The Melbourne Property Hour

Cate Bakos
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Real Talk. Real Insight. All Things Melbourne Property. 🎙️This is the podcast for property buyers who want less confusion, more clarity — and a little bit of fun along the way. We’re Lisa and Cate — two buyer’s advocates who spend our weeks knee-deep in auctions, inspections, due diligence, and strategy.  Together, we have 37 years of combined experience in Melbourne real estate.  And we’re here to spill the real coffee on Melbourne’s property market. Each episode, we cut through the noise (and the nonsense) to bring you honest advice, behind-the-scenes stories, and buyer tips you can actually use. 💡 What you can expect: Clear, buyer-focused guidance (minus the jargon) Honest chats about what’s really happening in the market Smart strategies to give you an edge in a competitive landscape Mistake-saving insights from our years at the coalface True stories — the good, the bad, and the game-changing Whether you’re buying your first home, investing, upsizing, or just curious — we’ve got you covered.So tune in, get inspired, and start feeling more confident about your next move in the city that we so love. Lisa and Cate 🎙️ + ☕ + 🌞 + 🏡 + 🔑

Episodes

  1. 1d ago

    #8: Would We Still Buy It? Drilling into a Building and Pest Inspection Report

    In this episode of The Melbourne Property Hour, Melbourne buyer advocates Cate Bakos and Lisa Parker unpack one of the most misunderstood parts of the property buying journey; the building and pest inspection. With more than 40 years of combined experience in Melbourne real estate, Cate and Lisa explain the common issues that appear in building reports, what buyers should genuinely worry about, and which findings are often far less serious than they first appear. From unlevel floors, timber rot and roof repairs through to drainage concerns, termite risks, asbestos and structural movement, they share practical insights that can save buyers from costly mistakes. Whether you're purchasing your first home, upgrading, investing, or navigating the competitive Melbourne property market, this episode will help you interpret building reports with confidence and understand when to negotiate, investigate further, or walk away. If you're looking for trusted guidance on buying property in Melbourne, this is an episode you won't want to miss. Key lessons and actions for our listeners 🏠 Understand the real purpose of a building and pest inspection beyond a simple pass-or-fail assessment. 🔍 Learn which common report findings are routine maintenance items and which are genuine red flags. 📐 Discover why unlevel floors don't always indicate costly structural problems. 💧 Understand the risks associated with timber rot, water ingress and poor drainage. ⚠️ Learn how small maintenance issues can snowball into major repair expenses if left unchecked. 🐜 Gain clarity on termite reports and what "conditions conducive to termite activity" actually means.🏗️ Understand the implications of asbestos and when it becomes a serious concern. 🧱 Learn the difference between cosmetic cracking and structural movement. 👷 Discover when specialist inspections from structural engineers, plumbers or electricians may be necessary. 🔦 Understand why access to subfloors and roof spaces is critical during inspections. 💰 Learn how experienced buyers use building reports to negotiate pricing and plan future renovations.🚶 Find out when it's appropriate to walk away from a property and when a report shouldn't derail a great purchase. 📋 Understand the risks of relying solely on vendor-supplied building and pest reports.🛠️ Gain practical maintenance tips that can help protect your property's long-term value. ✅ Build confidence in reading and interpreting building reports as part of a successful Melbourne property purchase. We hope you enjoy! Lisa and Cate

