The Property Couch

Your offer has been accepted.

Time to celebrate... but not quite settle in just yet.

In Episode 6 of PRE-Purchase, Ben Thompson and Shane Pope explain what happens between having an offer accepted and becoming unconditional.

This is the stage where finance approval, building inspections and pest inspections are finalised. While many buyers think the deal is done once their offer is accepted, there are still some important steps to complete before the property officially becomes unconditional.

You'll learn what your broker, solicitor and inspectors are doing behind the scenes, what can go wrong, and when you may have an opportunity to renegotiate.

In This Episode

✅ What happens after an offer is accepted
✅ Building, pest and finance clauses explained
✅ Why banks order valuations
✅ What becoming unconditional means
✅ When you can exit a contract
✅ What happens if a condition isn't satisfied
✅ Renegotiating after a building inspection
✅ The role of your broker and solicitor
✅ What happens next on the road to settlement

Need Help Navigating The Buying Process?

Whether you're making offers, reviewing contracts or navigating the path to settlement, the team at Empower Wealth offers a complimentary initial consultation.

👉 https://empowerwealth.com.au/request-free-consultation/

Got A Question?

If this episode raised a question about your own property journey, send it through and we'll answer as many as possible in our upcoming PRE-Purchase Q&A episode.

📩 Submit your question: https://thepropertycouch.com.au/contact

Timestamps

00:00 Introduction
00:15 Celebrate, but not quite yet
00:38 What happens after contracts are exchanged?
00:58 Why this differs from buying at auction
01:11 The three common contract conditions
01:23 What your broker does after acceptance
01:44 Why banks order valuations
02:07 Building and pest inspections explained
02:44 What happens when a property becomes unconditional?
02:53 When can a buyer exit the contract?
03:34 Can you renegotiate?
04:05 Renegotiating after a building inspection
05:00 Real-world renegotiation example
05:24 The final step before settlement
05:47 The role of your solicitor and conveyancer

Hashtags

#PropertyOffer #FirstHomeBuyer #HomeBuying #PropertyContracts #BuildingInspection #PropertyTips #BuyersAgent #ThePropertyCouch #PREPurchase #PropertySettlement

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You've found the property.

You've completed your research.

You've done your inspections and due diligence.

Now it's time to negotiate.

In Episode 5 of PRE-Purchase, Ben Thompson and Shane Pope unpack one of the most challenging stages of the home-buying journey: negotiating a private sale.

You'll learn why understanding the campaign matters, how to work with agents effectively, what "rules of engagement" actually mean, and why the strongest offer isn't always the highest offer.

Whether the property is being sold via private treaty, expression of interest or sale by set date, this episode will help you understand how offers are assessed and how buyers can position themselves more effectively.

In This Episode

✅ Understanding private sale campaigns
✅ Sale by set date vs expression of interest
✅ Why registering your interest matters
✅ Understanding your competition
✅ Questions to ask the selling agent
✅ Rules of engagement explained
✅ Offer conditions and negotiation strategy
✅ Price vs terms
✅ What actually makes an offer strong

Need Help Negotiating A Purchase?

Negotiations can be one of the most stressful parts of buying a home.

If you'd like personalised guidance around your property search, negotiations, auction strategy or next purchase, the team at Empower Wealth offers a complimentary initial consultation.

👉 https://empowerwealth.com.au/request-free-consultation/

Got A Question?

If this episode raised a question about your own property journey, send it through and we'll answer as many as possible in our upcoming PRE-Purchase Q&A episode.

📩 Submit your question: https://thepropertycouch.com.au/contact

Timestamps

00:00 Introduction
00:40 Bringing together the preparation and research phases
01:17 Knowing what the property is worth to you
01:46 Understanding different private sale campaigns
02:44 Why you should always register your interest
03:35 Understanding the campaign
03:53 Understanding your competition
04:06 Questions every buyer should ask
04:29 Understanding the rules of engagement
05:12 Why every agent runs campaigns differently
06:00 What makes an offer strong?
06:47 Example: conditional vs unconditional offers
08:21 Price, settlement and terms
09:09 How buyer's agents negotiate campaigns
09:51 The three things every buyer should understand
10:28 Next episode

Hashtags

#PrivateSale #PropertyNegotiation #FirstHomeBuyer #HomeBuying #PropertyTips #BuyersAgent #PropertyEducation #ThePropertyCouch #PREPurchase #PropertyMarket

LISTEN TO THE FIRST 20 EPISODES HERE >>

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- Make Money Simple Again

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You've found a property you like.

You've completed your research.

