The Melbourne Property Hour

About The Melbourne Property Hour

Real Talk. Real Insight. All Things Melbourne Property. 🎙️This is the podcast for property buyers who want less confusion, more clarity — and a little bit of fun along the way. We’re Lisa and Cate — two buyer’s advocates who spend our weeks knee-deep in auctions, inspections, due diligence, and strategy.  Together, we have 37 years of combined experience in Melbourne real estate.  And we’re here to spill the real coffee on Melbourne’s property market. Each episode, we cut through the noise (and the nonsense) to bring you honest advice, behind-the-scenes stories, and buyer tips you can actually use. 💡 What you can expect: Clear, buyer-focused guidance (minus the jargon) Honest chats about what’s really happening in the market Smart strategies to give you an edge in a competitive landscape Mistake-saving insights from our years at the coalface True stories — the good, the bad, and the game-changing Whether you’re buying your first home, investing, upsizing, or just curious — we’ve got you covered.So tune in, get inspired, and start feeling more confident about your next move in the city that we so love. Lisa and Cate 🎙️ + ☕ + 🌞 + 🏡 + 🔑

Publisher

Cate Bakos

Category

business

Language

en

Explicit

No

First episode

9 Jan 2026

Latest episode

13 Oct 2026

Latest episodes

2 of 18 episodes have a transcript.

1. 

   13 Oct 2026TRANSCRIPT

   #17: The New Reserve Price Rules - What Buyers Need to Know

   Buyer advocates Lisa Parker and Cate Bakos explain Victoria's new property quoting rules, revealing how buyers can still navigate potential pitfalls in the Melbourne market.

2. 

   29 Sept 2026TRANSCRIPT

   #16: One Signature. Thousands at Risk? - Your Guide to understanding a Victorian Contract of Sale

   What’s really hiding in your contract of sale? 🏠 Buying property in Melbourne is about far more than agreeing on a price. In this episode of The Melbourne Property Hour, Lisa and Cate unpack the contract of sale and vendor statement, revealing the clauses, conditions and hidden details that can materially affect a buyer’s position. With more than 40 years of combined experience in Melbourne real estate, Lisa and Cate explain what buyers should scrutinise, from planning controls and owners corporation records to cooling-off rights, finance and building and pest conditions. They also explore why special conditions matter, when cooling-off doesn't apply, and how to choose the right conveyancer or solicitor. A must-listen Melbourne property podcast for anyone buying in Melbourne.They unpack the contract of sale and vendor statement, and reveal what buyers should really be looking for, including: 🏠 Planning controls, easements and permits 📋 Owners corporation and strata records ⚠️ Special conditions that can change your rights 🔨 Building and pest clauses 💰 Finance conditions ⏰ Cooling-off rights and when they don't apply ⚖️ And how to choose the right conveyancer or solicitor

3. 

   15 Sept 2026

   #15: Cheap Flips, Hidden Damage and Other Buyer Traps

   What can an experienced buyer’s advocate spot in the first five minutes that most buyers completely miss? 👀 🎙️ In this episode of The Melbourne Property Hour, Lisa and Cate reveal the subtle clues they look for before they even walk through the front door. From neighbours, noise and street appeal to flooring, smells, maintenance, dodgy renovations, unpermitted work and the telltale signs of a rushed cosmetic makeover 🔍, this is a fascinating behind-the-scenes look at how professionals assess Melbourne real estate.With more than 40 years of combined Melbourne property experience, Lisa and Cate share the habits, instincts and due diligence that help buyers separate a genuinely great home from one that simply photographs well. If you're buying property in Melbourne, this Melbourne podcast could save you from an expensive mistake. 👀 Learn what experienced buyer advocates notice before they even enter a property 🛣️ Understand why the street, neighbours, noise and parking can matter as much as the house itself 🏠 Discover how flooring, paintwork, smells and finishes can reveal the true condition of a property 📸 Learn how styling can create an illusion of space and functionality 🚩 Spot the warning signs of cheap cosmetic makeovers and rushed renovations 💧 Understand why foundation movement and water damage deserve particular attention ⚠️ Hear why unpermitted renovations can create serious problems for buyers 🔨 Spot the clues that can reveal whether renovation work was professionally completed or DIY 🛋️ Understand how furniture placement can reveal an undersized kitchen, dining room or living area 🔎 Discover why seeing several suitable properties can help prevent one “dream home” from hijacking your judgement 🧘 Learn how strategy, perspective and preparation can help keep emotions under control

4. 

