Before the Weekend ☀️

Before The Weekend

Before the Weekend is a weekly Australian real estate podcast hosted by Peter Schravemade and Kasey McDonald, bringing together industry leaders, property managers, regulators, technology founders and special guests from across the property sector. Each episode delivers practical, straight-talking discussion on the biggest stories shaping real estate across Australia, covering rental reforms, housing policy, compliance, property management, technology, consumer trust, investor sentiment and the future of the industry. Designed for agents, principals and property managers who want insight without the spin, Before the Weekend breaks down complex issues into real-world conversations that help the industry head into the weekend informed, prepared and thinking differently.

Episodes

  1. 2d ago

    Episode 5: Transparency, Trust & Turbulence in Real Estate

    Episode DescriptionThis week on Before the Weekend, Peter Schravemade and Kasey McDonald unpack a week of significant developments across the real estate industry. The pair examine REA Group's new partnerships with major franchise networks including Harcourts and Ray White, and what it could mean for the future of industry data independence and the Real Estate Industry Partners (REIP) initiative. They also discuss signs of a changing market as listings begin to accumulate in parts of Australia, creating new challenges for agents and vendors alike. As market conditions shift, are we about to see the true value of agent skill and negotiation return to the spotlight? Victoria features heavily in this week's episode, with discussion around proposed reserve price disclosure laws, rental reforms, and concerns that new legislation could have unintended consequences for buyers, sellers and property managers. Other topics include: The Sydney Morning Herald investigation into agent review systems and pricing accuracyThe first major property-related AML/CTF prosecution and what it means for the industryWhether agents should be giving investment adviceThe role of reviews, ratings and consumer trustA lighter look at some of the more creative (and questionable) real estate advertising appearing online If you're working in sales, property management, proptech or simply keeping an eye on the future of the industry, Episode 5 is packed with insights, opinions and discussion points to take into the weekend.

    44 min
  2. Jun 5

    Episode 4

    This week on Before the Weekend (Friday 5th June 2026), Peter Schravemade and Kasey McDonald tackle another big week of headlines across the real estate industry. The conversation begins with the rise of AI-powered prospecting after an ABC investigation into "Daniel", an AI sales caller allegedly contacting prospective property buyers. The pair discuss disclosure, transparency, and whether consumers really care if they're speaking to a machine. They then unpack a bizarre sign war playing out in Logan, where directional signs fitted with Apple AirTags allegedly led one agent directly to a rival agency's bin. Is it petty competition, social media theatre, or something more concerning? The discussion shifts to allegations of kickbacks in the strata management sector, exploring contractor relationships, procurement transparency, and whether reform is needed in building management and owners corporations. Also covered this week: Property management trust account fraud in New South WalesA Victorian agent fined over licensing and trust account issuesThe importance of due diligence when buying propertyA landlord's failed attempt to recover damage costs after missing a tribunal deadlineGold Coast rents overtaking SydneyThe impact of negative industry headlines on consumer trust Plus, Peter previews an upcoming Quick Bite episode with Miami real estate leader and REIQ LIFT 2026 keynote speaker Ines Hegedus-Garcia. AI Cold Caller "Daniel" https://www.abc.net.au/news/2026-06-02/real-estate-agency-spams-phones-with-fake-ai-salespeople/106732950 Logan Sign War / Apple AirTagshttps://www.facebook.com/share/v/18wmQCvxpB/ Strata Kickback Allegationshttps://apple.news/Amyw2SQC9QMex5V126N3tAw NSW Property Manager Trust Fraudhttps://www.realestatebusiness.com.au/property-management/31921-pms-reminded-to-be-upfront-after-landlord-loses-11-8k-in-damage-costs Victorian Licensing & Trust Account Breachhttps://www.consumer.vic.gov.au/latest-news/estate-agent-mark-reuben-sentenced-for-unlicensed-trading Dream Home Becomes Nightmarehttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=msMWxZiz7Kw Queensland Property Power Listhttps://www.couriermail.com.au/ Brisbane Court Matterhttps://www.couriermail.com.au/truecrimeaustralia/police-courts-qld/top-harcourts-brisbane-real-estate-agent-james-francis-connors-charged-with-rape/news-story/077722f68cef9d8a411ee392fb7e6358

    56 min
  3. May 29

    Episode 3

    Episode 3: Housing Headwinds, Industry Change & The Future of Real Estate This week on Before the Weekend, Peter Schravemade and Kasey McDonald unpack the biggest stories shaping the property industry right now. Fresh from AREC 2026, they discuss attendance, industry sentiment, and the conversations happening both inside and outside Australia's largest real estate conference. The centrepiece of the episode is an exclusive interview with Tim Lawless, Executive Research Director at Cotality, who shares his insights on housing affordability, rental pressures, investor participation, construction feasibility, and why Australia may be facing its most significant housing downturn in decades. Peter and Kasey also explore: The growing affordability crisis across Brisbane, Adelaide and Perth.Why renters may have reached their financial limit.The unintended consequences of recent negative gearing and capital gains tax changes.The challenges facing first home buyers.Construction costs, labour shortages and housing supply constraints.What a changing market means for agents, principals and property professionals. The episode also features highlights from Peter's interview with Jacqui Barnes following the release of her groundbreaking Real Women in Real Estate Report. The discussion explores leadership, career progression, agency culture, retention, workplace behaviour, and the future of women in real estate. Whether you're an agent, property manager, business owner, investor or industry leader, this episode offers practical insights into the forces shaping Australian real estate today.

    1h 25m

About

Before the Weekend is a weekly Australian real estate podcast hosted by Peter Schravemade and Kasey McDonald, bringing together industry leaders, property managers, regulators, technology founders and special guests from across the property sector. Each episode delivers practical, straight-talking discussion on the biggest stories shaping real estate across Australia, covering rental reforms, housing policy, compliance, property management, technology, consumer trust, investor sentiment and the future of the industry. Designed for agents, principals and property managers who want insight without the spin, Before the Weekend breaks down complex issues into real-world conversations that help the industry head into the weekend informed, prepared and thinking differently.