value, and avoid the common traps that often lead to overpaying.

They also explore the growing demand across areas like the Central Coast, with more Sydney buyers relocating for lifestyle and affordability, and what that shift means for first home buyers, families, and investors trying to get into the market. The episode highlights the real value a buyers agent can bring, from accessing off-market opportunities to negotiating effectively and knowing when to walk away from the wrong deal.

If you're looking to buy your first home, upgrade, or invest, this episode offers practical, real-world insights to help you make smarter property decisions and navigate the market with confidence. 

If you enjoyed today's episode make sure you follow ‘The Property and Lending Podcast’ to be notified when part 2 is uploaded. 

Lee Rosenfeld | Innovative Home Loans

⁠https://innovativehomeloans.com.au/our-team/lee-rosenfeld/⁠

Mitch Keen | Keen Acquisitions 

https://www.keenacquisitions.com.au/mitch-bio-1

***Disclaimer: The topics, conversation, opinions and discussion provided in this episode are general in nature and does not take into account your personal needs and requirements. As a listener you should not take or use the information discussed as financial advice. We always recommend that you engage in independent financial advice before making any finance decisions.

> Ready to make confident decisions about your home loan? Connect with Lee Rosenfeld and the team at Innovative Home Loans to book your choice of a First Home Buyer Discovery Call, Home Loan Discussion, Home Loan Meeting, or Home Loan Review here: ⁠https://outlook.office.com/book/[email protected]/?ismsaljsauthenabled⁠

In this episode, we continue the conversation with guest Steve Palise from Palise Property, diving deeper into the real strategies behind building wealth through property. This discussion breaks down the key differences between commercial and residential investing, helping you understand when each approach makes sense based on your financial goals, risk profile, and borrowing capacity.

Lee Rosenfeld the host, and Director of Innovative Home Loans explains how buyers agents' actually assess deals, from yield versus capital growth to lease length, tenant quality, and long-term asset selection. 

Steve explains the truth about net vs gross yield, why commercial property can deliver significantly higher cashflow, and the common misconceptions investors have when comparing it to residential property.

You’ll also learn how mortgage brokers and lending strategies play a critical role in shaping your property journey, including how borrowing capacity, leverage, and finance structures impact your ability to scale a portfolio. The episode further explores self-managed super funds (SMSFs), rentvesting, and how to align your investment strategy with both financial outcomes and lifestyle goals.

This episode is a must listen for anyone working with a buyers agent, considering commercial property, or looking to better understand how money, lending, and property strategy all connect to build long-term wealth.

Lee Rosenfeld | Innovative Home Loans

⁠https://innovativehomeloans.com.au/our-team/lee-rosenfeld/⁠

Steve Palise | Palise Property 

https://www.paliseproperty.com/

***Disclaimer: The topics, conversation, opinions and discussion provided in this episode are general in nature and does not take into account your personal needs and requirements. As a listener you should not take or use the information discussed as financial advice. We always recommend that you engage in independent financial advice before making any finance decisions.

> Ready to make confident decisions about your home loan? Connect with Lee Rosenfeld and the team at Innovative Home Loans to book your choice of a First Home Buyer Discovery Call, Home Loan Discussion, Home Loan Meeting, or Home Loan Review here: ⁠https://outlook.office.com/book/[email protected]/?ismsaljsauthenabled⁠

In this episode, Lee Rosenfeld from Innovative Home Loans sits down with property expert and buyers agent Steve Palise from Palise Property to break down the real strategies behind building wealth through property. From residential investing to commercial property opportunities, Steve shares how he built his own portfolio and went on to complete thousands of property acquisitions for clients.

Lee and Steve discuss the key differences between residential and commercial property investing, including cash flow, leverage, lending restrictions and long-term capital growth. Steve explains why many investors start with residential property but later move into commercial assets to increase passive income and accelerate their financial goals.

The conversation also explores how to set realistic wealth targets, the role a buyer's agent can play in building a portfolio, and how mortgage strategy and borrowing capacity can shape your property journey.

If you’re interested in property investing, working with a buyers agent, or building long-term passive income through property, this episode is packed with practical insights. If you enjoy this episode make sure you hit follow because this is a two part series. 

Lee Rosenfeld | Innovative Home Loans

⁠https://innovativehomeloans.com.au/our-team/lee-rosenfeld/⁠

Steve Palise | Palise Property 

https://www.paliseproperty.com/

***Disclaimer: The topics, conversation, opinions and discussion provided in this episode are general in nature and does not take into account your personal needs and requirements. As a listener you should not take or use the information discussed as financial advice. We always recommend that you engage in independent financial advice before making any finance decisions.

