Join us as we unpack the systems that generated nearly $1.9 million in commissions during a “flat” market, explore why the human agent is the future of real estate, and dive into a data-backed analysis of today’s property cycle. From tactical advice for first-home buyers to predictions on how AI will reshape the industry, this episode gives you a blueprint for success in business and life.
In this episode, we sit down with Lawrence, a top performer in South Auckland real estate, on the eve of launching his new agency — Limitless Real Estate. After selling 175 homes in three years, Lawrence reveals the systems, mindset, and strategy behind building a modern agency from the ground up.
Find more about Lawrence:
🎥 YouTube Channel
🎙️ Interview: “From Rock Bottom to Top 1%”
Blueprint Finance Resources:
📊 Download Mortgage & Property Calculators
📅 Book a Free Advice Call
🎧 More Podcast Episodes
Episode Highlights & Timestamps
00:00 – Introducing Limitless Real Estate
00:58 – Duplicating Systems & Personal Branding
03:20 – Recruitment: Targeting Proven Agents
04:49 – The “Limitless” Standard & Self-Development
06:24 – Lawrence’s Personal Motivation
07:43 – Applying The 10x Rule
09:37 – Philosophy Behind “Limitless”
11:34 – Market Breakdown: Who’s Buying Now
12:33 – Why Today’s Market is “Normal”
13:14 – The Key to a Successful Sale: Motivation
16:32 – Will a 1% Rate Drop Spark a Boom?
19:14 – Historical Cycles & Flat Market Outlook
23:29 – How Technology Changed the Industry
24:08 – AI in Admin & Agent Training
25:22 – The Digital-First Agency Model
27:10 – Are Auctions Dead in 2025?
28:26 – Tips for First-Home Buyers
29:26 – Creative Negotiation Tactics
31:39 – Capital Growth Debate: South Auckland
32:40 – Lifestyle vs Investment Decisions
34:20 – Can You Still Get 9% Yields?
35:06 – Investment Case Study: Gisborne Reno
Episode Summary
Lawrence breaks down the three pillars of Limitless Real Estate — replicating successful systems, building agent-centric brands, and embedding daily self-development. He believes the future belongs to individual agents whose personal brand is stronger than any corporate identity.
The conversation also covers the current New Zealand property market, which Lawrence calls “flat but normal,” predicting stability for the next 1–2 years before growth returns around 2026.
Looking ahead, he shares his vision of a digital, mobile-first agency powered by automation and AI — where admin work, lead management, and even agent training evolve through real-time performance analytics.
At its core, this episode is about mindset and momentum — how discipline, data, and daily habits create long-term success in any market. Inspired by The 10x Rule, Think and Grow Rich, and The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People, Lawrence shows how to think bigger, act faster, and build a business — and a life — without limits.