    51 min

  2. May 26

    #7: From Ready to Regret - How Buyers Talk Themselves Out of Great Home

    Melbourne property insiders Lisa Parker and Cate Bakos are back....bringing over 40 years of combined expertise to this game-changing episode. With the property market shifting gears in 2026, many buyers are unknowingly sabotaging their own success. From fear-based decision-making to unrealistic expectations, Lisa and Cate reveal the subtle behaviours that are quietly derailing your buying journey. Whether you're a seasoned investor or a first-time buyer, this episode is a must-listen. These aren’t theories; this is the real talk from two of Melbourne’s most experienced, awarded, and trusted buyer’s advocates. If you want to buy smarter, faster, and with confidence, this podcast is your golden ticket. Listeners will walk away with:🔍 How to identify and overcome subtle self-sabotaging behaviours during the buying process. 💰 Why focusing too much on "getting a bargain" can actually cost you hundreds of thousands in the long term. 🧠 The difference between refining your property criteria vs. constantly changing it (and why one is a red flag). 🛑 How fear of commitment shows up in property buying—and how to push through it. 🤐 Why listening to "helpful" family members or friends might be the worst strategy. 🧭 When and why relying on outdated price expectations can backfire in a moving market. 📆 Why NOW is the time to act before the media headlines catch up and prices rise further. ⚠️ How avoiding auctions can actually reduce your chances of securing the right home. 🤝 The critical role of responsiveness in sealing the deal. 👣 Real examples and stories to help you avoid common buyer mistakes and stay on track.We hope you enjoy! Cate and Lisa

    26 min

  3. May 12

    #6: Strata vs Stratum vs Company Share Explained

    🎧 In this episode of The Melbourne Property Hour, Lisa and Cate unpack one of the most misunderstood aspects of Melbourne real estate: company share, stratum and strata title properties. If you’ve ever spotted a suspiciously cheap Art Deco apartment in Melbourne’s inner suburbs and wondered why, this episode explains the hidden risks, opportunities and due diligence traps buyers need to know before bidding. Cate and Lisa draw on more than 40 years of combined Melbourne property experience to explain why banks avoid certain title types, how buyers can accidentally lose tens of thousands of dollars, and why proper due diligence is critical when buying Melbourne property. From St Kilda and Elwood to South Yarra and beyond, this is essential listening for anyone navigating the Melbourne property market. 📌 Key Lessons & Actions from This Episode: Understand the difference between strata, stratum and company share title propertiesLearn why Melbourne’s Art Deco apartments often come with hidden title complexitiesDiscover why some “cheap” Melbourne real estate listings are not actually bargainsUnderstand why banks heavily restrict lending on company share and stratum propertiesLearn how buyers can accidentally lose deposits by failing to identify alternative title structuresDiscover the risks associated with buying apartments without proper due diligenceUnderstand how special levies and owners corporation liabilities can financially impact buyersLearn why parking, apartment size and title type dramatically affect resale valueDiscover the upside opportunities in converting company share properties to strata titleLearn why unanimous owner approval can make strata conversions difficult or impossibleUnderstand the hidden maintenance challenges common in older Melbourne Art Deco buildingsLearn how experienced Melbourne buyer advocates assess risk before auction dayDiscover why professional contract reviews are essential before bidding at auctionUnderstand the extensive due diligence process required for safe Melbourne property purchasesLearn practical ways to identify risky title structures before making an offerWe hope you enjoy! Lisa and Cate

    37 min

  4. Apr 28

    #5: Before We Were Experts - Rookie Property Moves Exposed

    Ever wondered how even seasoned experts got started in property, and the mistakes they made along the way? In this episode of the Melbourne Property Hour, Lisa Parker and Cate Bakos pull back the curtain on their earliest property purchases... long before their combined 40+ years of Melbourne property expertise. From spontaneous buying decisions and risky renovations to costly missteps and lucky wins, this episode is packed with raw, honest insights. You’ll hear how intuition, timing, and sheer determination shaped their journeys, and how those early experiences now guide the advice they give clients today. If you’re buying real estate in Melbourne, this is a must-listen episode that proves even the experts started somewhere… and didn’t always get it right.  ✅ Listeners will walk away with: 🏡 Why land value can make or break your investment ⚠️ The risks of buying without finance, checks or a clear plan 🏗️ What to watch out for with house & land packages (it’s not always growth) 🧠 How to recognise when your gut is telling you something’s off 📉 Why “growth corridor” doesn’t always mean capital growth 🛠️ The difference between smart renovations and costly mistakes💸 The hidden costs at settlement that can catch buyers off guard ⏱️ When moving fast works… and when it can backfire 📈 Why luck might get you started, but strategy keeps you winning 🎯 How to avoid early mistakes and fast-track your property journey We hope you enjoy! LIsa and Cate

