

The Elephant In The Room Property Podcast | Inside Australian Real Estate
Chris Bates
Who's really in control when you buy a property?
The Elephant In The Room is where the things that no one wants to talk about, actually get talked about.
Veronica Morgan, real estate agent, buyers agent and co-host of Foxtel’s Location Location Location Australia & Chris Bates, financial planner, mortgage broker and wealth coach have joined forces to find out what’s really going on in the world of real estate.
Veronica and Chris talk to property owners and buyers every day in their respective lines of business. They’ve observed a wide spectrum of confidence in people’s decision making ability when buying and selling property, often to the detriment of the individuals concerned. They are both fascinated by consumer behaviour and together they’re going to uncover who’s really making the decisions when you buy a property.
In each episode they get into the psyche of buyers, agents, auctioneers and other industry experts to learn the truth about how buyers are influenced and why they do the things they do. In every episode you’ll learn from the mistakes of a “property dumbo” as well as Chris & Veronica’s “elephant rider bootcamp” training session.
The plan? This property podcast has been created to help us all make better property decisions!
The Elephant In The Room is where the things that no one wants to talk about, actually get talked about.
Veronica Morgan, real estate agent, buyers agent and co-host of Foxtel’s Location Location Location Australia & Chris Bates, financial planner, mortgage broker and wealth coach have joined forces to find out what’s really going on in the world of real estate.
Veronica and Chris talk to property owners and buyers every day in their respective lines of business. They’ve observed a wide spectrum of confidence in people’s decision making ability when buying and selling property, often to the detriment of the individuals concerned. They are both fascinated by consumer behaviour and together they’re going to uncover who’s really making the decisions when you buy a property.
In each episode they get into the psyche of buyers, agents, auctioneers and other industry experts to learn the truth about how buyers are influenced and why they do the things they do. In every episode you’ll learn from the mistakes of a “property dumbo” as well as Chris & Veronica’s “elephant rider bootcamp” training session.
The plan? This property podcast has been created to help us all make better property decisions!
Episodes
Mentioned books

Jul 4, 2021 • 1h 5min
Jeremy Sheppard | The Secret to Capital Growth
What makes prices go up and what data sources can you use to predict the movements?Jeremy Sheppard is the Head of Select Residential Property. Before joining SRP, Jeremy created a suburb scoring algorithm called the DSR (Demand to Supply Ratio). The DSR has been featured in Australian Property Investor magazine and Your Investment Property magazine.Jeremy is a regular contributor to the major property investment publications in Australia and has over 50 articles published, as well as other blogs and has been quoted in major newspapers and appeared on prime-time TV news. RELEVANT EPISODES:Episode 180 | Are buyers agents worth the cost? | Cate Bakos Episode 177 | Australia’s Economic Recovery | Carlos Cacho Episode 167 | Infrastructure & property prices | David Tucker LINKS:https://gooddeeds.com.au/buyers-agents-sydney/sell-my-investment-property-now/ https://gooddeeds.com.au/investment-property/should-you-sell-or-hold-investment-property/ HOST LINKS:Looking for a Sydney Buyers Agent? www.gooddeeds.com.auWork with Veronica: https://linktr.ee/veronicamorgan Looking for a Mortgage Broker? www.wealthful.com.auWork with Chris: hello@wealthful.com.au Send in your questions to: questions@theelephantintheroom.com.au EPISODE TRANSCRIPT: Please note that this has been transcribed by half-human-half-robot, so brace yourself for typos and the odd bit of weirdness…This episode was recorded in June, 2021.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Jun 27, 2021 • 1h 11min
Aussie Firebug | Financial Independence Retire Early
Within the last decade, the Financial Independence Retire Early (FI/RE) movement has gained a cult-like following, with grassroots communities touting the benefits of living frugally today whilst creating wealth for tomorrow. Veronica and Chris talk with Matt, the host of the Aussie Firebug podcast. Since 2013 Matt has focused on retiring early by creating income streams from property, shares and labour, he projects that he will finally achieve FI/RE by his mid-thirties. Chris asks hard questions about the movement’s current state, particularly citing the communities’ detrimental perspective on the yield over capital growth debate. Will this financial fad burn bright financially liberating individuals, or will the flame fizzle out with unfounded claims and misleading financial advice? If you have ever been curious about the FI/RE movement, this is the episode for you. GUEST LINKS:https://podcasts.apple.com/au/podcast/aussie-firebug/id1080237514 https://www.aussiefirebug.com/start-here/https://www.amazon.com/Your-Money-Life-Transforming-Relationship/dp/0143115766 https://www.mrmoneymustache.com/about/https://www.reddit.com/r/financialindependence/ HOST LINKS:Looking for a Sydney Buyers Agent? www.gooddeeds.com.auWork with Veronica: https://linktr.ee/veronicamorgan Looking for a Mortgage Broker? www.wealthful.com.au Work with Chris: hello@wealthful.com.au Send in your questions to: questions@theelephantintheroom.com.au EPISODE TRANSCRIPT: Please note that this has been transcribed by half-human-half-robot, so brace yourself for typos and the odd bit of weirdness…This episode was recorded in June 2021. https://www.theelephantintheroom.com.au/podcasts/182See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Jun 25, 2021 • 46min
Suburb Trends June 2021 | Price predictions for the 2nd half of 2021!