   31 Aug 2026

   #14: Waiting for the crash? Fear, Fomo & the truth about buying now?

   🤔 What happens when fear becomes the biggest obstacle between a buyer and the right property? In this episode of The Melbourne Property Hour, Lisa and Cate introduce "Sally", a fictional first home buyer who represents the many buyers currently sitting on the sidelines, waiting for property prices to fall further. 🏡 Drawing on more than 40 years of combined Melbourne real estate experience, Lisa and Cate unpack the psychology behind buyer hesitation, media driven fear, confirmation bias and the danger of waiting for the "perfect" bargain. They reveal how quickly Melbourne property can turn, why buyers can misread quiet inspections and auctions, and why being market ready before sentiment changes could make all the difference. 🔑 Key Lessons for Listeners: Understand why media headlines can distort your perception of the Melbourne property market Learn how to distinguish a genuine market correction from the idea of a property “crash” Discover why waiting for property prices to fall further can mean missing the opportunity already in front of you Understand why current comparable sales matter more than yesterday’s market statistics Recognise the danger of assuming every property can be bought for another 10% below its asking price Learn how lowballing can backfire when other buyers are quietly circling the same property Understand why a quiet second inspection or passed-in auction does not necessarily mean nobody wants the property Identify confirmation bias and social proof, and how they can influence your buying decisions Understand why the best opportunities in a market correction can appear early, rather than continuing indefinitely Discover how falling vendor stock can eventually collide with pent-up buyer demand Learn why property markets can turn much faster than published statistics suggest Develop a strategy for getting “market ready” before buyer sentiment shifts Understand how future-tripping your fears can help turn uncertainty into a practical buying strategy Learn why having experienced guidance can help buyers separate genuine opportunities from fear-driven decisions Recognise why waiting for certainty could mean re-entering the market at exactly the same time as everyone else

5. 

   20 Aug 2026

   #13: Top Buyer Mistakes

   Think costly property mistakes only happen to inexperienced buyers? Think again. In this episode of The Melbourne Property Hour, Cate Bakos and Lisa Parker expose 11 common missteps that can catch out even the most prepared Melbourne buyers. From auction-day pressure and unreliable pricing shortcuts to buyer fatigue, overlooked due diligence and properties that fail to perform, Cate and Lisa reveal how seemingly reasonable decisions can quickly become expensive regrets. Drawing on more than 40 years of dedicated Melbourne real estate experience, they share the lessons buyers too often learn the hard way. Before you bid too far, walk away too soon or settle for a six-out-of-ten home simply to end the search, press play. This could be the episode that saves your budget.... and your future move. Key Lessons & Actions for Listeners Discover the auction mistake that can cost a buyer the property—even when they still have money left Find out why a popular rule for interpreting Melbourne auction quote ranges may be leading buyers astray Hear why ruling out auctions altogether could be a far more costly decision than buyers realise Learn which easily overlooked property details could derail your finance after you have committed to buy Recognise the point at which buyer fatigue begins to compromise otherwise sensible decisions Discover why the property that feels right today could make your next move significantly harder Find out whose property advice you should question—even when it comes from someone you trust Hear why a beautifully presented or newly built home may conceal more than buyers expect Learn why finding the right property too early can cause some buyers to make the wrong decision Discover how feelings about a selling agent can cloud your judgement about an otherwise excellent property Uncover the purchasing costs that can take buyers by surprise just before—or after—settlement Learn how to recognise when you are about to settle for a “six out of ten” rather than the home you set out to find

6. 

