Street Secrets

Buying property in Australia can feel like a maze, every suburb has its quirks, every street has its secrets, and each property has unique factors to take into account. Street Secrets shines a spotlight on industry-vetted, highly experienced buyer’s agents who know the market inside out. Hosted by Mortgage Broker and Director of Alcove Chris Bates, this show introduces you to the country’s top buyer’s agents and unpacks what they really do. From navigating local market dynamics to building relationships with selling agents, and helping clients avoid costly mistakes, you’ll learn how to choose the right professional, how to work with them effectively, and why experience and expertise matter when you’re making one of life’s biggest financial decisions. Whether you’re a first-home buyer, upgrader, or investor, Street Secrets is your insider’s guide to smarter buying and better results. New episodes drop every Thursday!

Street Secrets is a business podcast hosted by Unknown Host, with 55 episodes on record and a Required Pod Score of 80. PitchCentric scores this show on Booking Probability, Listen Score, and live audience signals refreshed every 24 hours.

Unknown Host hosts Street Secrets, a business show with 55 episodes published.

Our AI reads these to draft pitches. Use them as grounding for a pitch that cites a real guest and a specific topic.

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  Episode #51

  051: Michael Sier of BuyerX | Mornington Peninsula

  Aug 26, 202636 min

  “There’s no point buying something that’s cheap that nobody wants, because you’re going to inherit that problem when you go to sell it.” – Michael Sier The Mornington Peninsula has gone through one of the biggest property market shifts of the past decade. After the COVID boom, rising interest rates, land tax changes and weaker investor and holiday-home demand have reshaped the buyer pool. Michael Sier of BuyerX has spent years specialising in the Peninsula and breaks down what’s changed, where demand is holding up, and how buyers should think about different pockets from Mornington and Mount Eliza through to Blairgowrie, Sorrento and Flinders. He also explains why schools, transport, scarcity, lifestyle and future buyer demand matter when choosing a property. For anyone buying on the Mornington Peninsula, the key isn't simply finding value today — it's making sure there's strong demand for the property when you're ready to sell. Episode Highlights 01:49 — How an IT Guy Became a Buyers Agent 05:52 — The Mornington Boom Is Over. What Now? 09:37 — How Michael Turned Agents Into Allies 13:50 — Get the Suburb Right Before the House 15:52 — Breaking Down the Peninsula’s Buyer Pockets 18:25 — The $50K–$70K Land Tax Problem 22:30 — Why Downsizers Are Moving to Mornington 26:45 — Don’t Buy What Nobody Wants to Resell 28:48 — Where the Peninsula Could See More Supply 33:29 — Why Young Families Are Moving South 35:17 — The Mornington Property Market in Perspective About the Guest Michael Sier is a buyer's agent with BuyerX , specialising in the Mornington Peninsula. His property career began more than 20 years ago when, while working in IT, he wanted to buy his first home but couldn't afford professional representation. He approached Melbourne buyer's advocate Mal James and offered to build software for his business in exchange for help buying his first property. That relationship developed into a mentoring and employment opportunity, giving Michael several years of experience across buyer advocacy, marketing, lead generation, due diligence, negotiation and auction bidding. He later co-founded Performance Property, focusing on investment property and portfolio building, before establishing BuyerX on the Mornington Peninsula. Michael has now spent more than a decade living on the Peninsula and has developed a specialist understanding of its different suburbs, buyer pools and lifestyle markets. His work today focuses heavily on helping owner-occupiers and lifestyle buyers understand not just the property itself, but the location, community, future lifestyle fit and eventual resale demand. Connect with Michael LinkedIn | Michael Sier Website | BuyerX Facebook | BuyerX Instagram | BuyerX Work with Chris (Alcove) Business Webpage Link - https://alcove.com.au Email - hello@alcove.com.au Contact Alcove at: (1300 252683) Socials: LinkedIn (Alcove) - https://www.linkedin.com/company/alcovemb LinkedIn (Chris) - https://www.linkedin.com/in/christopherbates/ Instagram (Chris) - https://www.instagram.com/chrisbates_alcove/ ️ Book a chat with us! ️ Follow us on our socials! YouTube LinkedIn Instagram TikTok Enjoyed the podcast? Don't miss out on what's yet to come! Hit that subscription button, spread the word, and join us for more insightful discussions in real estate. Your journey starts now! Subscribe on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@street-secrets Subscribe on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/street-secrets/id1837331268 Subscribe on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/7sBYmpcuxCYwceQiHdBnaq?si=2Gdl60HRRWCBoUlcBHB0nA The information provided in this podcast is for general informational purposes only and should not be relied upon as financial, investment, or credit advice. It does not take into account your personal objectives, financial situation, or needs. You should consider the appropriateness of the information to your circumstances and seek advice from a licensed financial adviser, mortgage broker, or other qualified professional before making any decision. Canopy Private Pty Ltd holds Australian Credit Licence 558709.

