We recorded a special Covid-19 Podcast yesterday to keep all of our listeners updated with some of the latest news, as we attempt to navigate the rapidly changing financial and property market landscape.  In this special episode   Cate, Peter and Dave take you through:  1. A detailed update on the status of the financial markets as they are lead indicators for what is ahead and help us to look beyond the near-term. In the last few days, we have seen a significant share market rebound off the back of the US $2trillion (USD) stimulus package, including the single largest day jump in history in the US.  2. A historical stock market comparison. We provide perspective as to how well the market is holding up, in comparison to other key periods in history.   3. How the Shanghai stock exchange has fallen and recovered.  4. Information about the government stimulus package.  5. The support being provided to SME’s, the temporarily unemployed and vulnerable consumers.   6. The vital role the banks are playing, with great assistance from the RBA, including reducing interest rates and buying up bonds to keep rates low.  7. How YOU can build your own bridge of liquidity through to the other side.    8. Real-life examples of the impact on landlords and renters.   9. And of course, our ‘gold nuggets’ to get you through this period. 

Today’s episode is all about what the Governor of the Reserve Bank of Australia, Phillip Lowe has called ‘superstar cities’ - Sydney and Melbourne. What is it about these two cities that give them ‘superstar’ status, drawing international attention and capital growth acclaim? Listen as David Johnston, Cate Bakos and Peter Koulizos take you through the reasons why Sydney and Melbourne are leaders in median capital growth, why diversification is still a critical factor in your property strategy and how property selection can put you a cut above the rest.

How are you tracking with your new year’s property resolutions? Statistics show that less than 1 in 10 people keep their new year’s resolutions. Sure, after the celebrations and holidays are over, life can get in the way. Getting back to the grind can get you stuck in the mud. But if your resolutions involved an element of property planning or wealth creation, you are doing yourself a disservice by not following through. In episode 38, we discuss “Are you being true to your new year’s resolution?" Listen as David Johnston, Cate Bakos and Peter Koulizos take you through why investors make new year’s resolutions, tips for planning and setting your goals, and what you can do to stay on track to achieving them.

Did you know that purchasing three homes and selling your first two over your property journey can equate to a financial loss of 10% of your lifetime earnings? You work too hard to throw away that kind of money! In episode 37, we discuss “Needing to sell property too soon" - No. 7 of the top 7 Critical Mistakes. Listen as David Johnston, Cate Bakos and Peter Koulizos take you through the causes that trigger a premature decision to sell, how you can maximise your ability to hold property and how selling properties can impact your bottom line during the ‘flexibility stage of life’.

It’s time to play a game of “which would you rather?” An investment property with a great floor plan and a daggy fit-out or a freshly renovated dwelling with living areas located in places that make you scratch your head? A location under a flight path but close to the CBD, or away from a flight path, but further away from the city? In episode 36, we discuss “Buying the wrong property and/or the wrong location" No.6 of the top 7 Critical Mistakes. Listen as David Johnston, Cate Bakos and Peter Koulizos take you through what exactly is a ‘wrong’ location and property, tips that will help you spot a winning location, pocket, street and property, and many of the key questions to ask yourself about what you’re willing to compromise on. Because unfortunately, compromise is inevitable. No properties will rate as a 100/100.

In this episode, we tackle the art and science of recognising and removing emotions when purchasing a property. When we are not thinking objectively, we risk making poor impulsive decisions. In the property game, this can mean purchasing an under-performing asset, losing money, having to start all over again and regretting the home you have chosen for yourself.  So how do emotions impact our judgement and decision making?   This question has been explored in great depth in the last couple of decades, so much so that ‘Judgement and Decision Making’ has now been reduced to an acronym, JDM, in the world of social science.   Take a listen as David Johnston, Cate Bakos and Peter Koulizos take you through the property related causes of emotional decision making, how you can detach yourself to make objective decisions and the emotional biases that we all have.   EP # 35 - “Emotional decision making" - No.5 of the top 7 Critical Mistakes.  

How does an extra cool million $$ sound for your retirement? Or how about a war chest that will get you through any battle life throws at you? An effective Mortgage strategy can make this difference to you, but it is the least understood discipline of finance professionals. Why is that, when for most people, it’s your largest expense? Ever. In episode 34, we discuss “No mortgage strategy" - #4 of the top 7 Critical Mistakes. Listen as David Johnston, Cate Bakos and Peter Koulizos take you through why mortgage strategy is vital to create wealth and protect your downside.

Give me one dollar and I’ll give you 35 cents back. Doesn’t sound like a great deal does it? In fact, it sounds like you’ve been cheated.   Yet property spruikers will point to tax deductions as a reason to invest. In their property. That they are trying to sell you. Which they make a margin on. At your expense. The ability to claim a tax deduction is certainly a benefit, but it should never be the primary reason for investing. And it definitely does NOT mean that the property you are purchasing is a quality investment.   In episode 32, we discuss “Misunderstanding what makes a good property investment" - #2 of the top 7 Critical Mistakes. Listen as David Johnston, Cate Bakos and Peter Koulizos take you through examples of the wrong reasons behind why some people invest in property.