Finance This, Property That

Dion Fernandes
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Finance This, Property That is your go-to podcast for expert insights and advice on building wealth through property investment. Hosted by, Dion Fernandes, a seasoned finance professional with over 13 years of experience, each episode delves into the intricacies of property purchasing, offering valuable tips and strategies for those looking to create wealth through real estate.From basic questions to advanced technicalities, Dion brings on trusted advisors and specialists in their fields to provide listeners with practical knowledge and actionable steps. Whether you're a first-time buyer, a seasoned investor or simply looking to expand your property portfolio, Finance This, Property That is here to empower and educate you every step of the way.

  1. 6d ago

    Episode 97: Why Borrowing Capacity Is Misleading Property Investors

    Episode Synopsis In this solo episode of Finance This, Property That, Dion breaks down one of the most misunderstood concepts in property investing: borrowing capacity. While many investors obsess over how much they can borrow today, Dion explains why that number is only a snapshot in time-not a roadmap for building long-term wealth. Through real client examples, he demonstrates how lender sequencing, debt structuring, and strategic planning can dramatically influence an investor's ability to scale a portfolio over the next five to ten years. This episode is a must-listen for anyone looking to build a property portfolio, avoid common lending mistakes, and understand why strategy-not borrowing power-is the true driver of wealth creation. ⏱️ Episode Breakdown 0:00 – 1:30 | Why Borrowing Capacity Is the Wrong Question The most common question investors ask Why borrowing capacity is only one piece of the puzzle The difference between a number and a strategy 1:30 – 3:00 | Borrowing Capacity Is a Snapshot Why borrowing capacity only reflects today's position How two investors with identical borrowing power can have vastly different outcomes The role strategy plays in future portfolio growth 3:00 – 5:00 | The Lender Sequencing Problem One of the biggest mistakes investors never see coming How using the wrong lender today can limit options tomorrow Why transactional lending can hurt long-term wealth creation 5:00 – 7:30 | Real Client Case Study Restructuring owner-occupied debt through debt recycling Creating an $895,000 investment war chest Why the rooming house had to be purchased first Using trust structures and cash flow strategically 7:30 – 8:45 | Manufacturing Equity & Yield Combining renovation strategies with cash flow improvements Creating value through sequencing and execution Turning a modest portfolio into a multi-million-dollar wealth plan 8:45 – 10:00 | What Borrowing Capacity Should Actually Tell You Understanding your borrowing ceiling Why preserving options beats maxing out borrowing power The difference between investors who stagnate and investors who continue scaling Key Takeaways ✅ Borrowing capacity is a starting point-not a strategy. ✅ The order in which you use lenders matters. ✅ Finance decisions should be made with future purchases in mind. ✅ Debt structuring and sequencing can dramatically impact long-term outcomes. ✅ The most successful investors think 3–5 steps ahead.