  ListenShow Notes
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  Episode #50

  050: Shane Hiscock of Founder of Locate Buyers Agency | Brisbane

  Aug 19, 202638 min

  “You could be three streets away, but it’s just the pocket and the area of that suburb that’s attracting a higher price or a lower price.” – Shane Hiscock A booming market can make buying feel simple: find a suburb that's performing, find a property you like and make an offer. But Shane Hiscock believes the real work starts after you've chosen the suburb. With more than a decade of experience across development and buyers agency, and a current focus on owner-occupier and investor acquisitions through Locate Buyers Agency, Shane has seen first-hand how much value can change within the same suburb. A similar house can command a very different price depending on the street, elevation, block, aspect and surrounding environment. Shane and Chris unpack how buyers should think about the decision to build, buy or renovate, including why finished homes can currently represent an opportunity in parts of Brisbane and why renovation budgets are so often underestimated. They also explore the importance of stage of life, particularly when a build could take years to complete. The conversation moves into the risks buyers can't see from the front gate—flooding, slope, orientation, block shape, future development and zoning changes. Shane shares examples of deals he walked away from after uncovering what was planned behind or in front of the property, including a site approved for 62 townhouses. For anyone buying in Brisbane—whether you're an investor, owner-occupier or relocating to the city—this episode is a reminder that buying the right suburb isn't enough. You need to buy the right property within it. Episode Highlights 01:57 — From IBM to Property: Shane’s Journey 05:07 — From Development to Owner-Occupier Buying 08:22 — Build vs Buy: How Shane Makes the Call 13:58 — Renovation Reality: When the Numbers Don’t Stack Up 17:45 — Outer Brisbane: Why Quality Matters More When Markets Cool 20:58 — How to Find the Right Pocket for Your Lifestyle 25:52 — Future Density: The Due Diligence Buyers Need 30:33 — Beyond Listings: Shane’s Brisbane Property Universe 34:54 — The Pricing Game: How Buyers Get Caught Out 37:04 — Key Takeaways: How to Buy Quality in Brisbane About the Guest Shane Hiscock is the founder of Locate Buyers Agency , a Brisbane-based buyers agency focused primarily on owner-occupier purchases, alongside investor acquisitions. Shane's property career began after studying business in Wagga Wagga and working at IBM Australia. While searching for his own first home, he became increasingly interested in property and undertook a mentoring program covering a broad range of development and value-add strategies. He subsequently completed his own new-build project, including navigating the challenges of building through the period leading into the GFC. He then established a buyers agency focused on development sites, working on 33 projects between 2010 and 2018. In 2018, Shane shifted his focus toward owner-occupier acquisitions after recognising the value his development and construction knowledge could bring to people buying their own homes. Locate Buyers Agency was established in 2020. Shane says the business is approximately 70% owner-occupier and 30% investor, although that mix can change depending on market conditions. Connect with Shane LinkedIn | Shane Hiscock Instagram | Shane Hiscock Website | Locate Buyers Agency LinkedIn | Locate Buyers Agency Facebook | Locate Buyers Agency Instagram | Locate Buyers Agency Work with Chris (Alcove) Business Webpage Link - https://alcove.com.au Email - hello@alcove.com.au Contact Alcove at: (1300 252683) Socials: LinkedIn (Alcove) - https://www.linkedin.com/company/alcovemb LinkedIn (Chris) - https://www.linkedin.com/in/christopherbates/ Instagram (Chris) - https://www.instagram.com/chrisbates_alcove/ ️ Book a chat with us! ️ Follow us on our socials! YouTube LinkedIn Instagram TikTok Enjoyed the podcast? Don't miss out on what's yet to come! Hit that subscription button, spread the word, and join us for more insightful discussions in real estate. Your journey starts now! Subscribe on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@street-secrets Subscribe on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/street-secrets/id1837331268 Subscribe on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/7sBYmpcuxCYwceQiHdBnaq?si=2Gdl60HRRWCBoUlcBHB0nA The information provided in this podcast is for general informational purposes only and should not be relied upon as financial, investment, or credit advice. It does not take into account your personal objectives, financial situation, or needs. You should consider the appropriateness of the information to your circumstances and seek advice from a licensed financial adviser, mortgage broker, or other qualified professional before making any decision. Canopy Private Pty Ltd holds Australian Credit Licence 558709.