This month we look at year to date data, focusing on how the dramatic price rises of the most recent months may have set the stage for the rest of the year? It has been a challenging time for home buyers and a lucrative opportunity for vendors, but will current market conditions last? How many more times will the buyer’s return to the market to try their luck again? Kent Lardner provides key statistical insights on current trends and their inevitable effect on the property market, revealing the full extent of the recent price rises, with 20% of all markets risen in value by 20%. Here’s what we covered: How inventory levels and price changes relate. What areas with high supply still saw a positive price change? Any areas with low supply and negative price changes? What is the outlook for the remainder of 2021 What areas will be worth investing in later in the year? RELEVANT EPISODES:Suburb Trends May 2021 | Rental Vacancies Suburb Trends April 2021 | Highest median growth suburbs! Suburb Trends March 2021 | Areas with big price falls! LINKS:www.suburbtrends.com https://www.suburbtrends.com/suburb-reviews HOST LINKS:Looking for a Sydney Buyers Agent? www.gooddeeds.com.au Work with Veronica: https://linktr.ee/veronicamorgan Looking for a Mortgage Broker? www.wealthful.com.au Work with Chris: hello@wealthful.com.au Send in your questions to: questions@theelephantintheroom.com.au EPISODE TRANSCRIPT: Please note that this has been transcribed by half-human-half-robot, so brace yourself for typos and the odd bit of weirdness…This episode was recorded in June, 2021. https://www.theelephantintheroom.com.au/podcasts/st11See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Jun 20, 2021 • 1h 5min
Veronica Morgan | How to successfully negotiate
In this Negotiation Masterclass episode, we turn the tables as Chris Bates interviews Veronica Morgan, discussing the dos and don’ts when it comes to negotiating for property and how to succeed during challenging market conditions. The recent property boom has left buyers destitute with properties selling pre-auction, off the market and far above the reserve. As a result, buyers give up and hope for a market crash that will never come. This episode will educate new buyers and experienced property investors alike, with Veronica hitting key issues facing those entering today’s market. What you will learn: Stop agents taking advantage. How to not miss out at an auction. Checking out competition at open houses. What you should know after your first inspection. How to conduct your initial offer and potential counteroffers. How to keep yourself in check to not react or no action. When to know to let a property go Who you should seek advice from RELEVANT EPISODES:Episode 180 | Are buyers agents worth the cost? | Cate Bakos Episode 110 | Selecting the Best Asset | Veronica Morgan Episode 29 | Negotiation masterclass | Fiona McKenzie GUEST LINKS:Where to Buy Workshop details:www.homebuyeracademy.com.au/workshop How to Price a Property free mini course:https://homebuyeracademy.com.au/freecourse Veronica’s book:www.getauctionready.com.auListener 30% off discount + free postage - use Promo Code: ELEPHANT HOST LINKS:Looking for a Sydney Buyers Agent? www.gooddeeds.com.au Work with Veronica: https://linktr.ee/veronicamorgan Looking for a Mortgage Broker? www.wealthful.com.au Work with Chris: hello@wealthful.com.au Send in your questions to: questions@theelephantintheroom.com.au EPISODE TRANSCRIPT: Please note that this has been transcribed by half-human-half-robot, so brace yourself for typos and the odd bit of weirdness…This episode was recorded in June 2021. https://www.theelephantintheroom.com.au/podcasts/181See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Jun 13, 2021 • 1h 7min
Cate Bakos | Are buyers agents worth the cost?