    10 min

  2. Jun 7

    Episode 96: The First Property Mistake That Stops Investors Growing

    Why Your First Property Can Make or Break Your Portfolio In Episode 96 of Finance This, Property That, Dion takes the mic for a solo episode focused on one of the biggest mistakes property investors make early in their journey: treating the first property purchase as the goal, instead of the foundation. Dion explains why your first home or first investment property can shape every decision that follows. From the lender you choose, to the way repayments are structured, whether you pay lenders mortgage insurance, how you use equity, and whether the purchase supports or slows down the next one — property one can either open doors or quietly close them. This episode breaks down why first-time buyers and early-stage investors need to think beyond simply “getting into the market.” Dion shares why it is so important to have the right broker, accountant and buyer’s agent working together from the start, and why your first purchase should be aligned with the bigger picture of where you want your portfolio to go. Dion also shares a real client example where the right strategy, lending policy and property selection helped manufacture around $400,000 in equity, allowing the client to move from their first home into their first investment property with a clear plan already in place for property three. For anyone who feels like they may have bought their first property without the right structure, Dion explains that it is not necessarily fatal — but it does require a full portfolio review before making the next move. The key message is that investors often get stuck not because they bought the wrong property, but because no one helped them choose the right structure or build the right team around them. In this episode, Dion covers: Why your first property sets the structure for everything that follows How purchase one can open or close the door to purchase two Why getting into the market is not enough without a long-term plan The importance of choosing the right lender for where you are going, not just where you are now Why your accountant, broker and buyer’s agent need to be aligned The three key questions every first purchase needs to answer How the wrong finance structure can slow down your portfolio growth What to do if your first property was not structured correctly Why a full portfolio review matters before buying again How Dion’s Portfolio Blueprint helps connect the finance strategy with the property strategy Why the right team can make the process smoother, faster and more strategic Approximate episode timestamps 00:00 — Introduction Dion introduces the topic of why the first property or first investment property is such an important decision. 00:45 — Why the first purchase matters Dion explains how the first property sets the structure for future decisions, including lending, repayments, LMI, renovations and equity use. 02:00 — Property one is the foundation, not the finish line The episode explores why first-time investors need to stop thinking of the first purchase as the goal and start treating it as the foundation of a portfolio. 03:00 — The three questions every first purchase needs to answer Dion outlines the key questions around lending structure, lender choice, and whether the accountant, broker and buyer’s agent are working together. 04:15 — The importance of having the right team Dion explains why many first-time buyers are under pressure, overwhelmed by grants, competing with other buyers, and often missing the strategic support they need. 05:00 — Real client example: manufacturing equity Dion shares a client example where the right location, policy, renovation strategy and lending structure helped create around $400,000 in equity. 06:30 — What if purchase one was structured wrong? Dion explains that a poor first structure is not always fatal, but it does require a proper portfolio review before the next move. 07:30 — Final thoughts Dion wraps up with the reminder that investors often get stuck because no one helped them build the right structure or team from the beginning. Key listener takeaways Your first property should not be treated as a one-off transaction. It should be treated as the foundation of your future portfolio. The wrong lending structure may not hurt immediately, but it can create problems when you try to buy the next property. Choosing the right lender is not just about the best option today. It is about whether that lender supports where you are trying to go. A broker, accountant and buyer’s agent should not be working in isolation. When they understand the same strategy, the whole process becomes clearer and more effective. If your first property was not structured correctly, it does not mean the journey is over. But it does mean you need to review the full picture before making the next move.

    9 min

  3. May 31

    Episode 95: Buying With a Mate: How Jem Built Equity, Renovated Smart and Got Into the Property Market