Now comes one of the most important questions in the entire buying journey:

Are you actually ready to commit?

In Episode 4 of PRE-PURCHASE, Ben Thompson and Shane Pope walk through the final checks buyers should complete before making an offer or raising their hand at auction.

From building and pest inspections to contract reviews, street inspections, neighbour considerations and risk management, this episode focuses on reducing surprises before you commit to one of the biggest financial decisions of your life.

Because once you've signed or successfully purchased at auction, backing out can become difficult, expensive or impossible.

In This Episode

✅ Why building and pest inspections are essential
✅ Licensed inspectors vs unlicensed inspectors
✅ Why you should visit the property multiple times
✅ Seeing the property at different times of day
✅ Understanding traffic, noise and neighbourhood factors
✅ Contract and solicitor reviews
✅ Risk management before purchase
✅ Why due diligence protects buyers

Need Help Evaluating A Property?

If you've found a property and want help assessing risk, reviewing your options or navigating the buying process, the team at Empower Wealth offers a complimentary initial consultation.

👉 https://empowerwealth.com.au/request-free-consultation/

Got A Question?

If this episode raised a question about your own property journey, send it through and we'll answer as many as possible in our upcoming PRE-Purchase Q&A episode.

📩 Submit your question: https://thepropertycouch.com.au/contact

Timestamps

00:00 Introduction
00:18 What final checks should buyers complete?
00:30 Building and pest inspections explained
01:33 Why inspections are non-negotiable
02:11 Choosing licensed inspectors
02:54 Why licensing matters
03:13 Visit the property more than once
03:42 Inspect at different times of day
04:28 Contract reviews and legal advice
04:58 Why solicitors can be valuable
05:35 Final due diligence checklist
06:03 Working with your building inspector
06:29 Risk management before committing
06:53 Next episode: Negotiating a private sale

Hashtags

#DueDiligence #FirstHomeBuyer #HomeBuying #PropertyInspection #BuildingInspection #PropertyResearch #BuyersAgent #ThePropertyCouch #PREPURCHASE #PropertyTips

LISTEN TO THE FIRST 20 EPISODES HERE >>

MOORR MONEY MANAGEMENT APP:
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👉 Google Play: https://bit.ly/3OT86bW
👉 Web platform:  https://www.moorr.com.au/     

FREE MASTERCLASS:
- How to Build a Property Portfolio and Retire on $2,000 a week >>

FREE BEST-SELLING BOOKS:
- The Armchair Guide to Property Investing
- Make Money Simple Again

FIND US HERE:
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A property can look great on inspection day... but what are you actually looking for?

In Episode 3 of PRE-Purchase, Ben Thompson and Shane Pope walk through one of the most important stages of the buying journey: property inspections.

From identifying red flags and hidden risks to understanding presentation techniques and buyer competition, this episode helps buyers inspect properties with greater confidence and a more critical eye.

You'll learn how to assess a property's condition, recognise common warning signs and understand what other buyers may be seeing when they walk through the same home.

Because buying a property isn't just about finding something you like. It's about understanding exactly what you're buying.

In This Episode

✅ Why inspection numbers matter
✅ How to identify strong buyer demand
✅ Red flags to look for during inspections
✅ Cracks, water damage and structural concerns
✅ Common presentation techniques sellers use
✅ Understanding natural light and orientation
✅ How to assess storage, functionality and layout
✅ Why bedroom dimensions matter
✅ How to separate emotional decisions from practical ones

Need Help Assessing Properties?

Whether you're buying your first home, upgrading or investing, the team at Empower Wealth can help you navigate inspections, negotiations and the buying process with confidence.

👉 https://empowerwealth.com.au/request-free-consultation/

Got A Question?

If this episode raised a question about your own property journey, send it through and we'll answer as many as possible in our upcoming PRE-Purchase Q&A episode.

📩 Submit your question: https://thepropertycouch.com.au/contact

Timestamps

00:00 Introduction to property inspections
00:29 What to look for at inspections
01:03 Why buyer numbers matter
02:14 Understanding buyer demand
03:28 Common presentation techniques
04:02 Music, lighting and inspection presentation
05:01 Property red flags to watch for
06:15 Storage, layout and functionality
07:05 How properties actually feel to live in
07:25 Styling tricks and furniture placement
08:08 Bedroom size benchmarks
09:14 Natural light and orientation
09:28 Fresh paint and hidden issues
09:38 Preparing for final checks

Hashtags

#PropertyInspection #FirstHomeBuyer #HomeBuying #PropertyResearch #BuyersAgent #PropertyTips #PropertyEducation #ThePropertyCouch #PREPURCHASE #PropertyMarket

