The Broker's Lounge

Link Wealth Finance
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Welcome to The Broker’s Lounge with Eddie & Carlo - the podcast where we make the world of mortgages and finance feel a whole lot less intimidating. If you’re here, chances are you’re thinking about buying a home, maybe your first, or maybe you’ve been down this road before. Either way, you’re in the right place. So, who are we? We’re Eddie and Carlo, two senior mortgage brokers from Link Wealth Finance with over 30 years combined experience helping people just like you navigate the sometimes confusing, often overwhelming, but ultimately rewarding journey of buying a home. We’ve seen it all - the highs, the lows, the "I didn’t know that" moments - and we’re here to share what we’ve learned. So, whether you’re just starting out or looking to refine your financial game plan, The Broker’s Lounge is here to help you make informed decisions with confidence.Tune in, get comfortable and let’s talk about how we can help you turn that dream home into a reality.

  1. 4d ago

    Will AI replace mortgage brokers?

    AI is changing the way finance works, but does that mean brokers are on the way out? In this episode of The Brokers’ Lounge, Eddie and Carlo unpack how AI is already being used in lending, from comparing rates and lender policies to analysing borrowing capacity, reviewing documents, automating admin and speeding up client follow-ups. They also discuss where AI falls short, especially when it comes to human judgment, client relationships, complex lending scenarios, strategy, structure and understanding what a client is really trying to achieve. Eddie and Carlo explain why AI may replace parts of the broker’s job, but not the role of a good broker who can problem-solve, communicate clearly and guide clients through important financial decisions. If you’re a broker, business owner, borrower, or just curious about how AI is changing finance, this episode gives a practical look at what is changing and what still needs a human touch. ⏱️ Timestamps:  00:00 Intro  01:02 Welcome back to The Broker’s Lounge  01:31 Will AI replace finance brokers?  03:19 What AI can do in lending  06:14 How AI can improve broker efficiency  10:37 Why human judgment still matters  15:25 How AI could redefine broking  27:52 AI agents and the future of finance Hit follow, leave a review, and share this episode with someone who wants to understand how AI could change the future of broking and lending. ------- Get in touch with Eddie: Eddie Malaeb - Senior Mortgage Broker Get in touch with Carlo: https://calendly.com/carlo-o8zv/30min More info: https://www.linkwealthfinance.com.au/ Our Financial Services + Credit Guide: https://www.linkwealthfinance.com.au/fscg Disclaimer: The information contained within this podcast is general in nature and does not take into account your personal circumstances. Please reach out if you wish to discuss your personal situation

    Will AI replace mortgage brokers?

  2. Sep 18

    What we wish we knew in our 20s

    Advice we’d give ourselves in our 20s Your 20s can feel like a rush to figure everything out, but some of the biggest lessons only make sense later. In this episode of The Brokers’ Lounge, Eddie and Carlo take a different turn and talk through the advice they would give their younger selves. They unpack money habits, career choices, taking risks, building the right circle, avoiding comparison, investing in yourself and understanding the long-term impact of small decisions. Eddie and Carlo also reflect on health, family, failure, financial literacy and why surrounding yourself with the right people can shape the direction of your life more than you realise. If you’re in your 20s, mentoring someone younger, or just thinking about the lessons you wish you learned earlier, this episode is a grounded reminder that success is not just about money. ⏱️ Timestamps:  00:00 Intro  01:15 Welcome back to The Broker’s Lounge  02:46 Advice they would give their younger selves  05:05 Stop rushing through life  13:20 Start learning about money earlier  19:36 Don’t buy things just to look successful  24:27 Invest in yourself  37:33 Surround yourself with the right people Hit follow, leave a review, and share this episode with someone who could use a bit of honest life and money advice. ------- Get in touch with Eddie: Eddie Malaeb - Senior Mortgage Broker Get in touch with Carlo: https://calendly.com/carlo-o8zv/30min More info: https://www.linkwealthfinance.com.au/ Our Financial Services + Credit Guide: https://www.linkwealthfinance.com.au/fscg Disclaimer: The information contained within this podcast is general in nature and does not take into account your personal circumstances. Please reach out if you wish to discuss your personal situation

