Building Trust: How a Teacher Became a Top Real Estate Agent - Expert Interview With Sam Taylor
Release Date: 09/16/2024
Australia Property Market 2026: Inflation High, Rates Stuck—Now What?
Talk Property To Me Podcast
In this episode of Talk Property To Me, hosts Brad East and Aaron Downie break down why the RBA has held interest rates, why inflation remains stubbornly high, and what this really means for Australia’s property market moving into 2025 and 2026. We unpack the key drivers behind the RBA’s decision, including rising electricity prices, cost-of-living pressures, and why rate hikes don’t always fix inflation. The discussion also dives into the latest APRA changes, including debt-to-income (DTI) limits, tighter trust lending rules, and how these policies could impact investors, first-home...
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Australia Property Market 2026 Predictions: Price Boom or Slowdown?
Talk Property To Me Podcast
In this episode of Talk Property To Me, Brad East and Aaron Downie break down Australia’s 2026 Property Market Forecast using the latest SQM Research Boom & Bust Report. We analyse population growth, supply shortages, dwelling completions, and city-by-city price predictions to explain what buyers and investors should expect in 2026. Australia is heading into another major year for real estate, with 390,000 new migrants, tight vacancy rates, and a national housing shortage continuing to shape prices. In this episode, we unpack why Perth, Brisbane, Darwin, Adelaide and the Sunshine Coast...
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Units vs Houses in 2026: The Investment Trend No One Is Talking About
Talk Property To Me Podcast
In this episode of Talk Property To Me, hosts Brad East and Aaron Downie break down one of the biggest debates in the Australia property market 2026: Are houses still outperforming units, or has the market completely shifted? With affordability tightening, inflation rising, and lifestyle preferences changing across Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane and regional areas, many buyers and investors are rethinking where real long-term value actually is. In this episode, we analyse why units and townhouses are now outperforming houses in multiple LGAs, what’s driving this shift, and how buyers can...
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Building Approvals Surge, Supply Collapses! What’s Next for Australia?
Talk Property To Me Podcast
In this episode of Talk Property To Me, hosts Brad East and Aaron Downie unpack one of Australia’s biggest issues right now: building approvals are rising, but construction output is falling — all while the country faces the largest population boom on record. Australia approved more homes than ever in 2024–2025, yet fewer houses are actually being built. In this episode, we break down the real reasons behind the housing supply crunch — from labour shortages, skyrocketing material costs and developer feasibility, to the impact of surging investor lending and record migration. We...
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40-Year & 50-Year Mortgages: The Hidden Danger No One’s Talking About
Talk Property To Me Podcast
In this episode of Talk Property To Me, Brad East and Aaron Downie break down one of the biggest debates in Australia’s housing market: Are 50-year mortgages the future of property affordability? 🇦🇺🏡 With affordability at record lows, rising interest rates, and the average first-home buyer now aged 36+, longer loan terms are gaining attention. But what does stretching your mortgage to 40 or even 50 years actually mean for your finances? Today, we analyse the real numbers, the hidden risks, and how longer mortgages impact negative equity, borrowing capacity, property prices, and...
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RBA Holds Rates, Inflation Still Rising! What’s Next for Australia?
Talk Property To Me Podcast
In this episode of Talk Property To Me, hosts Brad East and Aaron Downie break down the latest updates on Australia’s inflation, interest rates, and property market trends for 2025. Australia’s inflation remains stubbornly high, with electricity and housing costs driving prices up. Despite this, the RBA has held rates steady, and now experts are questioning when the next rate cuts might actually happen. Brad and Aaron unpack what’s really going on behind the scenes — from government policy to construction slowdowns, and how it’s shaping home prices in Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, and...
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Brisbane Property Market: Olympics Boom or Housing Bubble?