   5 Aug 2026

   #12: Mastering Property Auctions

   😱 For many buyers, auctions rank alongside public speaking 🎤 and spiders 🕷️ as one of life's most intimidating experiences. In this episode of The Melbourne Property Hour, Melbourne property experts Lisa Parker and Cate Bakos unpack why auctions create so much anxiety and, more importantly, how buyers can overcome it. 🏡Drawing on more than 40 years of combined experience in Melbourne real estate, they explore the psychology behind auction fear, the common mistakes buyers make, and the preparation strategies that lead to confident bidding. 💡Whether you're buying your first home or your next investment, this Melbourne podcast is packed with practical insights, real-life stories, and expert guidance to help you navigate auction day with clarity, confidence, and a far greater chance of success. ✅ What you'll learn: • Why auctions trigger fear and how to overcome it. • The biggest misconceptions buyers have about auction campaigns. • How to prepare emotionally and strategically before auction day. • Common mistakes that can cost buyers the property they want. • Techniques professional buyer advocates use to stay calm under pressure. • The importance of setting clear limits and sticking to your strategy. • Real examples from Lisa and Cate that demonstrate what works and what doesn't. • How to improve your chances of buying successfully in Melbourne's competitive auction market.

7. 

   22 Jul 2026

   #11: Decoding Agent Talk - What Selling Agents Say vs What They Really Mean

   Ever wondered what real estate agents really mean when they describe a property as a "blank canvas", "renovator's delight" or say the vendors are "realistic"? 🤔 In this entertaining and practical episode of The Melbourne Property Hour, Cate and Lisa decode the language of Melbourne real estate and reveal what buyers should actually be listening for. 🏡Drawing on more than 40 years of combined experience helping buyers secure Melbourne property, Cate and Lisa explain how to separate genuine information from clever sales language. From advertising copy and auction campaigns to negotiation tactics and buyer psychology, they unpack the subtle phrases that can influence decisions and potentially cost buyers thousands if they're misunderstood. 💰Whether you're buying your first home, upgrading or investing, this Melbourne podcast will help you read between the lines, negotiate with confidence and make smarter property decisions. 🔑 Key Lessons: 🏡 Understand what common real estate phrases really mean. 🔍 Learn how to interpret terms like cozy, blank canvas and renovator's delight. 💡 Discover when "entry level opportunity" or "great investment property" could signal hidden compromises. 📋 Understand why "STCA" doesn't guarantee development potential. 👀 Learn how to identify genuine buyer interest versus marketing hype. 🤝 Discover the negotiation questions professional buyer advocates ask. 💰 Decode phrases like "motivated vendor", "must sell" and "vendors are realistic". ⚖️ Avoid costly mistakes with pre-auction offers and "best and final" negotiations. 🎯 Understand the different strategies required for auctions versus private sales. 🚩 Recognise warning signs when buying renovated homes without the right permits and documentation. ✅ Gain practical negotiation techniques used every day by experienced Melbourne buyer advocates.

8. 

   7 Jul 2026

   #10: The Melbourne Buyers Guide to Property Overlays

   Buying a home in Melbourne? Before you sign the contract, there's one critical step that could save you thousands of dollars....and most buyers don't understand it. In this episode of The Melbourne Property Hour, Melbourne buyer advocates Lisa Parker (Parker Buyer Advocates) and Cate Bakos (Cate Bakos Property) unpack one of the most misunderstood aspects of Melbourne real estate: property overlays. From heritage and flood overlays to bushfire, environmental, vegetation and public acquisition overlays, Lisa and Cate explain what these hidden planning controls actually mean, which ones deserve your attention, and which are often far less concerning than buyers think. With more than 40 years of combined experience in the Melbourne property market, Lisa and Cate share practical examples, real client experiences and expert due diligence tips to help you make smarter buying decisions, avoid costly mistakes and purchase with confidence. If you're buying, renovating or investing in Melbourne, this episode is essential listening. 🏡 Key Lessons & Actions for Listeners 🗺️ Understand what property overlays are and why they matter when buying Melbourne real estate. 🚩 Learn which overlays are genuine red flags—and which are often misunderstood. 🌊 Discover the differences between flood overlays, Land Subject to Inundation (LSIO) and Special Building Overlays (SBO). 🏛️ Understand how heritage overlays really work and why they don't always restrict renovations. 🔥 Learn when bushfire overlays are low risk and when they can significantly increase building costs. ⚠️ Recognise why Public Acquisition Overlays are one of the biggest warning signs for buyers. 💰 Understand how overlays can affect insurance premiums, future renovations and redevelopment potential. 🔎 Learn simple due diligence techniques, including insurance benchmarking and planning report reviews. 👩⚖️ Know when specialist advice from solicitors, town planners and buyer advocates is essential. ✅ Buy with greater confidence by understanding the hidden risks that aren't visible during an inspection. We hope you enjoy! Lisa and Cate

