The Property Trio (formerly The Property Planner, Buyer and Professor)

• #339: Mortgage Myths Exposed – The Biggest Mortgage Mistakes Borrowers Don’t Know They’re Making

  This episode busts the biggest mortgage myths costing borrowers money. Mike, Cate and Dave unpack why the lowest rate isn’t always best, how repayment strategy affects future tax deductions, why borrowing capacity varies by lender, the truth about maternity-leave lending, and why bank loyalty rarely pays.The Property Trio is: David Johnston, Mortgage Broker - Managing Director of Property Planning Australia https://propertyplanning.com.au/  Cate Bakos, Buyers Advocate - Managing Director of Cate Bakos Property https://www.catebakos.com.au/  Mike Mortlock, Quantity Surveyor - Managing Director of MCG Quantity Surveyors https://www.mcgqs.com.au/  📩 Got a question you want answered in a future episode? Send it through https://www.propertytrio.com.au/contact-us/  You can find more info about topics covered in today's show here:https://www.propertytrio.com.au/2025/12/08/mortgage-myths-exposed/

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• #338: Using AI & ChatGPT for Property Advice – The Real Strengths & Weaknesses Investors Need to Know and What’s on the Horizon

  This episode unpacks the adoption of AI for use in property analysis, due diligence, and decision-making.AI is transforming property research, but the Trio reveal its limits. AI can be great for summaries, but is often poor with data accuracy. It can be useful for ideas, yet dangerous for decisions. Cate, Dave and Mike recommend that AI users always verify numbers and rely on expert judgement when it comes to making property decisions.The Property Trio is: David Johnston, Mortgage Broker - Managing Director of Property Planning Australia https://propertyplanning.com.au/  Cate Bakos, Buyers Advocate - Managing Director of Cate Bakos Property https://www.catebakos.com.au/  Mike Mortlock, Quantity Surveyor - Managing Director of MCG Quantity Surveyors https://www.mcgqs.com.au/  📩 Got a question you want answered in a future episode? Send it through https://www.propertytrio.com.au/contact-us/  You can find more info about topics covered in today's show here:https://www.propertytrio.com.au/2025/11/24/unlimited-borrowing-myth/

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• #337: Buying Property in a Trust - Genius Strategy or Costly Illusion? Benefits, Borrowing Myths & Realities

  This episode unpacks the myth of “unlimited borrowing” through multiple trust structures. Cate, Dave, and Mike explain why lenders look through trusts to the borrower, meaning all debts are still counted. They cover higher costs, tougher lending policies, and land tax pitfalls. Trusts offer asset protection, not extra borrowing capacity....So investors must seek proper legal, tax, and lending advice.The Property Trio is: David Johnston, Mortgage Broker - Managing Director of Property Planning Australia https://propertyplanning.com.au/  Cate Bakos, Buyers Advocate - Managing Director of Cate Bakos Property https://www.catebakos.com.au/  Mike Mortlock, Quantity Surveyor - Managing Director of MCG Quantity Surveyors https://www.mcgqs.com.au/  📩 Got a question you want answered in a future episode? Send it through https://www.propertytrio.com.au/contact-us/  You can find more info about topics covered in today's show here:https://www.propertytrio.com.au/2025/12/01/ai-and-property/

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• #336: Market Update October 2025 – Price Growth Accelerates Nationwide, Investor Lending at 10-Year High & Deposit Guarantee Fuels Demand