Where does the real value lie in buyers agents and how to avoid costly property mistakes? In this episode, we welcome back Cate Bakos to discuss from beginning to end the role buyer’s agents play in assisting consumers to achieve their property objectives and how the guiding principles of REBAA and its members have directed consumers away from risky property mistakes. Cate Bakos has appeared in previous episodes to discuss buyers agents and the value they add to property buyers. Cate is a prolific and experienced buyers agent based in Melbourne and is also the President of Real Estate Buyers Agents Association of Australia (REBAA). REBAA is Australia’s foremost peak body for buyers agents and aims to lift industry standards that protect consumers against rogue operators. The integrity of REBAA has been crucial to highlight individuals and agencies that adhere to self-regulating principles in an unregulated industry. RELEVANT EPISODES:Episode 173 | Buying in Byron Bay: Overhyped or shrewd investment? | Michael Murray Episode 150 | What you NEED to know about the Brisbane property market | Meighan Wells Episode 110 | Selecting the Best Asset | Veronica Morgan GUEST LINKS:www.rebaa.com.au https://www.catebakos.com.au/cate-bakos/ HOST LINKS:Looking for a Sydney Buyers Agent? www.gooddeeds.com.auWork with Veronica: https://linktr.ee/veronicamorgan Looking for a Mortgage Broker? www.wealthful.com.au Work with Chris: hello@wealthful.com.au Send in your questions to: questions@theelephantintheroom.com.au EPISODE TRANSCRIPT: Please note that this has been transcribed by half-human-half-robot, so brace yourself for typos and the odd bit of weirdness…This episode was recorded in June 2021. https://www.theelephantintheroom.com.au/podcasts/180 See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Jun 6, 2021 • 47min
Listener Q&A | Unit Market, Capital Growth & Airbnb
We can’t get enough of your questions. We cover a lot in this episode from the current state of the unit market through to how limited title can impact a property’s sale. We appreciate your questions and enjoy doing these episodes. If you have property related questions or want to test a scenario we would love to hear from you. Questions: “Units down but what about premium units outside of CBD but within 10k radius ? This includes Art Deco units, on larger blocks with smaller divisions for each lot. will we see growth in this market and why are analysts still treating units in high rise CBD the same as all other units despite massive differences in the land area involved for owners of lots, size of room, ornate ceilings, quality I.e double brick etc? Should owners of these properties ignore the analysts talking about units altogether?” “Just listened to your 1st Feb 2021 listener q&a. Surprised by your answer Chris about how to retire from property. Based on what you outlined, if you have enough equity, you would be better to go for yield rather than capital growth. Targeting better more expensive houses with more growth potential but have lower yield just means more time to build up the offset account to completely offset the loan amount and delay retirement. Targeting capital growth would just to be for something to leave the kids. I reckon you could devote a whole episode to this as it is what a lot property people push is financially free through property but does not work if you need to save the full cost of the property you purchase. Sounds like an elephant to me” “Fan of the show, not a question but I have a data point on the limited title. The limited title does lower the price. My first 2 choices were limited title but I couldn't get the loan for it. Ended up going for 50-100k less than my offer. So I think the strategy works by definition. i.e. reducing a number of qualified buyers will on average lower the price. This was in the middle of covid so results may vary. 18 epsom road zetland - 1,165,000 70 rose st chippendale - 1,575,000” “Hi guys, Love the pod! Probably more of a question to Chris. I'm a potential 1st home buyer (on the northern beaches of Sydney) and would like to try and get an understanding on how much are people willing to borrow to get into the market? I was always told don't go higher than 3 or 4 times your annual household income but with the market going crazy at the moment I realise we are going to have to go a lot higher. I understand you can’t give personal advice – But it would be nice to know (on average) what you are currently seeing for 1st home buyers and just in general. I think we might need to go up to 5.5x to get something decent. I also know its not the greatest metric to use in this low rate environment.” “Chris and you keep referring to “ppl on good income”. What is considered a good income, let’s say for Sydney? What’s a reference baseline? Eg. if you are looking at a $1M property then $100K is considered a good income? Assuming 80% lvr.” “Also, what are your thoughts on buying a property in a holiday spot specifically to rent out on Airbnb? Or buying something that could be either tenanted long term OR rented on Airbnb? Also Veronica.. ..you talk a lot about buying a quality asset. Could you please tell us exactly what that means? What are your criteria? Thanks for the podcast, really enjoyable and educational.” “Demand is soaring in capital cities.... demographically-speaking, WHO