The news many Kiwi have been waiting for is here: mortgage rates are once again on a downward trend. In this episode, we're giving you an update from the 2nd of October, including our bold (now proven correct) prediction for the upcoming OCR announcement and what it likely means for the property market.We break down the "window of opportunity" for first home buyers and discuss the critical point where the cost of owning becomes neck-and-neck with renting.Then, we pivot to one of the most important questions a successful family can ask: When do you become wealthy enough to not need insurance?We dive into a case study of a couple with a $5 million net worth and no debt. By flipping the script from "protecting the downside" to "protecting the upside," we reveal how a small investment in risk protection can guarantee a multi-million dollar legacy.Listen now for a masterclass in seizing market opportunities and securing your financial future.Get professional analysis, calculations, and advice for your mortgage, insurance and investments. To request a free review visit https://blueprintfinance.co.nzTo book a conversation with Rory please visit https://blueprintfinance.co.nz/#rory-mcsweeneyBlueprint Finance LimitedFSP 100-60230800 769 1082025 Winner: Finsure New Brokerage of the YearThere is a big difference between "professional" and "accidental" investors. How they submit offers, how many offers they submit, what price they pay, their emotional attachment... but the biggest difference? A fundamentally better investment property!https://blueprintfinance.co.nz/property-investment/ is a guide for New Zealanders looking to improve their property investing. It covers the essentials, from: calculating the "usable equity" in your current home to fund a deposit, to choosing the right investment strategy and navigating NZ tax rules. Move from theory to practice by using the free downloadable calculators to compare properties, structure loans, and build a tangible investment plan.Subscribe to our Property Ownership and Investing newsletter here https://blueprintfinance.co.nz/poai-newsletter/
Have you ever felt like the traditional map to success—the corporate ladder, the property portfolio—no longer leads to the destination you want? What do you do when the rules of the game change overnight, leaving you feeling adrift?In this special episode, we sit down with entrepreneur, venture capitalist, and Blueprint family member Brandon Lipman for a masterclass in taking back control. Brandon shares his incredible journey from working night shifts at Countdown to save his first house deposit, to becoming a top mortgage adviser, and finally, to forging his own path by building a portfolio of businesses.He reveals why he traded the well-trodden map of property investment for the compass of entrepreneurship, focusing not on predicting the future, but on building a resilient vessel designed to thrive in any conditions. This conversation is a practical blueprint for anyone who feels the pull to build something of their own but doesn't know where to start.In this episode, you’ll learn:Buy vs. Start: The powerful philosophy on why acquiring an existing business is a smarter, faster structure for wealth creation than starting from scratch.Finding the Deal: The gritty, real-world steps Brandon took to find opportunities—from flicking through the Yellow Pages to sending hand-written letters to owners.The Power of a Blueprint: How a 40-year-old university thesis from one of New Zealand’s greatest entrepreneurs became his "bible" and changed the course of his career.Advice for the Ambitious: Actionable first steps for anyone in their twenties looking to build a life of financial sovereignty, grit, and purpose.This episode is about more than just business; it's about building a smarter structure for a more certain future. Tune in to learn how to find your compass and start building your own blueprint for success.https://blueprintfinance.co.nz/
With Bitcoin hitting new all-time highs in 2025, the most common question we hear is: "Have I missed the boat?" It's easy to look at the charts and feel like the incredible gains are a thing of the past.In this episode, Daniel and Rory sit down with Paul, the Chief Commercial Officer of Easy Crypto, to tackle this question head-on. They explore why looking at today's price can be misleading and how a simple shift in perspective—from short-term speculation to a long-term strategy—changes everything.This isn't a conversation about getting rich quick. It's a deep dive into the principles of long-term conviction, the powerful role of Dollar-Cost Averaging (DCA), and how institutional adoption through ETFs and KiwiSaver is creating a brand new chapter for crypto, suggesting the journey is far from over.In this episode, you’ll discover:• Why the famous saying, "The best time to buy was five years ago, the second-best time is today," holds true for long-term investors.• Practical strategies like Dollar-Cost Averaging to start building a position without the stress of trying to time the market perfectly.•How institutional money via ETFs is fundamentally changing the game and what it means for future growth.• The powerful lesson from those who thought it was "too late" to buy when Bitcoin first hit $20,000.• Simple, low-barrier ways to get started, even with as little as $50.If you've been watching from the sidelines, feeling like you're too late to the party, this episode provides the crucial context and practical steps you need to make an informed decision.