    In this episode of Finance This, Property That, Luke and Jem Corrish join the podcast to break down Jem’s first property journey 12 months on from buying with his mate, Tom. From getting finance-ready and finding the right deal, to negotiating hard after building and pest, dealing with settlement challenges, renovating the property and building equity, this episode is a real-world look at how first home buyers can still get into the market with the right strategy, mindset and team around them. The conversation also covers co-ownership, legal agreements, first home buyer schemes, guarantor options, rentvesting, renovation costs, valuation growth and the importance of having a long-term plan before buying your first property. Full Episode DescriptionA lot of first home buyers feel like getting into the property market is impossible right now. In this episode of Finance This, Property That, Luke and Jem Corrish unpack a real-life example that proves there are still ways to get started if you are willing to think differently, get educated and build the right team around you. Jem shares the story of buying his first property with his mate Tom, including how they found the property, negotiated the deal, dealt with a difficult seller, renovated the home and built serious equity in under 12 months. The boys also talk about the practical realities of buying with a friend, why co-ownership needs clear conversations and legal advice, and why your first property does not have to be your forever home. This episode is a must-listen for first home buyers, young investors and anyone sitting on the sidelines thinking the market is too hard. Key Topics CoveredBuying your first property with a friendWhy first home buyers need to speak to a broker earlyHow Jem and Tom found their first propertyNegotiating after building and pestDealing with a difficult settlement processThe importance of pre-approval and finance strategyWhy your first home does not need to be your forever homeRentvesting, guarantors and alternative ways to enter the marketCo-ownership agreements and legal considerationsRenovating on a budgetCreating sweat equity through smart renovationsUnderstanding first home buyer schemes and timeframesUsing equity to plan the next moveAdding a secondary dwellingWhy strategy matters from property number oneEpisode Chapters / Timestamp Rundown00:00 Preview: building wealth, strategy and thinking beyond the first step 01:05 Welcome back Luke and Jem 02:50 12 months on from buying with a mate 03:00 How Jem started the property search 04:05 Finding the Kingston property 05:00 Negotiating hard after building and pest 06:05 Settlement challenges and dealing with a difficult vendor 08:00 Why having the right finance support made the process smoother 09:55 Advice for first home buyers trying to get into the market 11:35 What buyers should ask agents at open homes 13:55 Why first home buyers need to speak to a broker early 14:45 Structuring your first property for the future 16:50 Thinking beyond first home buyer incentives 18:00 Rentvesting, guarantors and other ways to get started 22:50 What young buyers are saying about the market 24:10 The three pillars needed to buy property 25:30 Buying with a friend and the importance of legal advice 29:05 The renovation journey begins 31:45 Running the numbers: purchase price, reno costs and valuation growth 33:30 The plan for a secondary dwelling 35:40 Blood, sweat and tears: what the renovation really took 38:30 Why patience matters when building wealth 41:00 Closing advice for first home buyers 43:35 Where to find Luke and Jem Main TakeawaysGetting into the property market is still possible, but it often requires a different strategy. First home buyers should not assume they are priced out before they have spoken to a broker and properly mapped out their options. Your first property does not need to be your dream home. It can be the stepping stone that helps you build wealth and create future options. Buying with a friend can work, but it needs clear communication, legal advice and a plan for what happens if circumstances change. Renovations can create serious equity, but they take time, effort, patience and a realistic understanding of costs. Having the right team around you — broker, solicitor, property professionals and advisers — can make a huge difference. Standout Quote Ideas“Your first home is probably not your forever home, so you need to ask what the purpose of the property really is.” “If you don’t know what your savings target is, you’re not going to reach it as fast as you could.” “You need three things to buy property: income, deposit or equity, and a good credit file. Around that, you need a strategy.” “Buying with a friend is basically going into business with someone, so you need a rule book for the property.” “Don’t lose hope. Get educated, have the conversation and work out what the game plan is.” Guest MentionsLuke Ashby Mortgage Broker Find Luke on Instagram, Facebook and TikTok under Luke Ashby Mortgage Broker. First home buyers can also check out the First Home Buyers Club Queensland Facebook group. Jem Corrish Lucid Property Investments Find Jem on LinkedIn. If you are a first home buyer and you are not sure where to start, the first step is getting educated. Speak with the right people, understand your finance position, build a strategy and stop guessing your way through the market. For finance help, reach out to the team at Emerge Finance. For property strategy or to learn more about Jem’s journey, connect with him through LinkedIn. DisclaimerThe information in this episode is general in nature and does not take into account your personal circumstances. Always seek professional advice before making financial, legal or property decisions. Hashtags#FinanceThisPropertyThat, #FirstHomeBuyer, #PropertyInvestment, #AustralianProperty, #MortgageBroker, #PropertyStrategy, #Rentvesting, #CoOwnership, #HomeBuyingTips, #PropertyPodcast, #FinancePodcast, #EmergeFinance, #QueenslandProperty, #FirstHomeBuyerTips

    46 min

  4. May 24

    Episode 94: The 5 Mistakes Keeping Property Investors Stuck at Two Properties

    Why do so many property investors get stuck after buying one or two properties? In Episode 94 of Finance This, Property That, Dion breaks down the five common mistakes that can stop investors from growing their property portfolio. From cross-collateralised loans and poor sequencing, to buying without a clear end goal, this episode explains why the way you structure your finance early can have a major impact on what you are able to do next. Dion also talks about the importance of having the right team around you, including your broker, accountant and buyer’s agent, and why those people need to be communicating with each other if you want to avoid costly mistakes. If you are trying to move from two properties to four, five or six, this episode is about building a proper plan before you run out of borrowing capacity, time or options. This episode covers: ✅ Why investors get stuck at two properties  ✅ The danger of cross-collateralised loans  ✅ Why lender loyalty can limit your options  ✅ How poor sequencing can hurt future borrowing  ✅ Why every investor needs a clear end goal  ✅ The problem with buying property without a roadmap  ✅ Why siloed advice can cost you long-term  ✅ How to build a team that actually works together As always, the information in this episode is general in nature and does not take into account your personal circumstances. Speak with a qualified professional before making financial decisions. YouTube Chapters 0:00 Intro  0:45 Why investors get stuck at two properties  1:30 Mistakes 1 and 2: Structure and sequencing  3:00 Cross-collateralisation, lender loyalty and early trust structures  4:30 Why every purchase needs to support the next one  5:45 Mistakes 3 and 4: Buying without a number or roadmap  7:30 The danger of buying without a long-term plan  9:00 Mistake 5: Getting advice from the wrong people  10:45 Why your broker, accountant and buyer’s agent need to communicate  12:30 The compounding cost of misaligned decisions  14:00 How to get unstuck and move forward