    What we wish we knew in our 20s

  3. Sep 3

    The true cost of owning a home in 2026

    The true cost of owning a home in 2026 Buying a home is not just about saving the deposit and getting the loan approved. In this episode of The Brokers’ Lounge, Eddie and Carlo unpack the true cost of owning a home in 2026 and why buyers need to look beyond the purchase price. They cover upfront costs like stamp duty, conveyancing, building and pest inspections, lender fees, moving costs, insurance and lenders mortgage insurance. They also break down the ongoing costs that can catch people out after settlement, including council rates, water charges, utilities, strata fees, maintenance, repairs and emergency expenses. Eddie and Carlo also discuss loan structure, offset accounts, fixed versus variable rates, interest rate buffers, lifestyle costs and why buyers need to avoid becoming “house poor”. If you’re buying your first home, upgrading, or thinking about investing, this episode gives you a practical checklist for understanding what you can comfortably afford. ⏱️ Timestamps:  00:00 Intro  01:01 The true cost of owning a home  01:48 Upfront costs buyers need to know  03:16 Stamp duty, legal fees and inspections  05:40 Insurance and lenders mortgage insurance  07:06 Ongoing costs after settlement  15:13 Loan structure and interest costs  25:45 2026 affordability checklist Hit follow, leave a review, and share this episode with someone who is planning to buy property and wants to avoid being caught out by hidden costs. ------- Get in touch with Eddie: Eddie Malaeb - Senior Mortgage Broker Get in touch with Carlo: https://calendly.com/carlo-o8zv/30min More info: https://www.linkwealthfinance.com.au/ Our Financial Services + Credit Guide: https://www.linkwealthfinance.com.au/fscg Disclaimer: The information contained within this podcast is general in nature and does not take into account your personal circumstances. Please reach out if you wish to discuss your personal situation

    The true cost of owning a home in 2026

  4. Aug 24

    Can you buy commercial property through your SMSF?

    Commercial property inside an SMSF With recent changes affecting residential property in self-managed super funds, more investors and business owners are starting to look at commercial property as an alternative. In this episode of The Brokers’ Lounge, Eddie and Carlo unpack how commercial property lending works inside an SMSF, what makes it different from residential property, and why it may suit certain business owners. They discuss limited recourse borrowing, deposit requirements, lease terms, rental yields, lender rules, GST, stamp duty, and the importance of having enough funds in the SMSF before making a move. Eddie and Carlo also break down the potential benefits and risks, including longer leases, business premises ownership, higher entry costs, vacancy risk and why choosing the right commercial asset matters. If you run a business, have an SMSF, or are considering commercial property as part of your long-term wealth strategy, this episode gives you a clear starting point for what to think about. ⏱️ Timestamps:  00:00 Intro  00:50 Welcome back to The Broker’s Lounge  01:18 Commercial property inside an SMSF  02:13 How SMSF commercial lending works  04:53 Buying your business premises through super  07:46 Why commercial property is getting more attention  13:25 Who this strategy may suit  17:10 Benefits and risks of commercial property Hit follow, leave a review, and share this episode with someone who wants to understand commercial property and SMSF lending. ------- Get in touch with Eddie: Eddie Malaeb - Senior Mortgage Broker Get in touch with Carlo: https://calendly.com/carlo-o8zv/30min More info: https://www.linkwealthfinance.com.au/ Our Financial Services + Credit Guide: https://www.linkwealthfinance.com.au/fscg Disclaimer: The information contained within this podcast is general in nature and does not take into account your personal circumstances. Please reach out if you wish to discuss your personal situation

    Can you buy commercial property through your SMSF?

  5. Aug 17

    The property rules investors can’t ignore

    Negative gearing, SMSF changes and the new lending landscape The lending landscape is changing, and investors are feeling the impact. In this episode of The Brokers’ Lounge, Eddie and Carlo unpack the latest Budget changes and what they could mean for property investors, first home buyers and anyone looking to borrow. They cover negative gearing changes, capital gains tax, borrowing capacity, rental income, lender servicing, debt-to-income limits and why different banks may now give very different answers. They also break down the new self-managed super fund property rules, including the cut-off date for signed contracts and why commercial property may become a bigger focus for some SMSF investors. If you own an investment property, are thinking about buying one, or want to understand how these changes could affect your lending options, this episode gives you a clear look at what to consider next. ⏱️ Timestamps:  00:00 Intro  01:01 Budget changes and the impact on lending  03:56 Negative gearing changes explained  06:04 Capital gains tax changes  07:04 How borrowing capacity is being affected  10:23 What could happen to rents?  15:37 APRA and debt-to-income limits  19:00 SMSF property lending changes Hit follow, leave a review, and share this episode with someone who needs to understand how the latest property and lending changes could affect them. ------- Get in touch with Eddie: Eddie Malaeb - Senior Mortgage Broker Get in touch with Carlo: https://calendly.com/carlo-o8zv/30min More info: https://www.linkwealthfinance.com.au/ Our Financial Services + Credit Guide: https://www.linkwealthfinance.com.au/fscg Disclaimer: The information contained within this podcast is general in nature and does not take into account your personal circumstances. Please reach out if you wish to discuss your personal situation