In Episode 8 of the Blueprint Finance Podcast, we dive deep into a critical question every Kiwi homebuyer should be asking: Whose agent are they anyway? We're joined by Alex Martelli, founder of Martelli Buyer's Agents, a force challenging the traditional, seller-focused real estate agent model still popular in New Zealand.Recorded in May 2025, Alex pulls back the curtain on the "battle for buyer loyalty." With extensive international experience, she reveals why she returned to NZ to champion the buyer, navigating a system often skewed against them. Is the agent showing you houses truly on your side, or are their loyalties elsewhere? Alex Martelli is here to arm you with the truth.In this episode, you’ll uncover: • The often-blurred lines of agent loyalty in NZ and why a true buyer's advocate is a game-changer. • Alex's journey: from global property markets to pioneering a buyer-first agency against the grain in New Zealand. • The cultural and regulatory "wars" fought to establish a service that exclusively represents your best interests as a buyer. • The myth busted: Why dedicated buyer's agents aren't just for the elite – and how they're empowering everyone from first-timers to seasoned investors. • Insider strategies for the (May 2025) market: how to cut through the noise of high stock, scrutinise new builds, and unearth elusive off-market deals when others can't. • Negotiation tactics from the trenches: how Alex "locks horns" and uses "silence" to win for her clients. • Auction room secrets: decoding agent tactics and bidding with a strategy that protects your bottom line, not the seller's.00:00:26 Introducing Alex Martelli: The Buyer's Advocate in a Seller's World00:02:39 The Big Question: Why is True Buyer Representation So Rare in NZ?00:04:12 Battling the System: Regulatory & Cultural Challenges to Putting Buyers First00:06:01 Conflict of Interest? How Selling Agents "Working With" Buyers Still Serve the Vendor00:06:56 Buyer's Agent vs. Seller's Agent: Exposing the Critical Differences00:08:59 Who Really Needs a Buyer's Agent? (The Answer Might Surprise You)00:10:00 FOMO & Full Budgets: How Buyers Unknowingly Give Away Their Power00:13:06 Negotiation Warfare: Tactics to Win When Locking Horns00:15:07 Auckland Market (May 2025): Navigating Record Stock & Dodgy New Builds00:18:14 The "Black Market" of Property: Finding Off-Market Deals00:21:06 The Future: Will Buyers Finally Get the Upper Hand in NZ?00:24:48 Auction Takedown: Strategies to Avoid Emotional Overbids & Agent Traps00:28:02 The Pre-Auction Ambush: When to Strike Before the Competition00:30:39 Misled by Listing Agents? Hearing What You Want to Hear vs. Reality00:32:12 Market Forecast: Where Are Prices Really Heading?Key Takeaways:Challenge Allegiances: Question whose interests your agent truly serves. In a transaction, there are two sides – ensure you have dedicated representation.Arm Yourself with Knowledge: Understand the tactics and market realities that can be used against uninformed buyers.Level the Playing Field: Discover how a dedicated buyer's agent can shift the power dynamic in your favour, from first viewing to final signature.Enjoying this? Take the next step with Blueprint Finance: We’ve got the tools, insights, and expert advice to help you take charge of your life plans.
• Subscribe to our newsletter for our spreadsheets: Mortgage Rate Comparison Tool, First Home Buyer Master Sheet, Revolving Credit vs. Savings Calculator.
• Ready for personalised advice? Build your meeting agenda or book a free consultation with our award-winning team at BlueprintFinance.co.nz.
Need a lawyer who speaks your language and protects your assets? In Episode 7 of the Blueprint Podcast, veteran solicitor Arthur Loo breaks down 30 years of real‑world lessons on wills, trusts, and property deals—from $30 k US foreclosure buys to Auckland’s record‑high auctions.What you’ll learn00:00 Why every Kiwi family needs a clear will05:52 Building a bilingual firm for new‑to‑NZ investors10:18 Trusts—when they’re gold, when they’re overkill16:26 Estate pitfalls: blended families & contested wills21:04 Off‑plan settlements: protecting your deposit in 202524:45 Interest‑rate cycles Arthur has survived (and how)29:41 Growing Loo & Koo from two partners to thirty staff35:54 Advice for young professionals: work hard, stay warm‑professionalKey takeaways
Free Tools & Next StepsGet Blueprint Finance’s free, client‑ready calculators:Book a no‑cost strategy call or build your own meeting agenda at BlueprintFinance.co.nz.
