The Broker's Lounge

Link Wealth Finance

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. Buying at auction? What you MUST know before you bid

    MAR 30

    Buying at auction? What you MUST know before you bid

    Buying at auction can move fast, and if you are not prepared, it can get expensive very quickly. In this episode of The Brokers’ Lounge, Eddie and Carlo break down what buyers need to know before auction day, from getting the right type of finance approval in place to understanding deposits, building and pest inspections, solicitor reviews, and the risks that come with unconditional contracts. They also explain why preparation matters just as much as confidence, and why knowing your limit before the bidding starts can save you from making emotional decisions you regret.  They also walk through the practical side of auction strategy, including how to assess comparable sales, why you need to have your funds accessible, what to clarify with the agent before the day, and how to think about things like settlement terms, insurance, and borrowing buffers. Eddie and Carlo also discuss why buyers can get caught up in the heat of the moment, how to avoid overextending yourself, and what to do if you miss out on a property so you can reset and go again with a better plan.  If you are planning to buy at auction, or you are helping someone else through the process, this episode will help you understand the risks, get your finance sorted properly, and go in with a clearer plan and more confidence. ------- 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

    25 min
  2. Before you buy your first home… listen to this!

    FEB 19

    Before you buy your first home… listen to this!

    Buying your first property is exciting, stressful, emotional and, if you are not careful, expensive in ways you did not expect. In this episode of The Brokers Lounge, Eddie and Carlo break down what first home buyers actually need to focus on. From the real costs people forget about like stamp duty, lenders mortgage insurance, building inspections and settlement adjustments, through to the grants and government schemes that can genuinely help you get in sooner, they simplify the noise and give you the practical stuff that matters. They also unpack the big debate of rate versus structure, why sometimes getting into the market is more important than chasing the absolute cheapest interest rate, and how to avoid letting emotion push you beyond your limits at auction. If you are buying your first home, or helping your kids take that step, this episode will help you plan smarter, stay calm under pressure, and make decisions that set you up for the long run rather than just the next weekend open home. ------- 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

    25 min
  3. Dream lifestyle or risky strategy? Rentvesting explained!

    10/31/2025

    Dream lifestyle or risky strategy? Rentvesting explained!

    Rentvesting: How to live where you love and still grow your wealth Can you live in your dream suburb and still get ahead financially? In this episode of The Brokers’ Lounge, Eddie and Carlo unpack rentvesting, what it actually means, why it’s growing in popularity, and how it works in real life. They talk through why more buyers are choosing to rent where they want to live while investing in high-growth areas elsewhere. Carlo even shares his own personal journey, with all the pros, cons, and mindset shifts that come with it. You’ll hear about how to make the numbers work, the lifestyle benefits, the tax and cashflow implications, and why this strategy can be powerful for young professionals and families who want flexibility without sacrificing long-term goals. If you’ve ever felt torn between lifestyle and smart investing, this conversation is a must-listen. Want to see if rentvesting is the right move for you? Check the show notes to book a free call with a Link Wealth Finance adviser and talk through your options. ------- 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

    26 min
  4. RBA says “Hold”, so what happens next?

    10/15/2025

    RBA says “Hold”, so what happens next?

    Why the RBA held rates and what it means for borrowers, investors and the economy The RBA has hit pause on rate cuts again, and while it wasn’t a surprise, it left a lot of homeowners wondering, “What now?” In this episode of The Brokers’ Lounge, Eddie and Carlo break down why the Reserve Bank chose to hold the cash rate, what that means for borrowers and investors, and how it all ties into inflation, global risk, and what’s really happening in the Australian economy. They go deep on why rates are still high despite inflation cooling, how the labour market and consumer spending are creating mixed signals, and why there’s still a lag effect in the housing and retail sectors. They also talk about rising rents, tight vacancy rates, and how savvy investors are starting to re-enter the market. You’ll hear insights on refinancing opportunities, fixed vs variable rates, and why some buyers are turning back to Victoria after being priced out of Queensland and Adelaide. Plus, the boys share some real-world advice for navigating all the noise: what to watch, what to ignore, and why waiting for the RBA before acting could cost you. If you're thinking about refinancing, investing, or just want to understand what all these economic headlines really mean for your money, this one’s worth a listen. ------- 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

    25 min

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.