Talk Property To Me Podcast
In this episode of Talk Property To Me, hosts Brad East and Aaron Downie dive deep into the Brisbane property market and what the upcoming 2032 Olympics could really mean for property prices, construction, and investment opportunities in Queensland. Brisbane has been one of Australia’s fastest-growing housing markets, but with construction costs still rising and thousands of new homes needed before 2032, investors and homebuyers are asking the same question — will the Olympics drive another property boom or a sharp correction?📊 In this episode, Brad and Aaron break down the real numbers...
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Unemployment Rising, Housing Falling? Australia’s 2025 Wake-Up Call
Talk Property To Me Podcast
In this episode of Talk Property To Me, hosts Brad East and Aaron Downie unpack Australia’s biggest housing challenges right now — rising unemployment, a slowing construction industry, and a record number of luxury homes for sale in Sydney. As unemployment hits a four-year high, the RBA faces a tough decision: when will the next interest rate cut come, and what will it mean for homeowners, builders, and first-home buyers? They also explore why building completion rates are falling, how labour shortages and high construction costs are creating pressure, and what the government’s 1.2...
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Australia First Home Buyer Masterclass: How to Get Your First Property
Talk Property To Me Podcast
In this First Home Buyer Australia 2025 Masterclass, hosts Brad East and Aaron Downie from Talk Property To Me explain everything you need to know to buy your first home in Australia — from saving your deposit to getting pre-approval, choosing the right home loan, and avoiding costly first-time buyer mistakes. What you’ll learn in this episode: 💰 How to buy your first home in Australia 2025 📊 New Home Guarantee Scheme updates – unlimited places, no income cap, higher price limits 💵 Deposit options explained – 2 % and 5 % deposit loans for first home buyers 🏡...
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Mill Park Property: Australia’s Next Growth Hotspot or Risky Buy?
Talk Property To Me Podcast
Mill Park Property: Australia’s Next Growth Hotspot or Risky Buy? In this episode of Talk Property To Me, hosts Brad East and Aaron Downie unpack one of Melbourne’s most talked-about suburbs — Mill Park. They reveal whether it’s truly a smart buy in 2025 or if investors should look elsewhere. Located just 20 km northeast of Melbourne’s CBD, Mill Park offers family lifestyle appeal, strong infrastructure, and limited housing supply — but how does it really perform for investors? Brad and Aaron analyse property prices, yields, vacancy rates, and long-term ROI forecasts to uncover...
info_outlineIn this episode of "Talk Property To Me," Aaron had the pleasure of speaking with Sam Taylor, a former primary school teacher turned successful real estate agent. Sam shared his unique journey into the real estate industry, which began in 2018 after he developed a passion for property while helping his wife purchase their first home. He candidly discussed the challenges he faced in his early years, emphasising the importance of building a strong track record and the role of social proof in gaining client trust.
Sam's background in teaching has significantly influenced his approach to real estate. He believes that the trust associated with being an educator sets him apart in a field often plagued by negative stereotypes. He highlighted the importance of communication and relationship-building, which he honed during his teaching career, as key components of his success in real estate.
Throughout our conversation, Sam reflected on his most memorable sales, including his first sale of a block of land, which he secured through door knocking. He humorously recounted the challenges of prospecting and how he built a network of referrals by genuinely connecting with clients rather than relying on traditional cold-calling methods.
We also delved into current market trends, with Sam noting a recent flat spot in the market due to low stock levels and uncertainty around financing. He discussed how the market has evolved post-COVID and the impact of interest rates on buyer sentiment. Sam pointed out that while many buyers are concerned about overpaying for properties, long-term investment strategies remain crucial for success in real estate.
As we explored the dynamics between different buyer demographics, Sam shared insights on how first-time buyers and investors can differentiate themselves in a competitive market, particularly against downsizers who often prioritise lifestyle over price. He emphasised the importance of understanding the motivations behind buyers' decisions and how that can influence market trends.
Towards the end of our discussion, we touched on the future of the real estate industry, particularly the shift towards more independent business models like UrbanX, which supports agents with backend services. Sam shared his vision for his own business, focusing on mentorship and fostering a positive culture within his team.