9. 

   23 Jun 2026

   #9: The Suburb Showdown: Data vs 16 Years on the Ground

   What if everything you’ve been told about using data to buy property is only half the story? In this episode of The Melbourne Property Hour, Cate Bakos and Lisa Parker go head-to-head in a real-world experiment that cuts right to the heart of Melbourne real estate in 2026. Lisa steps in blind, armed only with data, stats and analytics. Cate counters with 16 years of on-the-ground experience across buying in these specific suburbs. Can Lisa, an experienced advocate of 24 years, decode the data in a way that matches Cate’s on-the-ground experience? Join us this week as we unpack the results of this bold experiment and decide for yourself which purchasing method you think you’d trust. 📊 Lisa = data only 🏡 Cate = boots on the ground 🔑 Key Lessons & Actions for Listeners Discover how “cheap” suburbs can mask long-term risks and volatility Recognise the signs of investor-driven hype and overheated markets Learn how to identify genuine gentrification vs artificial growth Understand how social housing concentrations impact long-term performance Avoid buying blindly based on postcode-level data Learn how micro-locations (street-by-street) can dramatically change outcomes Understand how buyer demographics (investors vs owner-occupiers) influence stability Discover the benefits and limitations of data We hope you enjoy! Lisa and Cate

10. 

    10 Jun 2026

    #8: Would We Still Buy It? Drilling into a Building and Pest Inspection Report

    In this episode of The Melbourne Property Hour, Melbourne buyer advocates Cate Bakos and Lisa Parker unpack one of the most misunderstood parts of the property buying journey; the building and pest inspection. With more than 40 years of combined experience in Melbourne real estate, Cate and Lisa explain the common issues that appear in building reports, what buyers should genuinely worry about, and which findings are often far less serious than they first appear. From unlevel floors, timber rot and roof repairs through to drainage concerns, termite risks, asbestos and structural movement, they share practical insights that can save buyers from costly mistakes. Whether you're purchasing your first home, upgrading, investing, or navigating the competitive Melbourne property market, this episode will help you interpret building reports with confidence and understand when to negotiate, investigate further, or walk away. If you're looking for trusted guidance on buying property in Melbourne, this is an episode you won't want to miss. Key lessons and actions for our listeners 🏠 Understand the real purpose of a building and pest inspection beyond a simple pass-or-fail assessment. 🔍 Learn which common report findings are routine maintenance items and which are genuine red flags. 📐 Discover why unlevel floors don't always indicate costly structural problems. 💧 Understand the risks associated with timber rot, water ingress and poor drainage. ⚠️ Learn how small maintenance issues can snowball into major repair expenses if left unchecked. 🐜 Gain clarity on termite reports and what "conditions conducive to termite activity" actually means.🏗️ Understand the implications of asbestos and when it becomes a serious concern. 🧱 Learn the difference between cosmetic cracking and structural movement. 👷 Discover when specialist inspections from structural engineers, plumbers or electricians may be necessary. 🔦 Understand why access to subfloors and roof spaces is critical during inspections. 💰 Learn how experienced buyers use building reports to negotiate pricing and plan future renovations.🚶 Find out when it's appropriate to walk away from a property and when a report shouldn't derail a great purchase. 📋 Understand the risks of relying solely on vendor-supplied building and pest reports.🛠️ Gain practical maintenance tips that can help protect your property's long-term value. ✅ Build confidence in reading and interpreting building reports as part of a successful Melbourne property purchase. We hope you enjoy! Lisa and Cate

11. 