> Ready to make confident decisions about your home loan? Connect with Lee Rosenfeld and the team at Innovative Home Loans to book your choice of a First Home Buyer Discovery Call, Home Loan Discussion, Home Loan Meeting, or Home Loan Review here: ⁠https://outlook.office.com/book/[email protected]/?ismsaljsauthenabled⁠

In the final episode of our First Home Buyer Special series, Lee Rosenfeld  and Alex Ucchino bring everything together with practical, real-world advice for navigating the property market with confidence. After covering government schemes, guarantors and stamp duty in earlier episodes, this conversation focuses on the lessons learned from working with first home buyers every day and the biggest mistakes to avoid when stepping into the market.

This episode dives into the mindset shift buyers need to make, moving away from borrowing the maximum and instead focusing on what repayments actually feel comfortable and sustainable over the long term. You will learn why budgeting properly, stress-testing your finances and planning for future life changes are essential before committing to a 30-year mortgage. The discussion also covers hidden ownership costs such as strata fees, utilities and lifestyle expenses that many buyers underestimate.

Lee and Alex also break down how to build the right professional team around you, from brokers and conveyancers to financial planners and buyer’s agents. They explain how early conversations and pre-approval can put you in a stronger position, how personal debt impacts borrowing capacity, and why flexibility and preparation can make your offer more competitive in a fast-moving property market.

If you are a first home buyer wanting clarity, confidence and practical guidance before making one of the biggest financial decisions of your life, this episode wraps up the series with the key steps to help you move forward.

Lee Rosenfeld | Innovative Home Loans

⁠https://innovativehomeloans.com.au/our-team/lee-rosenfeld/⁠

Alex Ucchino | Innovative Home Loans

⁠https://innovativehomeloans.com.au/our-team/alex-ucchino/⁠

The Grey Creative Studio | Podcast Studio & Production

https://www.thegrey.au/

***Disclaimer: The topics, conversation, opinions and discussion provided in this episode are general in nature and does not take into account your personal needs and requirements. As a listener you should not take or use the information discussed as financial advice. We always recommend that you engage in independent financial advice before making any finance decisions.

> Ready to make confident decisions about your home loan? Connect with Lee Rosenfeld and the team at Innovative Home Loans to book your choice of a First Home Buyer Discovery Call, Home Loan Discussion, Home Loan Meeting, or Home Loan Review here: https://outlook.office.com/book/[email protected]/?ismsaljsauthenabled

In Part 3 of our First Home Buyer Special, we break down the key first home buyer schemes available in NSW, with a focus on how to reduce upfront costs and make buying your first property more achievable.

Lee and Alex from Innovative Home Loans, explain how the First Home Buyer Assistance Scheme works; including stamp duty exemptions for properties up to $800,000 and concessions up to $1 million. They also cover the owner-occupier requirements, timing rules, and common mistakes that can leave buyers with an unexpected stamp duty bill.

This episode further explores how different schemes can be used together, including low-deposit loans, guarantors, and government guarantees, and when it might make sense to pay a small amount of stamp duty to secure a better property or location.

Lee and Alex also talk through the First Home Super Saver Scheme, how it actually works in practice, who it suits, and what you need to set up well before buying. Finally, they touch on the upcoming Shared Equity Scheme, which could allow eligible buyers to purchase with as little as a 2% deposit.

If you’re serious about buying your first property and want clear, practical advice without the fluff, this episode is a must-listen.

Lee Rosenfeld | Innovative Home Loans

https://innovativehomeloans.com.au/our-team/lee-rosenfeld/

Alex Ucchino | Innovative Home Loans

https://innovativehomeloans.com.au/our-team/alex-ucchino/

***Disclaimer: The topics, conversation, opinions and discussion provided in this episode are general in nature and does not take into account your personal needs and requirements. As a listener you should not take or use the information discussed as financial advice. We always recommend that you engage in independent financial advice before making any finance decisions.

> Ready to make confident decisions about your home loan? Connect with Lee Rosenfeld and the team at Innovative Home Loans to book your choice of a First Home Buyer Discovery Call, Home Loan Discussion, Home Loan Meeting, or Home Loan Review here: https://outlook.office.com/book/[email protected]/?ismsaljsauthenabled

Welcome back to Part 2 of the First Home Buyer Special series. In this episode, Lee sits down with Alex to explore one of the most influential yet often misunderstood strategies in the Australian property landscape: security guarantees, commonly known as the “Bank of Mum and Dad.” The conversation sets out to demystify how these guarantees really work and why they’ve become such a powerful tool for buyers trying to enter the market sooner.