LISTEN TO THE FIRST 20 EPISODES HERE >>

MOORR MONEY MANAGEMENT APP:
👉 Apple: https://apple.co/3ioICGW
👉 Google Play: https://bit.ly/3OT86bW
👉 Web platform:  https://www.moorr.com.au/     

FREE MASTERCLASS:
- How to Build a Property Portfolio and Retire on $2,000 a week >>

FREE BEST-SELLING BOOKS:
- The Armchair Guide to Property Investing
- Make Money Simple Again

FIND US HERE:
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Most buyers don't lose money because they failed to find a property. They lose money because they didn't spend enough time understanding the market.

In Episode 2 of PRE-PURCHASE, Ben Thompson and Shane Pope explain how to research property properly, set effective search parameters and build the market knowledge needed to buy with confidence.

This episode builds on Episode 1 and explores what happens after you've designed your property brief. You'll learn why inspecting properties is one of the most important parts of the buying process, how to use online portals effectively and why the best buyers spend significant time building local market knowledge before making an offer.

Ben and Shane also discuss why attending inspections, tracking sale prices and understanding buyer competition can dramatically improve your decision-making.

In This Episode

✅ How many properties you should inspect
✅ Why research is critical before making an offer
✅ The importance of market knowledge
✅ Understanding the Buyer's Quadrant in practice
✅ Using search parameters effectively
✅ Why most buyers underestimate the learning curve
✅ The common mistake buyers make on property portals
✅ Why you should attend auctions before bidding

Need Help With Your Property Search?

Buying property is one of the biggest financial decisions you'll make.

If you'd like personalised guidance around your property search, negotiations, auction strategy or next purchase, the team at Empower Wealth offers a complimentary initial consultation.

👉 https://empowerwealth.com.au/request-free-consultation/

Got A Question?

If this episode raised a question about your own property journey, send it through and we'll answer as many as possible in our upcoming PRE-Purchase Q&A episode.

📩 Submit your question: https://thepropertycouch.com.au/contact

Timestamps

00:00 Why research matters
00:37 The most important stage of buying
01:22 How many properties should you inspect?
02:04 Expanding your search criteria
03:12 Why buyer appeal matters
04:24 Building market knowledge
05:01 Estimating property values
05:47 Why buyer's agents exist
06:17 Property portal search tips
07:07 Why buyers miss opportunities online
08:02 Spotting underquoted properties
08:47 Why Episodes 1 & 2 work together
09:10 Why you should attend auctions early
10:03 Learn the auctioneer before auction day
10:29 Preparation and research create confidence

Hashtags
#PropertyResearch #FirstHomeBuyer #PropertySearch #BuyersAgent #AuctionTips #HomeBuying #PropertyEducation #ThePropertyCouch #PREPURCHASE #PropertyMarket

LISTEN TO THE FIRST 20 EPISODES HERE >>

MOORR MONEY MANAGEMENT APP:
👉 Apple: https://apple.co/3ioICGW
👉 Google Play: https://bit.ly/3OT86bW
👉 Web platform:  https://www.moorr.com.au/     

FREE MASTERCLASS:
- How to Build a Property Portfolio and Retire on $2,000 a week >>

FREE BEST-SELLING BOOKS:
- The Armchair Guide to Property Investing
- Make Money Simple Again

FIND US HERE:
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- Youtube

Most buyers start searching for properties before they know exactly what they're looking for.

That's where problems begin.

In Episode 1 of PRE-PURCHASE, Ben Thompson and Shane Pope explain why creating a clear property brief is the foundation of a successful property search.

Before you start attending inspections, speaking to agents or scrolling property websites, you need clarity around what you're actually trying to buy.

In this episode, Ben and Shane introduce the Buyer's Quadrant, discuss the importance of separating needs from wants, and explain how a well-designed brief can save time, reduce stress and help you make better buying decisions.

In This Episode

✅ Why most buyers underestimate the importance of their brief
✅ The Buyer's Quadrant explained
✅ Price, location, land and dwelling quality
✅ Needs vs wants
✅ Why couples should complete separate briefs first
✅ Avoiding costly compromises
✅ Creating your ideal starting point before researching the market

Need Help With Your Property Journey?

If you'd like personalised guidance around buying your first home, upgrading or investing, the team at Empower Wealth offers a complimentary initial consultation.

👉 https://empowerwealth.com.au/request-free-consultation/

Got A Question?

If this episode raised a question about your own property journey, send it through and we'll answer as many as possible in our upcoming PRE-Purchase Q&A episode.