    26 May 2026

    #7: From Ready to Regret - How Buyers Talk Themselves Out of Great Home

    Melbourne property insiders Lisa Parker and Cate Bakos are back....bringing over 40 years of combined expertise to this game-changing episode. With the property market shifting gears in 2026, many buyers are unknowingly sabotaging their own success. From fear-based decision-making to unrealistic expectations, Lisa and Cate reveal the subtle behaviours that are quietly derailing your buying journey. Whether you're a seasoned investor or a first-time buyer, this episode is a must-listen. These aren’t theories; this is the real talk from two of Melbourne’s most experienced, awarded, and trusted buyer’s advocates. If you want to buy smarter, faster, and with confidence, this podcast is your golden ticket. Listeners will walk away with: 🔍 How to identify and overcome subtle self-sabotaging behaviours during the buying process. 💰 Why focusing too much on "getting a bargain" can actually cost you hundreds of thousands in the long term. 🧠 The difference between refining your property criteria vs. constantly changing it (and why one is a red flag). 🛑 How fear of commitment shows up in property buying—and how to push through it. 🤐 Why listening to "helpful" family members or friends might be the worst strategy. 🧭 When and why relying on outdated price expectations can backfire in a moving market. 📆 Why NOW is the time to act before the media headlines catch up and prices rise further. ⚠️ How avoiding auctions can actually reduce your chances of securing the right home. 🤝 The critical role of responsiveness in sealing the deal. 👣 Real examples and stories to help you avoid common buyer mistakes and stay on track. We hope you enjoy! Cate and Lisa

12. 

    12 May 2026

    #6: Strata vs Stratum vs Company Share Explained

    🎧 In this episode of The Melbourne Property Hour, Lisa and Cate unpack one of the most misunderstood aspects of Melbourne real estate: company share, stratum and strata title properties. If you’ve ever spotted a suspiciously cheap Art Deco apartment in Melbourne’s inner suburbs and wondered why, this episode explains the hidden risks, opportunities and due diligence traps buyers need to know before bidding. Cate and Lisa draw on more than 40 years of combined Melbourne property experience to explain why banks avoid certain title types, how buyers can accidentally lose tens of thousands of dollars, and why proper due diligence is critical when buying Melbourne property. From St Kilda and Elwood to South Yarra and beyond, this is essential listening for anyone navigating the Melbourne property market. 📌 Key Lessons & Actions from This Episode: Understand the difference between strata, stratum and company share title properties Learn why Melbourne’s Art Deco apartments often come with hidden title complexities Discover why some “cheap” Melbourne real estate listings are not actually bargains Understand why banks heavily restrict lending on company share and stratum properties Learn how buyers can accidentally lose deposits by failing to identify alternative title structures Discover the risks associated with buying apartments without proper due diligence Understand how special levies and owners corporation liabilities can financially impact buyers Learn why parking, apartment size and title type dramatically affect resale value Discover the upside opportunities in converting company share properties to strata title Learn why unanimous owner approval can make strata conversions difficult or impossible Understand the hidden maintenance challenges common in older Melbourne Art Deco buildings Learn how experienced Melbourne buyer advocates assess risk before auction day Discover why professional contract reviews are essential before bidding at auction Understand the extensive due diligence process required for safe Melbourne property purchases Learn practical ways to identify risky title structures before making an offer We hope you enjoy! Lisa and Cate

13. 