    10 min

  5. May 17

    Episode 93: The Right Property + The Right Finance Strategy

    🔥 Top Quotes “The people with a tailored finance strategy and tailored property strategy working together… they can’t lose.” “You need three things to build a portfolio: growing income, growing equity, and good credit history.” “Slow is smooth. Smooth is fast.” 🧠 Episode Synopsis In Part 2 of this powerful conversation, Dion and property strategist Chris McNulty dive deep into the relationship between finance strategy and property strategy—and why most investors fail by treating them separately. The discussion explores how organization, credit positioning, long-term planning, and surrounding yourself with the right advisors can dramatically accelerate wealth creation. Chris shares real-world insights from working with investors at different levels, while Dion breaks down why credit history, lending structure, and strategic sequencing are often the hidden factors behind successful portfolios. This episode is packed with practical lessons around portfolio building, avoiding costly mistakes, choosing the right team, and understanding why patience and execution matter more than hype. ⏱️ Episode Breakdown 0:00 – 4:00 | Why Finance Strategy Matters  Difference between organized vs unprepared investors  Why strategy-driven clients scale faster  Tailored finance + tailored property strategy working together 4:00 – 10:00 | The Noise in Property Investing  Misconceptions around trusts and borrowing  “Don’t know what you don’t know”  Why social media advice can lead investors astray  Importance of understanding the why behind strategies 10:00 – 16:00 | Credit Scores & Portfolio Growth  The hidden importance of credit history  What lenders actually look at first  Credit score benchmarks explained  Real example:  Recovering from a poor credit profile  Delayed gratification leading to multiple property purchases 16:00 – 22:00 | Collaboration Between Advisors  How finance strategists and buyer’s agents work together  Importance of shared knowledge and alignment  Real examples of strategy sessions and education  Why communication between professionals matters 22:00 – 29:00 | Why Saying “No” Matters  The danger of “yes people” in property investing  Educating clients through strategy and context  The psychology behind negotiations and offers  Why confidence and conviction matter in execution 29:00 – 35:00 | Choosing the Right Team  How investors should vet advisors  Why cheaper advice can cost more long term  Cross-checking strategy with:  Accountants  Brokers  Buyer’s agents  Financial planners  The importance of specialization and expertise 35:00 – End | Patience, Time & Long-Term Wealth  “Go slow to go fast” philosophy  Why wealth creation takes time  Letting the market work for you  The role of patience, systems, and consistency in portfolio growth

    26 min

  6. May 10

    Episode 92 - The Property Mistakes Costing Investors Thousands

    In this episode of Finance This Property That, Dion sits down with buyer’s agent Jessica Giandomenico from Vesta Buyers Agency to unpack one of the biggest mistakes property investors make — buying property before building the right strategy around it. This conversation dives deep into the importance of finance strategy, buyer’s agents, due diligence, off-market opportunities, and why building the right team around your investment journey can save you hundreds of thousands of dollars over time. From structuring finance correctly to understanding what makes a good street, this episode is packed with practical insights for investors wanting to avoid costly mistakes and grow wealth safely and strategically. ⏱️ Episode Chapters 00:00 – Intro & Why Most Investors Start Too Late 01:45 – Jessica’s First Year Building Vesta Buyers Agency 04:20 – Why Buyer’s Agents & Finance Strategists Must Work Together 08:15 – The Biggest Breakdown in Property Purchases 11:40 – How Proper Strategy Speeds Up Portfolio Growth 15:05 – Off-Market Opportunities & Why Preparation Matters 18:30 – Trust Lending, Finance Clauses & Real Contract Timelines 22:10 – Due Diligence Most Investors Completely Miss 26:15 – Why The STREET Matters More Than You Think 29:10 – Cheap Conveyancing & Poor Advice Can Cost You Millions 32:00 – Building The Right Professional Team Around You 34:00 – Final Advice: Stop Buying Property Without A Strategy 🔥 Key Topics Covered Why buying property is NOT the hardest part The role of finance strategy before purchasing How off-market deals actually work Why investors lose opportunities by not being prepared Due diligence mistakes that cost investors money The importance of buyer’s agents, brokers, solicitors & property managers Trust lending timelines and finance clause realities Understanding street appeal and suburb selection Why “free advice” can become very expensive 🎯 Who This Episode Is For First-time investors Property buyers using trusts or SMSFs Investors wanting long-term wealth creation Buyers frustrated missing out on properties Anyone wanting a smarter property strategy before buying