ARE these people who have flooded into these property markets post-COVID? Where are they finding the huge deposits and servicing mortgages that are now multiples larger for the same properties just a few years ago (even months ago) Where were these people before and why the rush into property now? How are they protected against even small rate rises in the future and are we setting ourselves up for a big correction? A real one this time? What will be the fallout from this?” RELEVANT EPISODES: Episode 168 | Listener Q&A: How to buy your first investment property Episode 162 | Houses vs Apartments Episode 161 | Listener Q&A: Building your own home, retiring on property & sustainable properties? HOST LINKS:Looking for a Sydney Buyers Agent? www.gooddeeds.com.au Work with Veronica: https://linktr.ee/veronicamorgan Looking for a Mortgage Broker? www.wealthful.com.au Work with Chris: hello@wealthful.com.au Send in your questions to: questions@theelephantintheroom.com.au EPISODE TRANSCRIPT: Please note that this has been transcribed by half-human-half-robot, so brace yourself for typos and the odd bit of weirdness…This episode was recorded in May, 2021. https://www.theelephantintheroom.com.au/podcasts/179See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

May 30, 2021 • 1h 6min
Martin North | Will 50 year mortgages become a reality?
In this episode, we welcome back Martin North, Founder of Digital Finance Analytics (DFA). DFA surveys thousands of Australian families to gauge key consumer metrics, which have been crucial in highlighting areas of concern within debt and property prices. This is Martin’s third appearance on the Podcast, previously he has shared bearish views on the property market but maybe in this episode, he has had a change in heart? The economist’s who cried wolf will be known for their false property market crash predictions. It was meant to be peak Covid cases, the tightening of restrictions, the September cliff and in March of 2021 end of job seeker. Here we are in May, the property market has only broken records due to a variety of factors resulting in a lack of quality supply and overflowing demand that has brought new faces into neighbouring suburbs. But what’s next? Will consumers continue to go to auction on a Saturday until they settle, or will they give up waiting for a market crash that may never happen? Alternatively, have consumers bitten off more debt than they can chew, and will a potential cash rate increase bring down property prices to all-time lows? RELEVANT EPISODES:Episode 177 | Australia’s Economic Recovery | Carlos Cacho, Jaden Group Australia Episode 143 | Postcode Analysis: What properties are outperforming the market | Martin North Episode 123 | To buy, or not to buy: that is the question | Martin North GUEST LINKS:https://www.digitalfinanceanalytics.com/ HOST LINKS:Looking for a Sydney Buyers Agent? www.gooddeeds.com.au Work with Veronica: https://linktr.ee/veronicamorgan Looking for a Mortgage Broker? www.wealthful.com.au Work with Chris: hello@wealthful.com.au Send in your questions to: questions@theelephantintheroom.com.au EPISODE TRANSCRIPT: Please note that this has been transcribed by half-human-half-robot, so brace yourself for typos and the odd bit of weirdness…This episode was recorded in May 2021. https://www.theelephantintheroom.com.au/podcasts/178See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

May 23, 2021 • 1h 12min
Carlos Cacho | Australia’s Economic Recovery
We’ve noticed that our audience enjoys episodes featuring economists such as Warren Hogan’s episode 158, Saul Eslake’s episode 152 and the multitude of various well-known voices within this space. Pens and paper in our hand, we chat with Carlos Cacho, Chief Economist of Jarden Group Australia, prior to his position, Carlos served as Chief Economist of UBS Australia. Within our chat, we cover a variety of topics covering the future of Australia, property price movements and the current lending space, taking into consideration the Government doubling down on First Home Loan Deposit Scheme grants and their propensity to incentivise the purchasing of new property over established. How will Australia fare in the global economy, will this recovery be short-lived as other nations take control of their internal struggles against the pandemic? RELEVANT EPISODES:Episode 158 | Top economist puts Australia in the world picture | Warren Hogan Episode 152 | What does top economist say on the current economic environment | Saul Eslake Episode 104 | Build-To-Rent the new standard for renters | Adam Hirst, Mirvac GUEST LINKS:https://www.linkedin.com/in/carlosscacho/ https://www.linkedin.com/company/jarden/mycompany/ https://www.jardengroup.com.au/our-people/carlos-cacho/ HOST LINKS:Looking for a Sydney Buyers Agent? www.gooddeeds.com.auWork with Veronica: https://linktr.ee/veronicamorgan Looking for a Mortgage Broker? www.wealthful.com.auWork with Chris: hello@wealthful.com.au Send in your questions to: questions@theelephantintheroom.com.au EPISODE TRANSCRIPT: Please note that this has been transcribed by half-human-half-robot, so brace yourself for typos and the odd bit of weirdness…This episode was recorded in May, 2021.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

May 16, 2021 • 59min
David Chandler | Developers are in the Government’s crosshairs.