    28 Apr 2026

    #5: Before We Were Experts - Rookie Property Moves Exposed

    Ever wondered how even seasoned experts got started in property, and the mistakes they made along the way? In this episode of the Melbourne Property Hour, Lisa Parker and Cate Bakos pull back the curtain on their earliest property purchases... long before their combined 40+ years of Melbourne property expertise. From spontaneous buying decisions and risky renovations to costly missteps and lucky wins, this episode is packed with raw, honest insights. You’ll hear how intuition, timing, and sheer determination shaped their journeys, and how those early experiences now guide the advice they give clients today. If you’re buying real estate in Melbourne, this is a must-listen episode that proves even the experts started somewhere… and didn’t always get it right. ✅ Listeners will walk away with: 🏡 Why land value can make or break your investment ⚠️ The risks of buying without finance, checks or a clear plan 🏗️ What to watch out for with house & land packages (it’s not always growth) 🧠 How to recognise when your gut is telling you something’s off 📉 Why “growth corridor” doesn’t always mean capital growth 🛠️ The difference between smart renovations and costly mistakes💸 The hidden costs at settlement that can catch buyers off guard ⏱️ When moving fast works… and when it can backfire 📈 Why luck might get you started, but strategy keeps you winning 🎯 How to avoid early mistakes and fast-track your property journey We hope you enjoy! LIsa and Cate

14. 

    10 Apr 2026

    #4: Off-Markets on Tap - Sounds Great… Until You Know This

    Off-market properties = exclusive deals… right? 👀 Not always. 🎙️ In this eye-opening episode of The Melbourne Property Hour, Lisa Parker and Cate Bakos unpack one of the most misunderstood trends in the Melbourne property market; off-market properties. With over 40 years of combined experience, they cut through the hype to reveal what’s real and what’s simply clever marketing.From genuine “golden nugget” opportunities to the rise of so-called off-markets blasted to thousands of buyers, this episode gives you the clarity every buyer needs. If you’re navigating the Melbourne property market, this podcast will help you avoid overpaying, spot true opportunities, and make smarter buying decisions. If you’re serious about buying in Melbourne, this is the podcast you can’t afford to miss. 📌 Key Lessons & Actions for Listeners Understand the true definition of an off-market property Discover how modern “marketing” has confused buyers Learn how to identify genuine off-market opportunities (and why they’re rare) Avoid overpaying — why 63% of off-market buyers may be paying too much Recognise vendor motivations and spot red flags (ie - fake off-markets) Understand how agent incentives and buyer advocate models can influence the outcomes of an off-market listing We hope you enjoy! Lisa and Cate

15. 

    27 Mar 2026

    #3: Inside Melbourne Auctions: What Buyers Really Need to Know

    Melbourne’s auction scene is as iconic as its laneways — and just as unpredictable. In this week’s episode, The Melbourne Property Podcast hosts Lisa Parker and Cate Bakos, (with over 40 years of combined boots-on-the-ground experience), lift the curtain on what really goes down before, during and after an auction. They break down the entire auction campaign cycle, decode agents’ tactics, and share true behind-the-scenes stories (yes, including a buyer who bid mid-dog walk 🐶). If you're bidding at auction this year, this episode is a must! 📌 By tuning into this episode, listeners will: 🧠 Understand the full auction campaign lifecycle and how timing affects strategy 🚨 Learn why agents run auctions (even when they know it might not sell) 🕵️♀️ Discover exactly what goes on behind the scenes on auction day 📉 Know the dangers of bidding emotionally and how to set a clear auction limit 🎭 Spot the psychological tactics used by agents and auctioneers to push bids higher 🛠️ Learn how to prep contracts, deposits, and conditions BEFORE auction day 🧾 Understand what happens when a property passes in — and how to negotiate post-auction 🤝 Hear how being respectful and strategic can land you access to off-market or follow-up deals We hope you enjoy! Lisa and Cate

16. 

    27 Mar 2026

    #2: What’s the Minimum Budget Required to Buy in Melbourne?