📩 Submit your question: https://thepropertycouch.com.au/contact

Timestamps
0:00 Welcome to Episode 1
0:47 Why buyers work with professionals
1:17 Your brief will evolve
2:14 Introducing the Buyer's Quadrant
3:24 Starting with dwelling requirements
3:55 Needs vs wants explained
5:00 Why buyers often ask for too much
6:18 Reality-testing your brief
7:14 Building a practical property brief
8:17 Examples of needs and wants
8:49 The Buyer's Quadrant recap
9:08 Next episode: Property research

#PropertyBrief #FirstHomeBuyer #HomeBuying #PropertyResearch #BuyersAgent #PropertyEducation #HomeOwnership #PropertySearch #ThePropertyCouch #PREPURCHASE

LISTEN TO THE FIRST 20 EPISODES HERE >>

MOORR MONEY MANAGEMENT APP:
👉 Apple: https://apple.co/3ioICGW
👉 Google Play: https://bit.ly/3OT86bW
👉 Web platform:  https://www.moorr.com.au/     

FREE MASTERCLASS:
- How to Build a Property Portfolio and Retire on $2,000 a week >>

FREE BEST-SELLING BOOKS:
- The Armchair Guide to Property Investing
- Make Money Simple Again

FIND US HERE:
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- Instagram
- Facebook
- Youtube

Thinking about buying a home but not sure where to start?

Welcome to PRE-PURCHASE, a practical step-by-step series designed to help buyers navigate one of life's biggest financial decisions with greater confidence.

In this introductory episode, Ben Thompson and Shane Pope explain why they created the series, share their backgrounds in property, and walk through the framework that will guide the next 10 episodes.

Whether you're preparing to buy your first home, upgrading, downsizing or simply looking to better understand the buying process, this series is designed to help you make more informed decisions and avoid common mistakes.

Across the PRE-PURCHASE series, we'll cover:

✅ Defining your brief
✅ Researching suburbs and properties
✅ Property inspections and due diligence
✅ Negotiating private sales
✅ Buying at auction
✅ Getting unconditional
✅ Pre-settlement inspections
✅ Settlement day and moving in


Got Questions?

This series was built from real buyer questions.

If there's something you'd like us to cover in the Q&A episode, send it through here: https://thepropertycouch.com.au/contact/

Need Help With Your Own Property Journey?

If you'd like personalised guidance on buying your first home, upgrading, investing or navigating the property market, the team at Empower Wealth offers a complimentary initial consultation.

📅 Request your free consultation here: https://empowerwealth.com.au/request-free-consultation/

Whether you're still in the planning stage or actively looking for property, a conversation with an experienced professional can help you gain clarity and confidence around your next steps.

Timestamps
0:00 Welcome to PRE-PURCHASE
0:17 Why we created this series
0:45 Meet Ben Thompson
1:38 Meet Shane Pope
2:10 What we'll cover throughout the series
2:47 Submit your questions for the Q&A

#HomeBuying #FirstHomeBuyer #PropertyEducation #PropertyResearch #BuyersAgent #AuctionTips #SettlementDay #HomeOwnership #ThePropertyCouch #PREPURCHASE

LISTEN TO THE FIRST 20 EPISODES HERE >>

MOORR MONEY MANAGEMENT APP:
👉 Apple: https://apple.co/3ioICGW
👉 Google Play: https://bit.ly/3OT86bW
👉 Web platform:  https://www.moorr.com.au/     

FREE MASTERCLASS:
- How to Build a Property Portfolio and Retire on $2,000 a week >>

FREE BEST-SELLING BOOKS:
- The Armchair Guide to Property Investing
- Make Money Simple Again

FIND US HERE:
- Website
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What happens if your property is suddenly worth less than you paid for it?

It's a question many homeowners and investors are asking as property values soften in some parts of Australia.

In this week's FUNdamental Friday, Ben Thompson and mortgage broker Luke Oxenham unpack the reality behind declining property values, negative equity and what it actually means for homeowners.

They discuss:

✅ What negative equity really is
✅ Why it doesn't automatically mean financial stress
✅ The difference between a valuation and your long-term plan
✅ Equity release strategies during changing markets
✅ Refinancing considerations in softer markets
✅ Why first home buyers shouldn't panic
✅ How loan structure can create flexibility

Because sometimes a scary headline isn't the full story.

🎁 FREE UPDATED $3,000 A WEEK CASE STUDIES

Leave a review for The Property Couch on your favourite podcast platform OR leave a review for the Moorr app.

