We all have a picture in our heads of what our ideal home looks like. For most of us, chasing our ideal home can be akin to chasing a unicorn. Unless you have a bottomless pocket, compromises will need to be made (particularly if you're a first home buyer). In episode 22, we dissect "Why the family home is commonly the biggest piece of the investment puzzle". Listen as David Johnston, Cate Bakos and Peter Koulizos take you through why you should treat your home as your greatest investment, the compromises you should plan for and the critical mistakes to avoid! Visit the show notes: http://bit.ly/2L9pPfF

Ever tried to run a race backwards? Reaching your goals is just as hard when you are working back to front. We see plenty of purchasers let a bank tell them their price point based on a maximum borrowing capacity and then purchase next door to where they live. This is the investing equivalent of doing a three-legged race with your partner. Blindfolded. Set yourself goals, that will determine the appropriate price point. Then work out the best location to purchase from there. In episode 21, we dissect "Why price point should determine location and strategy" Listen as David Johnston, Cate Bakos and Peter Koulizos take you through how to get at your true price point, the compromises you need to make peace with and the critical mistakes to avoid. Visit the show notes: http://bit.ly/2NXtq23

Bidding at auction - for the majority of us, this can feel like stepping into the Thunderdome. After all, only one will leave victorious. Chances are, all the other bidders are just as nervous as you. So how do you get the upper hand without letting your emotions run away? In episode 20, we dissect "Bidding tactics 101" Listen as David Johnston, Cate Bakos and Peter Koulizos take you through how to keep a cool head on auction day, reading the play and strategies to add to your arsenal. Visit the show notes: http://bit.ly/2KbVeNH

Should you use the crystal ball to determine where we sit in the economic and market cycle OR Should you purchase a quality property when it suits your own personal economy? In episode 19, we dissect "TIME IN the market v TIMING the market" and the evidence is very clear, the odds are stacked heavily in one direction. Which is it and why? Take a listen as the Property Professor takes you through his analysis across each capital city over an extended period of time, and the team dissect it with a fine-tooth comb! So, grab your vanilla slice and fruit mince pies (as Peter did before the episode), sit back and relax as David Johnston, Cate Bakos and Peter Koulizos break down the data, expose the upside, risks and poor outcomes on this age-old topic! Visit the show notes: https://propertyplanning.com.au/time-in-the-market-v-timing-the-market/

Making a decision to fold can be a nerve-racking ordeal. And we're not just talking about playing cards. Sometimes you need to make difficult decisions about the properties you have purchased. Whether the property hasn't performed as you had initially hoped or some life event has changed your plans. There's one thing for sure though - the stakes are high. In episode 18, the Property Planner, Buyer and Professor dissect "When to hold and when to fold!" Listen as David Johnston, Cate Bakos and Peter Koulizos, take you through the considerations before making a decision to sell, the strategies to get right to avoid selling and their own stories of folding too soon. PS - Be sure to stick around to hear the trio singing Kenny Roger's Gambler! Visit the show notes: https://propertyplanning.com.au/when-to-hold-when-to-fold-18/

School's back in session and this week's topic includes everything you need to know about valuations. There are many different types, each producing a different result based on the purpose. In episode 17, the Property Planner, Buyer and Professor dissect the ins and outs of "Valuations 101". Listen as David Johnston, Cate Bakos and Peter Koulizos, take you through the different types of valuations, the consequences of falling short and how you can proactively support a valuer with comparables to manage the risk of a conservative lender valuation. Show notes: http://bit.ly/2Jc9DZO

Yep - no footy talk in this episode - it's all Land to asset ratio and what a ripper of an episode this one is. In episode 16, the Property Planner, Buyer and Professor dissect the mystery behind "Unpacking land to asset ratio". Listen as David Johnston, Cate Bakos and Peter Koulizos, take you through what is it, why it underpins a good investment strategy, and whether there is a perfect ratio! Visit the show notes - https://propertyplanning.com.au/unpacking-land-to-asset-ratio-ep-16/

Banks - can't live with them, can't live without them! Did you know that lenders limit the amount they will lend against certain properties and they reject some outright as security for a mortgage? Do you know which ones and why? In episode 15, the Property Planner, Buyer and Professor dissect "Why you must keep clear of the properties banks don't like." If we all accept that banks want to make money - we can understand that there is method to their madness. Listen as David Johnston, Cate Bakos and Peter Koulizos, take you through what property locations and dwelling types the banks turn down and why the banks put restrictions on certain properties in the first place. It may just save you from making a big mistake. The last thing you want is to be left high and dry without finance and a dud asset. As if purchasing a property wasn't stressful enough! Visit the show notes - https://propertyplanning.com.au/why-you-must-keep-clear-from-what-the-banks-dont-like-ep15/

Weekend excursions, reconnaissance missions and scoping out an area. While you may not be a secret government agent, you are on the property hunt, looking to make your next big decision. And did we mention you also need to be a time-traveller? Analysing data to ascertain historical outcomes and looking forward to determine future expectations. Understanding the key data based fundamentals of a location is part and parcel to making a successful property decision. In episode 14, the Property Planner, Buyer and Professor dissect "how to choose a location for investment - what to look for and what to avoid" Listen to David Johnston, Cate Bakos and Peter Koulizos, as they take you through the critical considerations when choosing a location for investment. Visit the shownotes

The type of property that suits your current needs, will not necessarily meet your long-term needs. Beware of Dad's acting on behalf of kids and pregnant women bidding at an auction! They have a time deadline and the purchase price may be less important. Where you are competing to purchase a property and you are up against people who are motivated by time - instead of money - the price tag can quickly fly out of reach. In episode 13, the Property Planner, Buyer and Professor dissect "How age and life stage can impact your property strategy." Listen to David Johnston, Cate Bakos and Peter Koulizos, as they take you through the critical considerations and how they change throughout your life's journey.