    37 min

  7. May 3

    Episode 91 : “This Isn’t Expensive… You’re Asking the Wrong Question”

    In this final part of the 4-part miniseries, Dion breaks down one of the biggest mindset traps in property investing — focusing on cost instead of consequence. He explains why most people completely misunderstand the value of strategy, shares real client stories where poor decisions cost hundreds of thousands, and reframes what you’re actually investing in when you work with the right team. If you’ve ever thought “this sounds expensive”… this episode will challenge that thinking fast. ⏱️ Timestamps 00:00 – Intro & final episode of the series 00:45 – Why “this sounds expensive” is the wrong mindset 01:30 – The flawed comparison most people make 02:20 – The real cost of a bad $600k–$800k decision 03:30 – Case study: restructuring, refinancing & executing fast 05:00 – Rooming house deal breakdown + valuation win 06:30 – When clients come after the damage is done 07:30 – $500k mistake from poor structure 08:30 – What you’re actually paying for (it’s not a transaction) 09:30 – The real question you should be asking 🔑 Key Takeaways Cost isn’t the issue — bad decisions are Strategy saves years, not just money Most investors lose money through invisible mistakes The right structure early = long-term scalability A coordinated team beats isolated advice every time You’re investing in wealth infrastructure, not a service

    11 min

  8. Apr 26

    Episode 90: Why Strategy Comes Before Property (And How to Build It Right)

    In this solo episode of Finance This Property That, Dion Fernandez breaks down what a real finance and property strategy actually looks like — and why most investors are getting it backwards. Before you even think about buying property, Dion explains why having a clear, structured plan is the difference between slow progress and scalable, repeatable growth. If you’ve ever wondered why some investors rapidly build portfolios while others get stuck after one or two properties… this episode connects the dots. 🧠 What You’ll Learn Why strategy must come before property — always The biggest mistake most investors make when starting out How borrowing capacity and lender sequencing shape your future The impact of structuring on tax, equity, and long-term growth Why having the right team (that actually communicates) is critical How to turn property investing into a repeatable system — not guesswork 🧩 The 3 Key Questions Every Strategy Must Answer Dion outlines the core framework every investor needs: What’s your end goal? What does your ideal portfolio actually need to look like to get there? What can your current structure support? And what needs to change before your next move? Is your team aligned? Are your broker, accountant, and property experts working together — or in silos? 🚀 Key Takeaway A strong strategy doesn’t just make investing possible — it makes it repeatable. With the right structure and team, investors can scale from 1–2 properties to 4–6+ properties with confidence — not luck.

    8 min
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About

Finance This, Property That is your go-to podcast for expert insights and advice on building wealth through property investment. Hosted by, Dion Fernandes, a seasoned finance professional with over 13 years of experience, each episode delves into the intricacies of property purchasing, offering valuable tips and strategies for those looking to create wealth through real estate.From basic questions to advanced technicalities, Dion brings on trusted advisors and specialists in their fields to provide listeners with practical knowledge and actionable steps. Whether you're a first-time buyer, a seasoned investor or simply looking to expand your property portfolio, Finance This, Property That is here to empower and educate you every step of the way.

Information

  • Creator
    Dion Fernandes
  • Years Active
    2024 - 2026
  • Episodes
    97
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2026 Finance This, Property That
  • Show Website
    Finance This, Property That