    41 min

  5. Apr 10

    #4: Off-Markets on Tap - Sounds Great… Until You Know This

    Off-market properties = exclusive deals… right? 👀 Not always. 🎙️ In this eye-opening episode of The Melbourne Property Hour, Lisa Parker and Cate Bakos unpack one of the most misunderstood trends in the Melbourne property market; off-market properties. With over 40 years of combined experience, they cut through the hype to reveal what’s real and what’s simply clever marketing.From genuine “golden nugget” opportunities to the rise of so-called off-markets blasted to thousands of buyers, this episode gives you the clarity every buyer needs. If you’re navigating the Melbourne property market, this podcast will help you avoid overpaying, spot true opportunities, and make smarter buying decisions. If you’re serious about buying in Melbourne, this is the podcast you can’t afford to miss. 📌 Key Lessons & Actions for Listeners Understand the true definition of an off-market property Discover how modern “marketing” has confused buyers Learn how to identify genuine off-market opportunities (and why they’re rare)Avoid overpaying — why 63% of off-market buyers may be paying too muchRecognise vendor motivations and spot red flags (ie - fake off-markets)Understand how agent incentives and buyer advocate models can influence the outcomes of an off-market listing We hope you enjoy! Lisa and Cate

    41 min

  6. Mar 27

    #3: Inside Melbourne Auctions: What Buyers Really Need to Know

    Melbourne’s auction scene is as iconic as its laneways — and just as unpredictable. In this week’s episode, The Melbourne Property Podcast hosts Lisa Parker and Cate Bakos, (with over 40 years of combined boots-on-the-ground experience), lift the curtain on what really goes down before, during and after an auction. They break down the entire auction campaign cycle, decode agents’ tactics, and share true behind-the-scenes stories (yes, including a buyer who bid mid-dog walk 🐶). If you're bidding at auction this year, this episode is a must! 📌 By tuning into this episode, listeners will: 🧠 Understand the full auction campaign lifecycle and how timing affects strategy 🚨 Learn why agents run auctions (even when they know it might not sell) 🕵️‍♀️ Discover exactly what goes on behind the scenes on auction day 📉 Know the dangers of bidding emotionally and how to set a clear auction limit 🎭 Spot the psychological tactics used by agents and auctioneers to push bids higher 🛠️ Learn how to prep contracts, deposits, and conditions BEFORE auction day 🧾 Understand what happens when a property passes in — and how to negotiate post-auction 🤝 Hear how being respectful and strategic can land you access to off-market or follow-up dealsWe hope you enjoy! Lisa and Cate

    32 min

  7. Mar 27

    #2: What’s the Minimum Budget Required to Buy in Melbourne?

    If you’ve ever wondered what kind of property you can buy in Melbourne on a tight budget, this episode is your blueprint. With over 40 years of combined, boots-on-the-ground experience in Melbourne's property market, buyer’s advocates Lisa Parker and Cate Bakos unpack exactly how far your money can stretch in today's climate. From inner-city apartments to regional opportunities in Ballarat and Bendigo, they reveal the real numbers behind the minimum viable property purchase....and what to avoid. Whether you’re buying your first investment property or aiming to enter the Melbourne market wisely, this is the podcast trusted buyers across Australia are tuning into. Forget outdated headlines. This is real-time, expert-backed insight from the people who know Melbourne best. 🎧 Subscribe now and learn what others don’t know....your budget might go further than you think. ✅ Key Lessons & Actionable Insights: 🎯 Understand What Budget You Really Need to break into Melbourne or its surrounding markets. 🏘️ Learn the Pros & Cons of Different Dwelling Types (units, townhouses, houses) and which offer better growth or yield. 🛑 Avoid Common Buyer Mistakes—like purchasing in the wrong pocket or overpaying as an interstate investor. 📉 Why Low-Priced Properties Might Cost You More in the long run—especially when capital growth stalls. 🌱 Unlock Value in Regional Hotspots with better capital growth and rental yields than many Melbourne suburbs. 💡 Get Strategic with Your Broker—how incorrect yield assumptions can ruin your serviceability and plans. 🤝 Discover Why Working With a Local Expert is Non-Negotiable for smart, safe, and successful buying. 🚨 Understand Why $650K is No Longer the Magic Number and where the sweet spot really sits now. 🧠 Shift Your Biases & Gain Clarity—it’s not always about being in the capital city postcode. 💸 Explore Realistic Yield Expectations for Melbourne investments from $500K to $2MWe hope you enjoy! Lisa and Cate

