Own It Property Podcast

Have you ever made an offer on a property, been told to "offer more," and then jumped up tens of thousands of dollars without knowing where the vendor actually stood? That's called double stepping, and it's one of the most common ways buyers cost themselves money at the negotiation table. In this episode of Own It, host Dion Marsden, a former real estate agent, breaks down exactly how double stepp...

Most buyers waste time focusing on the wrong things when purchasing a property — shiny kitchens, new bathrooms, trendy finishes — and completely ignore what actually drives long-term value. In this episode of the Own It Podcast, Dion breaks down the 80/20 Rule for Property Buying and explains why just 20% of a property determines 80% of its long-term performance. You’ll learn: What the non-negotia...

Buying near a busy road, train line, school, or powerlines is one of the most common dilemmas buyers face — and the advice online is confusing at best. In this episode, Dion breaks down the real impact these compromises have on property value, future resale, and your day-to-day living. Using real examples and buyer behaviour insights from the market, Dion explains: Which compromises are fixable an...

Choosing what to buy is just as important as choosing where to buy — and yet most buyers get it wrong. In this episode, Dion breaks down asset selection and explains the real differences between houses, townhouses, units, and apartments. Using fresh CoreLogic data and real buyer stories, he ranks these property types based on long-term performance, land value, demand, and risk. You’ll learn: Why h...

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...

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...

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 cove...

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)...

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)....

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 t...

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 yo...

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...

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...

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 increm...

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 s...

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...

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...

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 qualifie...

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...

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 ba...

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, yo...

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, calcul...

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 t...

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...

Dion breaks down one of the biggest challenges property buyers face: figuring out if a home is genuinely within reach or if you're wasting time and money chasing something you'll never get. From reading buyer competition at open homes to interpreting agent behaviour around auctions, Dion shares practical, straight forward strategies to help you avoid costly missteps and stay focused on properties...