It looks shiny, brand-new, and full of promise — but buying off-the-plan could be one of the riskiest moves a buyer can make. In this episode, Dion breaks down why most off-the-plan apartments don’t perform, what really drives value in property, and how government incentives can actually mask serious financial risks. You’ll learn: Why more than half of Melbourne’s apartments resell for a loss How developers “bake in” incentives to inflate prices The danger of buying something that doesn’t yet exist Why land is the only thing that truly drives long-term value The few rare cases when buying off-the-plan can still make sense If you’ve ever been tempted by a brand-new apartment with stamp duty savings, listen to this first — it could save you years of regret.

Overpaying for a property is every buyer’s worst nightmare — but it’s also completely avoidable if you know what signs to look for. In this episode, Dion breaks down exactly how to recognise when a property is overpriced, what data actually matters, and how to separate real value from emotional hype. You’ll learn: The red flags that a property is struggling (and overpriced) How to use average days on market as your biggest pricing clue Why social proof — the number of buyers inspecting — is more powerful than the price guide How to read an agent’s confidence and use it to your advantage Why emotion is the number one reason buyers overpay This episode gives you a clear, data-driven strategy so you can buy with confidence — not panic — and finally stop worrying about paying too much.

Underquoting is one of the biggest frustrations buyers face — a property is advertised in your budget, only to sell hundreds of thousands above the quoted range. In this episode, Dion and mortgage broker David Pelligra cut through the noise to explain what underquoting really is, how the legislation works (and doesn’t), and why quotes and actual value are often two very different things. They cover: The difference between fair, competitive, and underquoting Why Victorian quoting laws are still so grey and frustrating The biggest red flags that a property is underquoted How to do your own research so you don’t fall for false ranges Why focusing on value, not the quote, is the only way to buy smart If you’ve ever wasted weekends chasing properties you could never afford, this episode will give you the tools to spot the traps and stay ahead.

Off-market deals have become the buzzword in real estate — buyers think they’re secret bargains, and sellers love the idea of a quiet sale. But are off-markets really the golden ticket everyone makes them out to be? In this episode, Dion and mortgage broker David Pelligra pull back the curtain on the truth about off-market properties. They cover: What an off-market property actually is (and isn’t) The real reasons vendors choose to sell off-market Why exclusivity can make buyers overpay The biggest risks and red flags to look out for How to access genuine off-market opportunities without wasting time If you’ve ever thought “off-market = cheaper,” this episode will change the way you see these so-called hidden gems.

Should you buy your next home first or sell your current one first? It’s one of the biggest questions homeowners face — and there’s no one-size-fits-all answer. In this episode, Dion and mortgage broker David Pelligra break down the pros and cons of each strategy, the risks of bridging finance, and how to structure your settlements so you’re not left stranded between two homes (or two mortgages). You’ll learn: Why selling first is usually safer financially The hidden risks of buying first in a hot market How bridging finance really works (and why it’s often a last resort) Smart ways to use long settlements and licence agreements The biggest mistakes buyers and sellers make when lining up their moves If you’re upsizing, downsizing, or just planning your next move, this episode will help you make the right call with confidence.

From October 2025, the Australian Government’s Home Guarantee Scheme is being completely overhauled — and it could change the game for first home buyers. No income caps, no place limits, higher price caps, and access with just a 5% deposit. Sounds too good to be true? In this episode, Dion sits down with mortgage broker David Pelligra to break down what these changes really mean. They cover: Why the removal of income caps is such a big deal How higher price caps could affect markets like Melbourne and Sydney Whether buyers should be worried about a flood of competition The risks of buying with a 5% deposit (and what lenders don’t tell you) The biggest mistakes buyers are making right now with the scheme If you’re a first home buyer, or even thinking about jumping back into the market, this is the guide you need before October.

Buying in a flat or falling market is easy—but what about when prices are climbing, clearance rates are high, and every open feels like a stampede? In this episode, Dion breaks down how to survive (and succeed) in a competitive, upwards market without letting FOMO push you into a bad buy. You’ll learn: How to value a property when the market is rising week by week Why waiting too long to adjust your brief can cost you thousands The risks of chasing unrealistic vendors in a hot market Why off-markets aren’t always the golden ticket How to balance urgency with logic so you don’t buy the wrong home If you’ve ever thought, “If I don’t act now, I’ll miss out forever,” this episode is your reality check and playbook for buying smarter in a heated market.

So your offer’s been accepted—congratulations! But the journey isn’t over yet. In this episode, Dion breaks down exactly what happens between that exciting “yes” from the agent and the moment you get the keys. You’ll learn: The key differences between buying at auction vs private sale How cooling-off periods work (and when they don’t apply) Why it’s critical to involve your conveyancer immediately Common contract clauses—and how to avoid getting caught out How to prepare for your final inspection so there are no nasty surprises on settlement day Whether it’s your first property or your fifth, this is the buyer’s roadmap for navigating the post-offer process with confidence and avoiding costly mistakes.

Missing out on a property hurts—whether it’s by $1,000 or $100,000. In this episode, Dion breaks down exactly what buyers should do (and avoid) when they lose out on a home, so they can pivot quickly, stay competitive, and avoid buyer fatigue. You’ll learn: How to use a missed deal to access more off-market properties Why having a “Plan B” ready makes all the difference The self-audit every buyer should do after losing out How to adjust your brief in an upward market so you don’t fall further behind Why staying professional with agents keeps you in the game If you’ve been knocked back, outbid, or just need a reset, this is your roadmap to bouncing back without burning out.