    24 min

  8. Mar 27

    #1: Bargain or Bad Buy? Here’s How to Tell

    Everyone loves a bargain… but not all “cheap” properties are good value. In this episode, seasoned buyer’s agents Lisa Parker and Cate Bakos, with 40+ years of combined Melbourne property expertise, break down what actually makes a true bargain, and why some low prices can lead to costly mistakes. Learn how to spot the difference between an underpriced gem and a ticking time bomb, how market psychology affects buyer confidence, and why the best buying opportunities often show up when no one else is paying attention. Lisa and Cate also share real bargain stories, (think: $185K under market!) and give you the signs to watch for when bargain season is just around the corner. 🎧 If you want to buy smart and avoid the trap of the “too good to be true” property, this episode is a must-listen. ✅ Listeners will walk away with: 📉 The clear difference between a cheap property and a true bargain 🔍 What to look for in “compromised” properties — and when to walk away 🛠️ How to identify high-potential homes that need love but can grow in value 🧠 Why most buyers miss out on bargains due to fear or flawed thinking 🏦 Lending red flags: title types, zoning & strata risks that make “cheap” dangerous 📈 How to know when the market is ripe for good buying (hint: it's not when everyone else is buying) 🧾 The psychology of “it seems too good to be true” — and how to trust your data 🕵️ Real signs from agents that a bargain might be on the table 💬 Real stories from the field: COVID steals, yield-driven buys, and $180K wins 🎯 What to prep in advance so you’re ready to act fast when the right deal appearsWe hope you enjoy! Lisa and Cate

    28 min

  9. Jan 9

    Trailer: Hellooooo Melbourne!

    Hey everyone! We’re super excited to give you a first look at something we’ve been working on behind the scenes. It’s called The Melbourne Property Hour; navigating Melbourne property, one episode at a time.... and we created it because we know how confusing, competitive, and honestly overwhelming buying in Melbourne can be. We’re both on the ground every single day, buying homes and investment properties across Melbourne, and we just kept thinking… buyers need better info. Clearer info. From people who actually know what’s going on out there. This podcast is for anyone who wants to buy smarter, avoid costly mistakes, and hear real stories from the front lines, not sales pitches. 🎧 Our first episode drops soon, and we’ll be covering bargains. We’d love you to tune in! Lisa and Cate

    2 min

Trailer

About

Real Talk. Real Insight. All Things Melbourne Property. 🎙️This is the podcast for property buyers who want less confusion, more clarity — and a little bit of fun along the way. We’re Lisa and Cate — two buyer’s advocates who spend our weeks knee-deep in auctions, inspections, due diligence, and strategy.  Together, we have 37 years of combined experience in Melbourne real estate.  And we’re here to spill the real coffee on Melbourne’s property market. Each episode, we cut through the noise (and the nonsense) to bring you honest advice, behind-the-scenes stories, and buyer tips you can actually use. 💡 What you can expect: Clear, buyer-focused guidance (minus the jargon) Honest chats about what’s really happening in the market Smart strategies to give you an edge in a competitive landscape Mistake-saving insights from our years at the coalface True stories — the good, the bad, and the game-changing Whether you’re buying your first home, investing, upsizing, or just curious — we’ve got you covered.So tune in, get inspired, and start feeling more confident about your next move in the city that we so love. Lisa and Cate 🎙️ + ☕ + 🌞 + 🏡 + 🔑

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