  ListenShow Notes
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  Episode #49

  049: Lachlan Delahunty of Follio | Nationwide

  Aug 12, 202639 min

  “You learn more in a downturn than you do in an upswing.” – Lachlan Delahunty In this week’s episode, Chris Bates speaks with Lachlan Delahunty, property valuer turned buyer’s agent and founder of Follio, about what the post-budget market means for investors and why discipline now matters more than speculation. Lachlan shares lessons from past downturns, including post-GFC Melbourne and WA’s slowdown, and explains why protecting downside risk is critical in today’s environment. He is also the founder of Follio, a property research platform built to help investors make more informed, data-driven decisions. He also breaks down common traps like regional “hot spots,” house-and-land packages, and high-density apartments. Instead, the focus is on what actually holds value: scarcity, owner-occupier demand, and strong fundamentals. Lachlan also discusses how he’s adjusting his own strategy, including renovation and small-scale development opportunities. For investors navigating uncertainty, this episode is a reminder that knowing what not to buy is just as important as knowing what to buy. Episode Highlights 01:17 Meet Lachlan: From Valuer to Buyers Agent 01:54 How Valuation Experience Shapes Investment Strategy 04:09 What Downturns Teach You About Property Risk 06:43 Why Sophisticated Investors Are Buying Post-Budget 10:00 From House-and-Land Hype to Commercial Risk 12:59 Why Quality Beats Quantity in Property Investing 15:03 Perth’s Boom: Knowing When It’s Time to Exit 22:20 Where to Find Value and Cash Flow Post-Budget 25:24 Could Small-Scale Development Be the Next Strategy? 30:04 Why Apartments and Oversupplied Markets Are Risky 33:51 The Valuation Trap That Can Blow Up Your Portfolio 38:38 The Key Lessons for Investors Moving Forward About the Guest Lachlan Delahunty is the Founder and Director at Follio and a property professional with over a decade of experience across valuation, real estate, and buyer’s agency. He started his career as a property valuer, spending seven years assessing residential and commercial development assets, which gave him strong technical insight into how property is priced, analysed, and underwritten. In 2017, he transitioned into buyer’s agency, helping investors and home buyers make more informed, data-driven decisions. He also worked within a data-driven investment environment at Follio, further strengthening his ability to analyse market trends, assess risk, and apply structured, systems-based thinking to property selection. Having worked through multiple property cycles, including the post-GFC Melbourne market and Western Australia’s downturn, Lachlan focuses on fundamentals, downside protection, and long-term value rather than short-term sentiment. Today, he works with clients across Australia, combining valuation expertise, data analysis, and market insight to identify resilient, high-quality opportunities. He is a strong advocate for quality over quantity and cautions against speculative strategies and oversupplied markets. Connect with Lachlan LinkedIn | Lachlan Delahunty LinkedIn | Follio Website | Follio Work with Chris (Alcove) Business Webpage Link - https://alcove.com.au Email - hello@alcove.com.au Contact Alcove at: (1300 252683) Socials: LinkedIn (Alcove) - https://www.linkedin.com/company/alcovemb LinkedIn (Chris) - https://www.linkedin.com/in/christopherbates/ Instagram (Chris) - https://www.instagram.com/chrisbates_alcove/ ️ Book a chat with us! ️ Follow us on our socials! YouTube LinkedIn Instagram TikTok Enjoyed the podcast? Don't miss out on what's yet to come! Hit that subscription button, spread the word, and join us for more insightful discussions in real estate. Your journey starts now! Subscribe on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@street-secrets Subscribe on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/street-secrets/id1837331268 Subscribe on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/7sBYmpcuxCYwceQiHdBnaq?si=2Gdl60HRRWCBoUlcBHB0nA The information provided in this podcast is for general informational purposes only and should not be relied upon as financial, investment, or credit advice. It does not take into account your personal objectives, financial situation, or needs. You should consider the appropriateness of the information to your circumstances and seek advice from a licensed financial adviser, mortgage broker, or other qualified professional before making any decision. Canopy Private Pty Ltd holds Australian Credit Licence 558709.