    The property rules investors can’t ignore

  6. Jul 31

    How negative gearing changes could affect investors

    Negative gearing changes and what investors need to know Negative gearing changes could reshape how investors borrow, buy and plan their next property move. In this episode of The Brokers’ Lounge, Eddie and Carlo unpack the proposed changes to negative gearing and what they may mean for borrowing capacity, property prices, rents and investor strategy. They explain how the changes could affect established properties, newly built homes, lending assessments, rental yields and the way banks look at investment loans moving forward. They also discuss what this could mean for first home buyers, new investors, existing investors, builders, developers and anyone relying on tax deductions as part of their property strategy. If you own an investment property, are thinking about buying one, or want to understand how the lending landscape could shift, this episode gives you a clear look at what to consider next. ⏱️ Timestamps:  00:00 Intro  01:01 Budget changes and negative gearing  02:31 What is actually changing?  04:54 Which properties may still qualify?  06:51 What negative gearing means  08:48 Why lenders are already reacting  12:05 How borrowing capacity could be affected  22:53 What should property investors do now? Hit follow, leave a review, and share this episode with someone who needs to understand how negative gearing changes could affect their next property move. ------- Get in touch with Eddie: Eddie Malaeb - Senior Mortgage Broker Get in touch with Carlo: https://calendly.com/carlo-o8zv/30min More info: https://www.linkwealthfinance.com.au/ Our Financial Services + Credit Guide: https://www.linkwealthfinance.com.au/fscg Disclaimer: The information contained within this podcast is general in nature and does not take into account your personal circumstances. Please reach out if you wish to discuss your personal situation

    How negative gearing changes could affect investors

  7. Jun 30

    How to buy property without overpaying

    How to buy property with more confidence Buying property can be emotional, stressful and easy to get wrong, especially when the market is moving quickly and agents are working for the seller. In this episode of The Broker's Lounge, Eddie is joined by Dion Marsden from Marsden Buyers Agency to talk through what buyers need to know before making a move. They unpack the Melbourne property market, what has changed since the Budget, why owner-occupiers could have more opportunity right now, and how confidence plays a major role in buying decisions. Dion also shares practical tips on using a buyer’s agent, asking better questions, negotiating private sales, bidding at auction, and choosing the right selling agent when it is your turn to sell. If you are thinking about buying, selling or bidding at auction, this episode gives you a clear look at how to approach the process with less emotion and more strategy. ⏱️ Timestamps: 00:00 Intro 01:13 Meet Dion Marsden 02:32 The property market after the Budget 04:18 Why owner-occupiers may have an opportunity 08:37 Should you use a buyer’s agent? 15:17 What is happening in the Melbourne market? 19:34 The biggest mistake buyers make 32:23 Auction tips buyers need to know Hit follow, leave a review, and share this episode with someone who is thinking about buying or selling property. Follow Dion: Dion: https://www.tiktok.com/@dionmarsden ------- Get in touch with Eddie: Eddie Malaeb - Senior Mortgage Broker Get in touch with Carlo: https://calendly.com/carlo-o8zv/30min More info: https://www.linkwealthfinance.com.au/ Our Financial Services + Credit Guide: https://www.linkwealthfinance.com.au/fscg Disclaimer: The information contained within this podcast is general in nature and does not take into account your personal circumstances. Please reach out if you wish to discuss your personal situation

    How to buy property without overpaying

  8. Jun 16

    What lenders look for when you apply for a loan

    What lenders really look at when assessing your loan Getting a loan isn’t just about your credit score and this episode explains why. Eddie and Carlo break down how lenders assess loan applications, borrowing capacity, and risk. Credit scores matter, but they’re only one part of a bigger picture. They explore why borrowing power varies between lenders, how investment property portfolios are assessed, what changes for self-employed borrowers, and why interest-only loans don’t always increase borrowing capacity. They also cover living expenses, debt-to-income ratios, missed repayments, and key lending trends for 2026. Hit follow, leave a review, and share this episode with someone trying to understand their borrowing options. Timestamps: 00:00 Intro 02:24 Why borrowing capacity varies between lenders 05:14 What lenders look at with investment property portfolios 08:09 Why banks use higher assessment repayments 10:32 What can make a loan application fail? 14:15 Lending options for self-employed borrowers 18:03 Interest-only vs principal and interest loans 20:48 How important is your credit score? ------- Get in touch with Eddie: Eddie Malaeb - Senior Mortgage Broker Get in touch with Carlo: https://calendly.com/carlo-o8zv/30min More info: https://www.linkwealthfinance.com.au/ Our Financial Services + Credit Guide: https://www.linkwealthfinance.com.au/fscg Disclaimer: The information contained within this podcast is general in nature and does not take into account your personal circumstances. Please reach out if you wish to discuss your personal situation

    What lenders look for when you apply for a loan
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About

Welcome to The Broker’s Lounge with Eddie & Carlo - the podcast where we make the world of mortgages and finance feel a whole lot less intimidating. If you’re here, chances are you’re thinking about buying a home, maybe your first, or maybe you’ve been down this road before. Either way, you’re in the right place. So, who are we? We’re Eddie and Carlo, two senior mortgage brokers from Link Wealth Finance with over 30 years combined experience helping people just like you navigate the sometimes confusing, often overwhelming, but ultimately rewarding journey of buying a home. We’ve seen it all - the highs, the lows, the "I didn’t know that" moments - and we’re here to share what we’ve learned. So, whether you’re just starting out or looking to refine your financial game plan, The Broker’s Lounge is here to help you make informed decisions with confidence.Tune in, get comfortable and let’s talk about how we can help you turn that dream home into a reality.

Information

  • Creator
    Link Wealth Finance
  • Years Active
    2024 - 2026
  • Episodes
    52
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © 2026 The Broker's Lounge
  • Show Website
    The Broker's Lounge