The Property Couch

For the last episode of 2015 and as promised for our Summer Series, we will be going through quite a few questions! Bryce Holdaway and Ben Kingsley will be answering the questions  below from our fellow listeners. It’s going to a full on one so sit tight!

Merry Christmas! It’s the first Christmas on The Property Couch and Bryce and Ben is definitely in a festive mood. In this podcast they will be sharing some of their stories on mortgage brokers and what role do they play in building a property portfolio. We’ve spoken about this before in Episode 17 where we talked about the concept of a Personal Banker. In this episode, we’ll list out the criteria to look for when you are thinking about including a mortgage broker into your property team. Yes, it does need to be an investment savvy broker but what else? Bryce and Ben will also be discussing about why loan structure and a sound finance strategy is crucial. We will also be answering this question from Andrew: Hi guys, loving the podcast. You’ve talked in past episodes about what to look out for when choosing to engage a property manager for your investment property. Could you discuss how you would go about selecting a mortgage broker? I have utilised the services of mortgage brokers in the past and have found that many of them are purely transactional and only use the big 4 lenders.     If you like this episode, don’t forget to rate us at our iTunes channel (The Property Couch Podcast) and our Facebook page. Any questions or ideas? Feel free to drop us your thoughts here: http://tpcaustralia.wpengine.com/topics/

Our next guest on The Property Couch is Steve Waters from Right Property Group! Steve comes from a Buyers Agent background and his company is part of the Property Investment Professionals of Australia (PIPA) association. With a combined experience of more than 30 years in the property industry, this trio will be chatting about: * What triggered Steve to start his investment journey and the biggest mistake he had ever made in his own portfolio * The philosophies and strategies in property investment – Capital growth vs cash flow * Their thoughts on new developments – the good, the bad and the ugly * What do they look for in asset selection * Where do they see the most pain in a market correction * Why do you need professional advice when investing in property and where to look for them   If you like this podcast: “Investment Strategy, New Developments and Professional Advice – Chat with Steve Waters”, don’t forget to rate us at our iTunes channel (The Property Couch Podcast) and our Facebook page. If you have any questions or ideas, feel free to drop us your thoughts here: http://tpcaustralia.wpengine.com/topics/

This week on The Property Couch, Bryce and Ben discuss about the moving parts of a cash flow management strategy. As compared to Episode 3 (Four Pillars of Mastery – Cash Flow Management) where we talked about the flow of money, this podcast is mainly about the Money and Wealth Accumulation Model. It includes the variables and assumptions to consider when modelling sophisticated wealth outcomes. As this topic can be fairly detailed, we strongly recommend our listeners to have the diagram open while listening to the podcast. We will also be answering this question from Bradden: You often refer to paying down debt during your talks as a means of creating passive income. Is there a strategy of paying down debt on your rental properties? Is it just as simple as paying P&I? Do you only start paying down debt once you have finished your accumulation phase? Does this only happen when you start to sell one of your properties? I’m interested in hearing your thoughts on paying down debt. PS: Ben’s not a bad bloke for a Collingwood supporter.   This topic is also discussed in Part Three (Section 10) of our book: The Armchair Guide to Property Investing. For those who have the book, you can also refer to page 219 for additional reference. And here’s the video mentioned in the podcast:     Free resources mentioned in this podcast: * Money & Wealth Accumulation Model Fact Sheet – Download here * Part Three (Section 10) of the Book – Order a copy here   If you like this episode, don’t forget to rate us at our iTunes channel (The Property Couch Podcast) and our Facebook page. Any questions or ideas? Feel free to drop us your thoughts here: http://tpcaustralia.wpengine.com/topics/

Introducing the first episode of our summer series! Let’s kick start with a Q&A episodes. If you have a property related question that you couldn’t solve or needs an opinion on, please do not hesitate to let us know here. In this episode, Bryce Holdaway and Ben Kingsley will be addressing some topics on: * Line of Credit (LOC) question from Brad : Firstly, love the podcast, but have to agree that the sports commentary should be left out. (