Your First Home - Mindset, Myths & Making It Happen!Feeling stuck on your path to homeownership? Are self-doubt and comparison clouding your vision? This week, Dan and Rory uncover the crucial mindset shifts that transform the "impossible" into your first home.We bust common myths about affordability and family support, sharing real client success stories that prove you can do it – like the inspiring journey of those guided by our adviser Jack, who now own their dream home.Beyond the numbers, it's about cultivating belief. We provide actionable strategies across three pillars:Saving: Practical budgeting and consistent automated savings.Earning: Exploring income growth from your job to effective side hustles.Investing: Maximising KiwiSaver and managing its risk for your timeline.Embrace your unique journey, discard limiting beliefs, and step into the profound satisfaction of owning your first home.You've got this! Book a call www.blueprintfinance.co.nz
The 40-year mortgage. Did that sound like a typo? It wasn't... and in this episode, we all find out if it's a genius wealth-building hack or a dangerous debt trap designed to keep you paying the bank forever.While not yet in New Zealand, the 40-year mortgage is used in countries like Australia, the UK, and the USA to tackle the housing affordability crisis. In Episode 10 of the Blueprint Finance Podcast, we explore both sides of this controversial product. Is the benefit of a lower monthly payment worth potentially paying hundreds of thousands of dollars more in total interest?
The answer isn't what you'd expect.We put it all to the test in a head-to-head case study that challenges everything you've been told about paying off debt:Path A: Pay off a mortgage in 30 years and then invest aggressively for the next 10.Path B: Take a 40-year loan and invest the small monthly saving from day one.The result is a must-see for anyone who owns a home or wants to build wealth in New Zealand. Join us as we break down the numbers and find out if this long-term loan is a stroke of genius or a financial trap in disguise.CHAPTERS: 00:00 - The Next Frontier? Introducing the 40-Year Mortgage 02:37 - A Global Phenomenon: How Other Countries Use Longer Loans 04:48 - The New Zealand Handbrake: Responsible Lending & The 'Exit Strategy' 07:15 - Affordability vs. The True Cost 11:00 - The Case Study: Paying Off Debt vs. Playing the Long Game 23:17 - The "Big If": Why Discipline is Everything 25:40 - Your Home Isn't an ATM: Final Thoughts & Advice15 years? 30 years? 50 years!!! Book a call https://www.blueprintfinance.co.nz
“A free society is a creative society.” — David Seymour
In this thought-provoking episode, we’re joined by ACT Party Leader and MP David Seymour for a wide-ranging, no-holds-barred conversation about the future of New Zealand.
From housing and KiwiSaver to red tape, small business, and the elusive promise of freedom, David brings his signature contrarian perspective to the big financial and social questions affecting Kiwis today.
INSIDE EPISODE SIX
Plus: insights on the RMA overhaul, KiwiBank’s competitive potential, NZ’s startup culture, and why “letting go of control” might just be the best thing this country can do.
Love this episode? Build your own future with tools designed for Kiwis:
Book your personalised mortgage or financial review session at BlueprintFinance.co.nz
For more information about topics discussed:
https://www.beehive.govt.nz/portfolio...
https://thespinoff.co.nz/the-bulletin...
https://www.1news.co.nz/2025/03/24/go...
https://www.motu.nz/our-research/well...
Is your insurance policy actually working for you? In this episode of The Blueprint Finance Podcast, Rory and Dan break down a real-life case study where a strategic insurance review saved a client $9,000 in premiums—without sacrificing essential coverage.
Inside this episode:
✔️ The art of balancing protection and cost in insurance.
✔️ How reviewing policies every 5-6 years can prevent overpaying.
✔️ The three key areas of personal risk: medical, income, and life cover.
✔️ Why stepped vs. level premiums matter for long-term financial security.
✔️ How this client’s 18% insurance expense was reduced to just 4% of gross income.
Thinking about an insurance review? Your policy should evolve as your life and finances change.