In Part 2 of our auction masterclass, Dion is joined once again by elite auctioneer Luke Banitsiotis to break down the real strategies buyers can use to win at auction—without blowing their budget. This episode is packed with practical, buyer-first tactics, including: Why bidding early gives you the upper hand How to take control of the auction (without being “that” bidder) The power of odd increments and quick responses How to appear like you’ve got more money than you do Why not bidding at all is the biggest mistake of all Luke also shares the biggest buyer blunders he’s seen, from bidding scripts to getting outplayed by vendor bids. If you’ve ever been blown out of the water on auction day—or talked yourself out of showing up—this is the strategy-packed pep talk you need.

Auctions can feel intense, confusing, and downright intimidating—but they don’t have to be. In this episode, Dion is joined by award-winning auctioneer Luke Banitsiotis to unpack exactly how auctions work from a buyer’s point of view. They cover: What really happens before and during an auction The role of the auctioneer (and how it differs across states) What a vendor bid is—and why it’s not as scary as it sounds How buyers can avoid being caught off guard on auction day Why transparency makes auctions fairer than private sales Whether you're bidding for the first time or still deciding if auctions are worth the stress, this episode is packed with insight that could save you money—and calm your nerves.

Ever wondered if it's worth offering under a property's asking price—or whether you're being lured into overpaying? In this short, sharp episode, Dion zooms in on one of the most misunderstood parts of buying real estate: how asking prices and price ranges actually work. He unpacks: How to research what a property is really worth When offering under the quote makes sense (and when it’s a waste of time) Why some vendors need to “see the process” before dropping their price How buyers accidentally overpay by trusting the quoted range The biggest pricing trap to avoid at all costs Whether you’re buying your first home or your fifth, this episode is a must-listen for anyone trying to outsmart the market, not outbid it.

In this special Q&A episode, Dion tackles your most common (and uncommon) property questions—straight from social media. From making pre-market offers and bidding at auctions to navigating off-market deals, sloping houses, deposit bonds, and shady building reports, no topic is off-limits. Expect rapid-fire tips, myth-busting insights, and advice buyers need in today’s market, including: Should you offer before a property hits the market? Is a rumpus room without council approval a deal-breaker? Do you really have a chance bidding online at auction? What to do if your dream home has structural issues Why you’re probably not "too early" to start property hunting Packed with buyer wisdom, practical strategies, and a peek behind the scenes, this is one of Deon’s most information-loaded episodes yet.

This week on the Own It Property Podcast, Dion is joined by Tash to demystify one of the most underused tools in property buying: deposit bonds. Whether you're a down sizer, first home buyer, or just caught in a tight cash flow moment, a deposit bond could be the difference between securing your dream home or missing out. Tash breaks down what a deposit bond actually is, how it works, who qualifies, and why more agents and buyers should be open to it. From auction tips to off the plan strategies, this is the episode that will make you say, “Why didn’t anyone tell me about this sooner?” If you’ve ever said, “I wasn’t ready,” this one’s for you.

Thinking of skipping a building and pest inspection? Think again. In this episode, Dion is joined by Colin from Hamley Home Inspections to break down why these checks are essential—and how to make sure they’re done right. Colin shares wild real world stories (yes, even termites in brand-new homes), explains what red flags to look for, and why not all inspectors are created equal. They also unpack how inspection clauses actually work in contracts—and why relying on them can sometimes backfire. Whether you're buying your first property or your fifth, this is the behind-the-scenes look at inspections every smart buyer needs.

In Part 2 of the private sale deep dive, Dion unpacks the next-level strategies buyers need to master to win in today’s competitive market. From nailing the timing of your offer to navigating vague buyer competition and understanding vendor positioning, this episode is your ultimate guide to playing the private sale game smart. Learn the key questions to ask agents, how to avoid being used as a bargaining chip, and why your offer’s deadline and strength matter more than ever. If you're serious about securing a home without overpaying, this is essential listening.

In this episode of the Own It Podcast, Dion dives deep into the ins and outs of making a private sale offer—especially helpful for first-time buyers navigating today’s heated property market. Learn how to craft the most attractive offer, when to go unconditional, and how to use the cooling-off period to your advantage. With practical tips from a former real estate agent turned buyer’s advocate, you’ll walk away knowing how to read the play, avoid costly mistakes, and maximise your shot at securing your dream home. Whether you're dealing with set date sales or navigating expressions of interest, this episode is packed with strategic advice you won’t want to miss.

In Part 2 of our deep dive into investment property strategies, Wayne returns to the Own It Podcast to unpack common pitfalls that catch first-time investors off guard. From overpaying for shiny new builds to the risks of buying in your own backyard, we cover it all. Tune in for essential insights on why emotion should be left at the door, and get Wayne’s expert tips on how to make a smart, calculated investment. Whether you’re considering rentvesting, eyeing regional opportunities like Cairns or Mackay, or wondering where $700,000 can get you in today’s market—this episode has you covered!

In this special episode of Own It, Dion is joined by buyer’s agent Wayne for a deep dive into investment properties — perfect for first-time investors and those curious about rentvesting. With property markets shifting and opportunities emerging beyond traditional hot spots, this episode explores: Why Melbourne might be waking up The rising popularity of rentvesting Timing the market vs. time in the market What really makes a “good” investment property Capital growth vs. rental yieldWhether you’re planning your first purchase or building your portfolio, this episode sets the foundation. Tune in for honest insights, practical advice, and what NOT to buy. Disclaimer: This is general information only and not financial or investment advice. Always consult a licensed professional.

Are you asking the right questions before you buy property? In this episode, Dion pulls back the curtain on the five crucial questions that most buyers never think to ask their real estate agent—but absolutely should. From uncovering hidden material facts to gauging the seller's motivation, this episode is packed with practical tips that could save you thousands and spare you from regret. Whether you're a first-time buyer or a seasoned investor, you’ll walk away with sharper negotiation tools and a better grip on the buying process. Don’t miss this one!