Australian’s have been left high and dry as developers overpromise and underdeliver with no punitive action against offenders, as they lie, cheat and phoenix, negatively affecting Australians looking to get onto the property market. Current booming market conditions are foreshadowing a proliferation of defective new developments putting profits in developer pockets and cracks behind plaster walls. In this episode, we have the privilege of discussing these significant building issues with David Chandler, NSW Building Commissioner, a role that was established in 2019 to combat rogue operators that develop defective, uncertified and unlivable properties. David is a perfect fit for the role thanks to his impressive 40 years of experience in construction, infrastructure and renewal projects. The government’s direct approach aims to stop repeat offenders, improve the quality of new dwellings, and promote quality affordable housing. What is the solution for Australians that have bought defective property and how will the government effectively manage the quality of new dwellings against operators that have historical played dirty and dodged punishment? RELEVANT EPISODES:Episode 162 | Houses vs Apartments | Stuart Wemyss Episode 113 | What’s behind the wall?: 85% of developments have defects | Dr. Nicole Johnston Episode 106 | Dodgy developers & Strata Living | Jimmy Thomson GUEST LINKS:https://www.smh.com.au/national/nsw/it-s-like-a-leaky-boat-icare-home-building-insurance-leaves-taxpayers-on-the-hook-for-700m-20210413-p57ipz.html https://www.smh.com.au/national/nsw/sydney-building-nightmare-set-to-cost-maryam-her-life-savings-20210319-p57cb5.html https://www.linkedin.com/in/david-chandler-oam-875bb1b5/ HOST LINKS:Looking for a Sydney Buyers Agent? www.gooddeeds.com.au Work with Veronica: https://linktr.ee/veronicamorgan Looking for a Mortgage Broker? www.wealthful.com.auWork with Chris: hello@wealthful.com.au Send in your questions to: questions@theelephantintheroom.com.au EPISODE TRANSCRIPT: Please note that this has been transcribed by half-human-half-robot, so brace yourself for typos and the odd bit of weirdness…This episode was recorded in May 2021 https://www.theelephantintheroom.com.au/podcasts/176See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

May 13, 2021 • 40min
Suburb Trends May 2021 | Rental Vacancies
Inklings of the property market slowing down, our hosts analyse rental vacancies to rationalise current trends within the market and what the outlook will be for first home buyers, upgraders and investors?How human behaviour is skewing the data, will the combination of anchoring bias, FOMO and loss aversion put consumers in risky situations as they leave the market with pipe dreams of prices falling? RELEVANT EPISODES: Episode 175 | Moving regionally: Will it last and will it be sustainable? | Kirsten Craze Episode 173 | Buying in Byron Bay: Overhyped or shrewd investment? | Michael Murray Episode 168 | Listener Q&A: How to buy your first investment property GUEST LINKS:www.suburbtrends.com HOST LINKS:Looking for a Sydney Buyers Agent? www.gooddeeds.com.auWork with Veronica: https://linktr.ee/veronicamorgan Looking for a Mortgage Broker? www.wealthful.com.auWork with Chris: hello@wealthful.com.au Send in your questions to: questions@theelephantintheroom.com.au EPISODE TRANSCRIPT: Please note that this has been transcribed by half-human-half-robot, so brace yourself for typos and the odd bit of weirdness…This episode was recorded in May 2021. https://www.theelephantintheroom.com.au/podcasts/st10See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.