Lee and Alex walk through the practical side of guarantor loans, explaining who can act as a guarantor, how family equity can reduce or eliminate lender’s mortgage insurance, and why this approach often allows buyers to enter the market with little or no deposit. They also discuss how security guarantees differ from government initiatives like the First Home Guarantee Scheme, helping listeners understand when each option might apply.

The discussion also tackles common misconceptions, particularly around borrowing capacity and the level of involvement required from family members. Lee and Alex explain what guarantors are actually responsible for, the legal and financial considerations they need to be aware of, and why clear communication and proper advice are essential for protecting everyone involved.

Finally, the episode looks at how guarantees can be used strategically by first home buyers and rentvestors to build long-term wealth, while also recognising the situations where a guarantor may not be the right fit. Whether you're a first home buyer, a supportive family member, or someone navigating the complexities of the Australian property market, this episode offers practical, grounded insights to guide confident decision-making

Lee Rosenfeld | Innovative Home Loans

https://innovativehomeloans.com.au/our-team/lee-rosenfeld/

Alex Ucchino | Innovative Home Loans

https://innovativehomeloans.com.au/our-team/alex-ucchino/

***Disclaimer: The topics, conversation, opinions and discussion provided in this episode are general in nature and does not take into account your personal needs and requirements. As a listener you should not take or use the information discussed as financial advice. We always recommend that you engage in independent financial advice before making any finance decisions.

> Ready to make confident decisions about your home loan? Connect with Lee Rosenfeld and the team at Innovative Home Loans to book your choice of a First Home Buyer Discovery Call, Home Loan Discussion, Home Loan Meeting, or Home Loan Review here: https://outlook.office.com/book/[email protected]/?ismsaljsauthenabled

In this first episode of our special four-part First Home Buyer Series, Lee Rosenfeld and Alex Ucchino from Innovative Home Loans break down the biggest changes hitting the Australian property market and what they mean for anyone trying to step into their first home. With “FOMO” rising and the market heating up again, we unpack how to stay calm, informed, and prepared as a buyer.

This episode dives deep into the revamped First Home Guarantee Scheme, including the removal of income caps, the new $1.5M purchase limit, and what buyers really need to know before banking on a 5% deposit. Lee and Alex share real insights as experienced Mortgage Brokers helping first home buyers avoid common traps, understand long-term planning, and navigate an increasingly competitive property market.

If you're a first home buyer, navigating your borrowing capacity, or trying to make sense of the rapidly shifting property and lending market, this episode lays the foundation for smarter decisions in 2025 and beyond.

Stay tuned! Part 2 will dive into guarantors, alternative pathways into the market, and more expert insights to help you buy with confidence.

Lee Rosenfeld | Innovative Home Loans

https://innovativehomeloans.com.au/our-team/lee-rosenfeld/

Alex Ucchino | Innovative Home Loans

https://innovativehomeloans.com.au/our-team/alex-ucchino/

***Disclaimer: The topics, conversation, opinions and discussion provided in this episode are general in nature and does not take into account your personal needs and requirements. As a listener you should not take or use the information discussed as financial advice. We always recommend that you engage in independent financial advice before making any finance decisions.

> Ready to make confident decisions about your home loan? Connect with Lee Rosenfeld and the team at Innovative Home Loans to book your choice of a First Home Buyer Discovery Call, Home Loan Discussion, Home Loan Meeting, or Home Loan Review here: https://outlook.office.com/book/[email protected]/?ismsaljsauthenabled

If you haven’t yet listened to Part 1, we highly recommend starting there — it sets the foundation for this powerful follow-up episode on solar energy, property, and financial sustainability.

This episode with Trent Amber, Co-Founder of AG Solar diving deeper into the real financial benefits of solar panels, battery storage systems, and government solar rebates. Discover how Aussie homeowners are turning to solar and green energy to slash power bills, boost property value and build homes that practically pay for themselves. Lee and Trent chat about how these changes aren’t just great for the planet — they’re a smart financial move too.

They also dive into the exciting world of smart home tech, EV charging and new solar battery finance options that make going green easier than ever.

If you’re looking to ease mortgage stress, save more on energy and invest in a sustainable future for your home, this episode’s packed with insights you don’t want to miss.

Lee Rosenfeld | Innovative Home Loans

⁠⁠https://www.innovativehomeloans.com.au/⁠

Trent Amber | AG Solar 

https://www.agsolar.com.au/

***Disclaimer: The topics, conversation, opinions and discussion provided in this episode are general in nature and does not take into account your personal needs and requirements. As a listener you should not take or use the information discussed as financial advice. We always recommend that you engage in independent financial advice before making any finance decisions.