Then:

📸 Take a screenshot of your review
 📧 Email it to [email protected]

We'll send you FREE access to our updated video case studies, refreshed for today's property market, negative gearing and capital gains tax changes.

Timestamps
0:00 What if your property value falls?
0:31 What negative equity actually means
1:21 A real-world example
2:23 Why it's often just a snapshot in time
3:28 Upgrading in a changing market
4:22 Should you release equity sooner?
5:01 Refinancing risks explained
6:09 Future-proofing your position
6:56 How interest-only loans and offsets work
8:06 Can negative equity be part of a strategy?
9:26 Why it isn't always catastrophic
10:17 Advice for first home buyers
11:10 Advice for homeowners with equity

#PropertyInvesting #PropertyValues #HomeOwnership #PropertyFinance #MortgageBroker #EquityRelease #Refinancing #FirstHomeBuyer #ThePropertyCouch #FUNdamentalFridays

LISTEN TO THE FIRST 20 EPISODES HERE >>

MOORR MONEY MANAGEMENT APP:
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👉 Google Play: https://bit.ly/3OT86bW
👉 Web platform:  https://www.moorr.com.au/     

FREE MASTERCLASS:
- How to Build a Property Portfolio and Retire on $2,000 a week >>

FREE BEST-SELLING BOOKS:
- The Armchair Guide to Property Investing
- Make Money Simple Again

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What would happen to your finances if the person who usually manages the money was no longer there? 

In Episode 615, Ben Kingsley, Kirsty Dunphey and Polly Chu explore women’s financial independence and the risks that can quietly build through career breaks, unpaid caring responsibilities and leaving the bigger financial decisions to a partner.

They also share practical ways to protect your future, from understanding your cash flow and investments to super contribution splitting, household money meetings, insurance and estate planning. 🛡️ 

Financial independence isn’t about expecting the worst. It’s about knowing where you stand, having a voice and being prepared if life doesn’t go to plan.

Listen now!

A quick production note: We had to switch recording platforms partway through the episode, so you may notice a slight change in audio and video quality. Thanks for bearing with us!

FREE STUFF MENTIONED

• Sell, Buy or Optimise? Free Property Webinar
  7:30pm AEST, Tues 22 September
  The market is shifting but does your current property strategy still stack up? Join Ben in our upcoming webinar as he explores the frameworks that can help you assess whether your next move could be to sell, buy, hold or optimise.
  👉 Register for the free webinar 
• The PRE-Purchase Series
  Coming soon: a new ten-part, bite-sized series designed to help you navigate the three key stages of purchasing property: Preparation, Research and Execution. 
  👉 If you’re a TPC subscriber, keep your eyes peeled in your inbox next week! 
• The Property Couch Summer Series
  Did a turning point change the direction of your property journey? Or can you share what playing the long game really looks like after 10, 15 or 20 years? We want to hear your story.
  👉 Share your property journey 
• Moorr: Your New Home for Property, Finance & Money Management
  Bring your cash flow, property, goals and overall financial position together in one place, so you can understand your numbers and make more informed financial decisions.
  👉 Get started with Moorr for free 
• Books Mentioned:  The Wife Drought by Annabelle Crabb  

LISTEN TO THE FIRST 20 EPISODES HERE >>

MOORR MONEY MANAGEMENT APP:
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👉 Google Play: https://bit.ly/3OT86bW
👉 Web platform:  https://www.moorr.com.au/     

FREE MASTERCLASS:
- How to Build a Property Portfolio and Retire on $2,000 a week >>

FREE BEST-SELLING BOOKS:
- The Armchair Guide to Property Investing
- Make Money Simple Again

FIND US HERE:
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You probably like to think your financial decisions are rational.

But behavioural economics tells us that emotion, instinct and old rules of thumb can influence our decisions far more than we realise.

In this week’s Throwback Tuesday, Ben and Bryce revisit their conversation with Phil Slade on the “ape brain”, reacting versus responding, and why the rules that once kept us safe can sometimes work against us when it comes to money.

For the original episode, tune in here: Episode 338 | Going Ape S#!t: How To Hack Your Brain To Make More Money.

LISTEN TO THE FIRST 20 EPISODES HERE >>

MOORR MONEY MANAGEMENT APP:
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👉 Google Play: https://bit.ly/3OT86bW
👉 Web platform:  https://www.moorr.com.au/     

FREE MASTERCLASS:
- How to Build a Property Portfolio and Retire on $2,000 a week >>

FREE BEST-SELLING BOOKS:
- The Armchair Guide to Property Investing
- Make Money Simple Again

FIND US HERE:
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