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. How to buy property without overpaying

    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

    48 min
  2. What lenders look for when you apply for a loan

    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

    28 min
  3. Should you refinance after the latest rate rise?

    Jun 4

    Should you refinance after the latest rate rise?

    Should you refinance after the latest rate rise? With the RBA lifting rates again, many mortgage holders are asking the same question: should I refinance, restructure, or just sit tight? In this episode of The Brokers’ Lounge, Eddie and Carlo break down what the latest rate rise means for repayments, household cash flow and the pressure many borrowers are feeling right now. They also unpack when refinancing can make sense, including lowering repayments, improving cash flow, consolidating debt, accessing equity or getting a better loan structure. But it’s not always about chasing the lowest rate. From cashback traps and hidden fees to extending your loan term and assuming approval is automatic, this episode covers the common refinancing mistakes borrowers need to avoid. If your loan hasn’t been reviewed in a while, this episode is a timely reminder to check your rate, understand your structure and speak with a broker before making any major decisions. Hit follow, leave a review, and share this episode with someone who needs to review their home loan. ------- 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
  4. Could New CGT Rules Change the Way Australians Invest in Property?

    May 21

    Could New CGT Rules Change the Way Australians Invest in Property?

    Could capital gains tax changes shake up the property market? Capital gains tax is back in the spotlight after the latest Federal Budget, and the proposed changes could have a real impact on property investors, first home buyers and renters. In this episode of The Brokers’ Lounge, Eddie and Carlo break down what capital gains tax actually means, how the current 50% CGT discount works, and what could change if the new inflation indexation model goes ahead. They also unpack what this could mean for investment property decisions, rental supply, housing affordability, first home buyers and the broader property market. With plenty of headlines and uncertainty flying around, the key message is simple: don’t make emotional decisions. Understand the numbers, get the right advice, and look at how the changes could affect your personal strategy. Hit follow, leave a review, and share this episode with someone trying to make sense of the proposed property tax changes. ------- 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
  5. 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

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.