As mentioned before, getting the right strategy and perfecting the art of asset selection is crucial to any property investors. But what happens once the contract is signed? This time on The Property Couch, Bryce Holdaway and Ben Kingsley talks about the post-purchase process when buying an investment property. Bryce started off the podcast with an analogy. Imagine you on board a plane and it’s about to depart. When a plane takes off, from the moment it leaves the tarmac to the point it levels out at 30,000 feet, that’s when it uses most of its fuel. That’s the same with property investors. They use most of their mental fuel when they are going to buy the property but once the deal is done, most often forget that they still have the rest of the journey to complete.   Looking to donate to Ben’s Movember? – Click here   Free resources mentioned in this podcast: Property manager checklist – Download here   If you like this episode, don’t forget to rate us at our iTunes channel (The Property Couch Podcast) and our Facebook page. Any questions or ideas? Feel free to drop us your thoughts here: http://tpcaustralia.wpengine.com/topics/

In their daily role as a Buyers Agent and Property Investment Advisor, Bryce and Ben often conduct comparable analysis on properties that they are going to buy. This is a crucial part of their due diligence because it demonstrates the suitability of the property for the client’s property plan and also sets a starting point for their negotiation process. So in this episode of The Property Couch, they will be sharing the process that they go through when conducting a property price research. Our hosts will also be sharing their “text-book” floor plan, understanding under quoting in a sales campaign and ways to decipher a more reliable price range using the auction clearance rates as a guideline. Listen to the podcast to find out more!   If you like this episode, don’t forget to rate us at our iTunes channel (The Property Couch Podcast) and our Facebook page. Any questions or ideas? Feel free to drop us your thoughts here: http://tpcaustralia.wpengine.com/topics/

Scarcity. It is one of the three filters in our asset selection criteria and you’ve probably heard Bryce and Ben talking about it numerous times in previous podcasts. In this current market condition, it is more important than ever to ensure you nailed the scarcity factor right. But how do you determine if a property is scarce or not? In this episode, our hosts will be breaking the scarcity factor into two parts and will be sharing their very own “Scarcity Scale”. As mentioned previously, location usually does the heavy-lifting on the performance of an asset so, Bryce and Ben will be starting with area/location (right side of the scale) and then move on to the property type.   PS: If you would like to check out Ben’s Movember Pledge, click here.   If you like this episode, don’t forget to rate us at our iTunes channel (The Property Couch Podcast) and our Facebook page. Any questions or ideas? Feel free to drop us your thoughts here: http://tpcaustralia.wpengine.com/topics/

It’s confirmed! Ben Kingsley is the Property Investment Advisor of the Year 2015 Award! This is the second year we’ve championed the PIA Category of the Reader’s Choice Award organised by Your Investment Property Magazine. But this is not a reflection of an individual’s work. Thanks to all of our team members at Empower Wealth and all of you who had voted for us. We wouldn’t have done it without our customers and loyal listeners ongoing support. To celebrate this win, Bryce will be asking Ben to share some of his personal journey on: * His daily role as a Property Investment Advisor and his thought process when assisting clients in building a wealthier tomorrow * Some of the lessons he has learned along the way as an investor and an advisor * How to look for an independent professional and more   Resources mentioned in this podcast: * The Armchair Guide to Property Investing (Discount code: TPC) – Pre-order here * Join Ben’s Movember cause – Join/Donate here   If you like this episode (Journey of the Property Investment Advisor of the Year) , don’t forget to rate us at our iTunes channel (The Property Couch Podcast) and our Facebook page. Any questions or ideas? Feel free to drop us your thoughts here: http://tpcaustralia.wpengine.com/topics/