    If you’ve ever wondered what kind of property you can buy in Melbourne on a tight budget, this episode is your blueprint. With over 40 years of combined, boots-on-the-ground experience in Melbourne's property market, buyer’s advocates Lisa Parker and Cate Bakos unpack exactly how far your money can stretch in today's climate. From inner-city apartments to regional opportunities in Ballarat and Bendigo, they reveal the real numbers behind the minimum viable property purchase....and what to avoid. Whether you’re buying your first investment property or aiming to enter the Melbourne market wisely, this is the podcast trusted buyers across Australia are tuning into. Forget outdated headlines. This is real-time, expert-backed insight from the people who know Melbourne best. 🎧 Subscribe now and learn what others don’t know....your budget might go further than you think. ✅ Key Lessons & Actionable Insights: 🎯 Understand What Budget You Really Need to break into Melbourne or its surrounding markets. 🏘️ Learn the Pros & Cons of Different Dwelling Types (units, townhouses, houses) and which offer better growth or yield. 🛑 Avoid Common Buyer Mistakes—like purchasing in the wrong pocket or overpaying as an interstate investor. 📉 Why Low-Priced Properties Might Cost You More in the long run—especially when capital growth stalls. 🌱 Unlock Value in Regional Hotspots with better capital growth and rental yields than many Melbourne suburbs. 💡 Get Strategic with Your Broker—how incorrect yield assumptions can ruin your serviceability and plans. 🤝 Discover Why Working With a Local Expert is Non-Negotiable for smart, safe, and successful buying. 🚨 Understand Why $650K is No Longer the Magic Number and where the sweet spot really sits now. 🧠 Shift Your Biases & Gain Clarity—it’s not always about being in the capital city postcode. 💸 Explore Realistic Yield Expectations for Melbourne investments from $500K to $2M We hope you enjoy! Lisa and Cate

17. 

    27 Mar 2026

    #1: Bargain or Bad Buy? Here’s How to Tell

    Everyone loves a bargain… but not all “cheap” properties are good value. In this episode, seasoned buyer’s agents Lisa Parker and Cate Bakos, with 40+ years of combined Melbourne property expertise, break down what actually makes a true bargain, and why some low prices can lead to costly mistakes. Learn how to spot the difference between an underpriced gem and a ticking time bomb, how market psychology affects buyer confidence, and why the best buying opportunities often show up when no one else is paying attention. Lisa and Cate also share real bargain stories, (think: $185K under market!) and give you the signs to watch for when bargain season is just around the corner. 🎧 If you want to buy smart and avoid the trap of the “too good to be true” property, this episode is a must-listen. ✅ Listeners will walk away with: 📉 The clear difference between a cheap property and a true bargain 🔍 What to look for in “compromised” properties — and when to walk away 🛠️ How to identify high-potential homes that need love but can grow in value 🧠 Why most buyers miss out on bargains due to fear or flawed thinking 🏦 Lending red flags: title types, zoning & strata risks that make “cheap” dangerous 📈 How to know when the market is ripe for good buying (hint: it's not when everyone else is buying) 🧾 The psychology of “it seems too good to be true” — and how to trust your data 🕵️ Real signs from agents that a bargain might be on the table 💬 Real stories from the field: COVID steals, yield-driven buys, and $180K wins 🎯 What to prep in advance so you’re ready to act fast when the right deal appears We hope you enjoy! Lisa and Cate

18. 

    9 Jan 2026

    Trailer: Hellooooo Melbourne!

    Hey everyone! We’re super excited to give you a first look at something we’ve been working on behind the scenes. It’s called The Melbourne Property Hour; navigating Melbourne property, one episode at a time.... and we created it because we know how confusing, competitive, and honestly overwhelming buying in Melbourne can be. We’re both on the ground every single day, buying homes and investment properties across Melbourne, and we just kept thinking… buyers need better info. Clearer info. From people who actually know what’s going on out there. This podcast is for anyone who wants to buy smarter, avoid costly mistakes, and hear real stories from the front lines, not sales pitches. 🎧 Our first episode drops soon, and we’ll be covering bargains. We’d love you to tune in! Lisa and Cate

Inside a recent episode

#17: The New Reserve Price Rules - What Buyers Need to Know

Published 13 Oct 2026 · Transcript excerpt

[…] And Kate mentioned earlier the mandatory sold price disclosure statement, or not the statement, but mandatory sold price disclosure, apologies. And that's where agents are required to advertise the sold price of a property sale within seven days after its sale. That's seven days after it becomes unconditional. which is, I celebrate this. I think it's wonderful. It makes everybody's life easier. It's less time for us ringing agents, asking them to disclose the price to us, which they must do because we're licensed real estate agents and they're compelled to share that information with other licensed real estate agents. […]

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