Free Tools & Expert Insights
✔️ Mortgage Rate Comparison Tool
✔️ Property Investment Comparison Calculator
✔️ Revolving Credit vs. Savings CalculatorWant better insurance and mortgages?
Book a free "strategy" session with our award-winning team at BlueprintFinance.co.nz
💰 The Mortgage Payoff Playbook 💰
In this episode of the Blueprint Podcast, we break down three mortgage payoff strategies—but which ones are gold, and which ones are just hype?
The Plays:
🔹 Revolving Credit – Smart money move or a discipline trap?🔹 Investment Properties – The controversial 7-year strategy: Myth or Magic?
🔹 Keeping Repayments the Same – The easiest win, but is it enough?
We take John & Jill (hypothetical first-home buyers) and put each method to the test with numbers, risks, and long-term impact. If you’re a homeowner wondering how to actually pay off your mortgage smarter (without falling for gimmicks), this is your playbook.
Listen now to find out how to make these plays actually work!
In Episode 3 of the Blueprint Podcast, we sit down with Auckland’s rising real estate star, Ben Ryken. From starting his career at just 18 to building a reputation as one of the most trusted agents in the competitive Remuera market, Ben shares his journey, challenges, and the lessons he’s learned along the way.
🎧 Enjoying this episode? Take the next step with Blueprint Finance:We’ve got the tools, insights, and expert advice to help you take charge of your financial future.📊 Subscribe to our newsletter for our free tools:✔️ Mortgage Rate Comparison Tool✔️ First Home Buyer Master Sheet✔️ Revolving Credit vs. Savings Calculator📅 Ready for personalized advice?Build your meeting agenda or book a free consultation with our award-winning team at BlueprintFinance.co.nz.💙 Follow to stay informed! Get expert strategies and real-world insights into KiwiSaver, mortgages, and investments—all tailored for Kiwis.
In this episode of the Blueprint Podcast, we dive deep into the inspiring story of Rory, Blueprint Finance’s in-house insurance expert. From representing New Zealand at the Paralympic Games to navigating the world of insurance, Rory’s journey is a testament to resilience, hard work, and a commitment to helping others.
🎧 Enjoying the Blueprint Podcast? Discover more with our free tools and resources:✔️ Mortgage Rate Comparison Tool✔️ First Home Buyer Master Sheet✔️ Revolving Credit vs. Savings Calculator📅 Ready for personalized advice? Build your own meeting agenda with our award-winning team at BlueprintFinance.co.nz.Stay tuned for future episodes where we’ll continue exploring the stories behind the experts at Blueprint Finance.
Welcome to the debut episode of the Blueprint Finance Podcast, where we kick off with an inspiring and insightful conversation with Jono, our resident KiwiSaver specialist.
From his humble beginnings as a trolley boy to managing portfolios worth millions, Jono shares his journey into finance and the invaluable lessons he’s learned along the way.In this episode, you’ll discover:
✔️ How Jono’s expertise in KiwiSaver can help Kiwis secure brighter financial futures.
✔️ Real-world strategies for navigating market volatility and building wealth.
✔️ The three pillars of financial success: mortgage, wealth, and health.
✔️ Practical tips on balancing KiwiSaver, insurance, and mortgage strategies.
✔️ Client success stories that showcase the Blueprint difference.
🎧 Enjoying this episode? Take the next step with Blueprint Finance:
We’ve got the tools, insights, and expert advice to help you take charge of your financial future.
📊 Subscribe to our newsletter for our free tools:
✔️ Mortgage Rate Comparison Tool
✔️ First Home Buyer Master Sheet
✔️ Revolving Credit vs. Savings Calculator📅
Ready for personalized advice?
Build your meeting agenda or book a free consultation with our award-winning team at BlueprintFinance.co.nz.💙
Follow to stay informed! Get expert strategies and real-world insights into KiwiSaver, mortgages, and investments—all tailored for Kiwis.