In this podcast episode, Bryce and Ben will be explaining the recently released 2015 PIPA Annual Investor Sentiment Survey and help our listeners in understanding what the report means to property investors and the industry itself. Some of the key insights of the report include the impact of APRA’s regulation on residential real estate, overall sentiment on how the market is performing and where it is heading, where does most investors get their property investment advice from, which state capital provides the best potential for investment and more. Bryce and Ben will also be spending the first half of the podcast discussing about this week’s change in lender’s interest rates on residential properties and the logic behind this decision. Listen to the podcast now to learn more.   Free resources mentioned in this podcast: * 2015 PIPA Annual Investor Sentiment Survey – Download report here * Sydney Property Buyer Expo – More info here * The Armchair Guide to Property Investing (Discount code: TPC) – Pre-order here   If you like this episode (What does the PIPA Annual Investor Sentiment Survey means) , don’t forget to rate us at our iTunes channel (The Property Couch Podcast) and our Facebook page. Any questions or ideas? Feel free to drop us your thoughts here: http://tpcaustralia.wpengine.com/topics/

It’s another Q&A episode! We are loving these Q&A episodes. If you have a property related question that you couldn’t solve or needs an opinion on, please do not hesitate to let us know here. In this episode, Bryce Holdaway and Ben Kingsley will be addressing some topics on: * Using a Buyers Agent question from Tim : For a person that is looking to purchase an investment property where they’ve already educated themselves on property investment from Podcasts, read property investment books and attended seminars and they’ve done all their due diligence from getting the right loan structure, finding the right location with all the growth drivers, will there be any benefits to engage a Buyer’s Agent? * Fixed loan question from Jonathan : Due to interest rates have been low for a few years now and flexible loans are good, when is the best time to fix them? When the interest rate reaches a point eg, 6%-7? Do you refinance your home and do 50% fixed and 50% variable . What is the rule of thumb on this topic? * Investing in commercial property question from Hany : What are the discussions of the pros and cons of investing in commercial property? * Estimated Growth and Returns for Property Plans from Josh : My question is around Bryce’s publications and the extent yield and growth percentages are applied. Exploring these publications I have found that the sum of both the yield and the growth figures never exceed 12% to 13%. Is this a rule of thumb? If so, to what extent can you divide these figures up when building an investment plan? is this constrained by property value? What is considered average, exceptional and using a Buyers Agent, what can be expected?   Free resources mentioned in this podcast: * Episode 18: What is a Buyers Agent and Do You Need One? * CPA Public Practice Presentation – Watch here * Ben’s video demonstration on growth and yield – Watch here * Bryce and Ben’s Book – Pre-order here   If you like this Q&A episode, don’t forget to rate us at our iTunes channel (The Property Couch Podcast) and our Facebook page. Any questions or ideas? Feel free to drop us your thoughts here: http://tpcaustralia.wpengine.com/topics/

It’s Q&A time! In this episode, Bryce Holdaway and Ben Kingsley will be addressing some topics on: * Finance related question from Kat : Would you please explain more about using equity? E.g. I heard from a broker that one needs to refinance the loan on the existing property (PPOR or investment) – does this mean the old property and the new one to be purchased are tied together? Some suggest using Line of Credit to get equity out. To assess the equity available, does one first need to pay for a valuation report on the existing property? * Leverage question from Naomi : I am considering selling my investment property in order to pay off the mortgage on my family home leaving me debt free and with the ability to then use all the money I currently pay on the family home mortgage for investment purposes with tax deductible debt. Is this a good strategy? Is there a better alternative you would recommend? * Investing strategy questions from Andy : Investing for demolition and reconstruction vs capital gain. Is it worth buying an older property close to the coast however a little further out from the city to sit on with the view to demolish with a larger land size or to invest in a more expensive smaller property which could be a little closer to the city. * Buying a Home question from Tom : I’d love to hear a podcast on your advice to first home buyers – whether that be best ways to save for the deposit, traps to avoid, or some type of plan for young home buyers – for example I’ve just start work as a property valuer in Melbourne for the last 5 months, and my girlfriend of a few years finishes studies later this year and we have the hopes of buying our first home together in 18 months or so. * Investing question from Andrew : Guys, just wondering what your thoughts are on buying an investment property that is potentially going to be tenanted by a relative? A relative has their lease ending in a few months, and i see this as an opportunity to buy an investment with a secured tenant (all through the proper rental channels i.e REIQ rental agreement). I think the opportunity definitely outweighs the risks. What’s your thoughts?   Other episodes mentioned in this podcast: * Episode 20: Science of Asset Selection – The Buyer’s Decision Quadrant * Episode 23: Exit Strategy in Property Investment * Bryce and Ben’s Book – Pre-order here   If you like this Q&A episode, don’t forget to rate us at our iTunes channel (The Property Couch Podcast) and our Facebook page. Any questions or ideas? Feel free to drop us your thoughts here: http://tpcaustralia.wpengine.com/topics/