This episode is packed with valuable insights for anyone interested in real estate, whether you're a buyer, investor, or aspiring agent. Sam's journey and perspective offer a refreshing take on the industry, highlighting the importance of relationships, community involvement, and a long-term mindset in achieving success.
- 00:00:00 - Introduction and Guest Background
Welcome back to Talk Property To Me with Aaron Downie and special guest Sam Taylor discussing his journey from teaching to real estate.
- 00:01:00 - Transition from Teaching to Real Estate
Sam shares his background as a primary school teacher and how his interest in real estate developed.
- 00:02:00 - Challenges in Early Career
Discussion on the challenges faced in the first few years of real estate and the importance of building a track record.
- 00:03:00 - Setting Achievable Goals
Sam talks about his goal-setting approach and the significance of being content in his new career.
- 00:04:00 - Trust and Background in Real Estate
Exploring how Sam's teaching background contributes to trust in his real estate practice.
- 00:05:00 - Memorable Sales Experiences
Sam reflects on his most memorable sale, including the importance of building relationships with clients.
- 00:06:00 - Prospecting Philosophy
Discussion on Sam's philosophy of client service over traditional prospecting methods.
- 00:08:00 - Market Trends and Observations
Sam shares insights on current market trends and the impact of stock levels and buyer sentiment.
- 00:10:00 - Impact of COVID and Interest Rates
Exploring how COVID-19 and interest rate changes have influenced the real estate market.
- 00:12:00 - Buyer Behavior and Market Sentiment
Discussion on how buyer behaviour has shifted from fear of missing out to fear of overpaying.
- 00:14:00 - Long-Term Investment Perspective
Sam emphasises the importance of long-term thinking in real estate investments.
- 00:16:00 - Demographics and Buyer Motivations
Exploring how different demographics influence buyer motivations and decisions.
- 00:18:00 - Downsizing Trends
Discussion on the trend of downsizing and its impact on the real estate market.
- 00:20:00 - Cash Buyers and Market Stability
Sam talks about the influence of cash buyers on market stability despite economic fluctuations.
- 00:22:00 - Investor Strategies in Current Market
Insights into what investors are looking for in the current market and how they are adapting.
- 00:24:00 - Market Data and Trends
Sam analyses market data and trends over the past decade in Newcastle and Lake Macquarie.
- 00:27:00 - Gentrification and Suburb Changes
Discussion on the gentrification of suburbs and how perceptions of areas have changed.
- 00:30:00 - Future of Real Estate Business Models
Sam shares thoughts on the evolution of real estate business models and the role of UrbanX.
- 00:32:00 - Advice for New Agents
Sam provides valuable advice for new agents and those looking to start their own brand.
- 00:34:00 - Importance of Mentorship and Culture
Discussion on the significance of mentorship and maintaining a positive office culture.
- 00:37:00 - Volume and Experience in Real Estate
Sam emphasises the importance of transaction volume for skill development in real estate.
- 00:39:00 - Conclusion and Final Thoughts
Wrap-up of the discussion with key takeaways and appreciation for the insights shared.
ABOUT THE HOSTS
BRAD EAST
Brad East is the Managing Director of Wisebuy Home Loans. Brad is an award-winning mortgage broker and has helped thousands of clients gain finance to purchase properties. Wisebuy Home Loans is the go-to mortgage brokerage for clients wanting out-of-the-box applications approved.
Website → https://wisebuygroup.com.au
LinkedIn → https://www.linkedin.com/in/newcastlemortgagebroker/
Instagram → https://www.instagram.com/bradeast_mortgagebroker/
Facebook → https://www.facebook.com/bradeastofficial
AARON DOWNIE
Joining the podcast in 2024, Aaron Downie is a seasoned property investor and director of Mackenzie Buyers Agency. Aaron’s deep understanding of the property market and investment strategies provides listeners with invaluable insights.
Website: https://www.mackenziepropertygroup.com.au/
Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/aaron-downie-1b2749134/