  Got a question for the trio? https://forms.zohopublic.com/propertyplanningaustralia/form/GotaquestionforthePropertyTrio/formperma/zYCQAxzE_24CVlDafP1ozyzwtmB-8m1iCNtCTgDvHXM🎧In this month’s Property Trio market update, Mike, Cate, and Dave unpack the latest October market figures... and there are some interesting stats to discuss 📊 💥 Nationally, growth is still positive for every single capital city. Perth has topped the charts at 1.9% monthly growth, while Darwin, Adelaide and Brisbane remain close with 1.6%, 1.4% and 1.8% respectively. Melbourne and Sydney may not have growth to match the others, but for Melbourne in particular at 0.9%, this monthly growth is the strongest that the southern city has delivered all year. The sheer weighting of both of the largest capital cities have a bearing on national growth also. "The pace of growth in Australian home values accelerated in October, rising by 1.1%; the fastest monthly gain since June 2023." (Cotality) 💬 The Trio discuss the spread of value growth in each capital city. The middle and lower quartiles continue to perform strongly, even as the top end remains subdued. Could the 5% deposit guarantee, combined with stronger investor interest be the cause of this? 📈 And for the first time in a while, the combined capitals are out-starting the combined regionals. Regional WA shines with 1.8% growth for the month, some 0.7% stronger than the next, (regional QLD). Like the capitals, every single combined state/territory region exhibited positive growth for October.🏠 Meanwhile, rents continue to show strength, with Darwin and Hobart continuing to demonstrate the strongest change in rents. "Unit rents are rising faster than house rents across most cities."  Pressure on rental yields is a hallmark of rising capital values, and the gross rental yields chart illustrates this well.Vacancy rates remain low — with the tightest city at just 0.4% in Hobart and the highest vacancy rate still being a low 1.8% in Melbourne — signalling an ongoing rental crisis driven by housing shortages and a struggling construction sector.Listing numbers are interesting - while the new listing numbers within just 3% of previous year (and 0.4% from the past five year average), it's all listings that tell the true story. Nationally, our listing numbers are down 14.3% compared to last year, and 18.3% down compared to the past five year average. It's easy to see why values are surging in some markets where the supply and demand imbalance has struck. 💰 Consumer sentiment tells a few surprising stories, with "a markedly more confident assessment of prospects for the economy" apparent. Several measures in the indices exhibited a strong increase in sentiment, with both the expectations of economic conditions in the next twelve months, and interest rate expectations index jumps recorded in early November.The Trio look forward to the monthly reporting of CPI going forward, and in particular, what this will do for visibility within the Reserve Bank Board's dashboard.Shownotes: https://www.propertytrio.com.au/2025/11/17/ep-336-october-2025-market-update/

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• #335: Underquoting Exposed - How to Protect Yourself in a Market of Misleading Prices

  Got a question for the trio? https://forms.zohopublic.com/propertyplanningaustralia/form/GotaquestionforthePropertyTrio/formperma/zYCQAxzE_24CVlDafP1ozyzwtmB-8m1iCNtCTgDvHXMIn this week’s episode, the Trio tackle a serious issue..... Underquoting. It frustrates buyers, skews listing information, and undermines trust. In this fiery episode, Dave, Cate, and Mike unpack what underquoting really is, how to recognise it, and why buyers need stronger protection.What Underquoting Actually Is 🔍Dave kicks off with a clear definition: underquoting occurs when an agent knowingly markets a property below their genuine selling expectation to lure buyer competition. Cate calls out the emotional and financial cost; wasted weekends, building reports, and heartbreak. While Mike reminds listeners that intent matters. “Markets can throw us some surprises, but habitual low quoting is a deliberate strategy,” he says. Why It Happens 😤Cate dives into the psychology: “Quote it low and watch it go.” Buyers believe they’ve found a bargain, then get emotionally invested and bid beyond budget. Dave and Mike agree; the system often rewards this behaviour. With penalties so small, some would consider them a marketing cost, so there’s minimal deterrent. Spotting the Red Flags 🚩The Trio share tell-tale signs: Unrealistic price guides versus recent salesPoorly chosen “comparable” propertiesAgents pushing back on receiving early offers, or step-quoting higher near auctionVendors’ reserves far above quoted rangesIf a particular agency always sells far above their guide, it’s not coincidence, it’s culture.How Buyers Can Protect Themselves 🧠Cate and Mike share empowering tools: track sold results, not quotes; ask direct questions about comparable sales; and never let emotions set your ceiling. Dave adds, “Budget for due diligence, and apply it with strategy, not sentiment.” Fixing the System ⚖️The Trio turn their attention to reform. Cate explains Victoria’s “Statement of Information” system and its limits, noting regulators lack resources to enforce it. Together, the team propose meaningful changes: Larger, tiered penalties tied to property value to truly deter misconductMandatory digital audit trails tracking buyer feedback and agent communicationsPublic access to initial listing appraisals shared with vendorsAutomatic public guide adjustments when vendor expectations shift“Buyers deserve trust and transparency, and tech makes it achievable,” says Mike.And our gold nuggets!.....  Cate Bakos's gold nugget: Cate advises against relying on CMA's (Comparative Market Analysis). While they can be useful for looking at the comparable sales, the algorithms themselves aren't reliable.Mike Mortlock's gold nugget:"If you're not going to spend more time researching your property purchase than what you'd spend on your holiday, you should consider using a buyer's agent". Dave Johnston's gold nugget: Dave talks about the responsibility that rests on the buyer when it comes to understanding the right price to pay. "Control the controllables!" Shownotes: https://www.propertytrio.com.au/2025/11/10/underquoting-2/

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About The Property Trio (formerly The Property Planner, Buyer and Professor)