Are we in a changing market? The Australian property market has had a great run but is it time to think about what happens when it cools down or even corrects itself. In Episode 32 of The Property Couch podcast, Bryce Holdaway and Ben Kingsley talks about property investing in a changing market. They started the podcast by discussing the signs and indicators of a changing market. As Ben mentioned in the podcast the leading indicators of a changing market is usually a month or six weeks behind. You’ll see a rush of supply come on and that exacerbates the small correction that will occur on top of the government interventions that are implemented via RBA and APRA. Our hosts will also be discussing the type of properties that would be affected, the changes in interest rates and more. Tune in to the podcast to find out more!   Free resources mentioned in this podcast: * RBA October 2015 Cash Rate – Commentary by Ben Kingsley – Watch here * Seven mistakes property investor make – Watch here * Beginner’s Guide to Property Investment – Learn more   If you like this podcast: “Investing in a Changing Market in Australia”, don’t forget to rate us at our iTunes channel (The Property Couch Podcast) and our Facebook page. If you have any questions or ideas, feel free to drop us your thoughts here: http://tpcaustralia.wpengine.com/topics/

In this second part of Episode 31 with Carolyn Wright from Your Property Manager, we look at one of our listeners’ question on managing rental through the property manager, what to expect and how to deal with queries for maintenance. As mentioned in Part 1, getting a good or bad property manager can make a big impact on your wealth position but what are the characteristics of a good property manager? Our hosts  and Carolyn list out some of the key roles that a property manager should be doing and what kind of expectations investor should have when finding one. The first tip on this part is setting up the right rental rates. Property managers are in the market all the time, meeting both investors and tenants and having access to tools that provide those data. A good property manager will know what rate to list your property at that would make sure you get a fair market value and minimise your vacancy rate. Listen to this podcast to find out the rest of the checklist.   Free resources mentioned in this podcast: * Reasons why you should hire a Property Manager – Download here * Fear/Procrastination vs. Greed – The Balancing Act   If you like this podcast: “Checklist to Getting A Great Property Manager – Chat with Carolyn Wright”, don’t forget to rate us at our iTunes channel (The Property Couch Podcast) and our Facebook page. If you have any questions or ideas, feel free to drop us your thoughts here: http://tpcaustralia.wpengine.com/topics/

This week on the Property Couch, we’ve invited Carolyn Wright from Your Property Manager to talk about her own personal experience as a property investor. Bryce and Ben will also be sharing the lessons that most property investors learn along the way, particularly during the post purchase process. Getting a property portfolio plan and buying an investment property is only half of the whole journey. At the end of the day, if tenants aren’t moving in, then you could potentially be facing a fair amount of out-of-pocket expenses. That is why having a property manager and understanding the process that they go through is important. Unfortunately, a lot of investors feel otherwise. Start listening to this podcast to find out what our hosts and Carolyn have gone through both as property investors themselves and in their professional role.   >> Episode 031 (Part 2) | – Checklist to Getting A Great Property Manager   If you like this podcast: “Story of an Investor and Investing Lessons Learnt along the Way – Chat with Carolyn Wright”, don’t forget to rate us at our iTunes channel (The Property Couch Podcast) and our Facebook page. If you have any questions or ideas, feel free to drop us your thoughts here: http://tpcaustralia.wpengine.com/topics/