  ListenShow Notes
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  Episode #48

  048: Brady Yoshia of Brady Marcs Buyers Advocacy | North Shore Sydney

  Aug 5, 202628 min

  “There's no one-size-fits-all. It's about understanding what's important to the buyer today—and what their life will look like five to ten years from now.” — Brady Yoshia Sydney's Upper North Shore has long been one of Australia's most desirable places to live, but behind its leafy streets and prestigious schools are dozens of unique micro-markets that require far more local knowledge than most buyers realise. This week, Chris Bates is joined by Brady Yoshia, founder of Brady Marcs Buyers Advocacy, who has spent more than two decades helping buyers navigate Sydney's property market. Drawing on her experience as both a selling agent and buyer's agent, Brady explains how understanding local streets, communities and future growth can dramatically change the outcome of a purchase. Together they explore everything from school catchments and downsizer demand to genuine off-market opportunities, redevelopment around transport hubs, hidden buying risks like bushfire zoning, mould and termites, and why emerging pockets such as West Pymble are becoming increasingly attractive. If you're considering buying anywhere on Sydney's Upper North Shore—or simply want to understand how experienced buyers agents think—this episode is packed with practical insights that could save you hundreds of thousands over the life of your property journey. Episode Highlights 01:23 – Brady Yoshia's Journey to Buyer's Agency 04:26 – Navigating the Upper North Shore's Micro-Markets 10:09 – Bushfire Zones: The Hidden Cost of Renovating 15:56 – How Working From Home Changed Buyer Priorities 17:45 – The Hidden Property Traps Buyers Overlook 20:45 – Why Agent Relationships Unlock Better Properties 22:32 – The Lifestyle Benefits Buyers Often Overlook 24:42 – How a Team Approach Gives Buyers an Edge 26:01 – Why Multigenerational Homes Are on the Rise 26:45 – Key Takeaways for Upper North Shore Buyers About the Guest Brady Yoshia is the founder and director of Brady Marcs Buyers Advocacy , specialising in Sydney's Upper North Shore and broader metropolitan market. After beginning her career in corporate training and telecommunications with Optus before owning her own retail businesses, Brady transitioned into real estate as a selling agent before moving into buyer's advocacy more than 15 years ago. Today, Brady leads a team of buyers agents across New South Wales, helping clients purchase family homes, investment properties and downsizer residences through strategic advice, deep local knowledge and long-standing relationships with selling agents. Known for her expertise across the Upper North Shore, Brady works closely with buyers to understand their long-term goals, identify genuine off-market opportunities and avoid costly purchasing mistakes that aren't obvious to the average buyer. Connect with Brady LinkedIn | Brady Yoshia LinkedIn | Brady Marcs Buyers Advisory Website | Brady Marcs Instagram | Brady Yoshia Work with Chris (Alcove) Business Webpage Link - https://alcove.com.au Email - hello@alcove.com.au Contact Alcove at: (1300 252683) Socials: LinkedIn (Alcove) - https://www.linkedin.com/company/alcovemb LinkedIn (Chris) - https://www.linkedin.com/in/christopherbates/ Instagram (Chris) - https://www.instagram.com/chrisbates_alcove/ ️ Book a chat with us! ️ Follow us on our socials! YouTube LinkedIn Instagram TikTok Enjoyed the podcast? Don't miss out on what's yet to come! Hit that subscription button, spread the word, and join us for more insightful discussions in real estate. Your journey starts now! Subscribe on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@street-secrets Subscribe on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/street-secrets/id1837331268 Subscribe on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/7sBYmpcuxCYwceQiHdBnaq?si=2Gdl60HRRWCBoUlcBHB0nA The information provided in this podcast is for general informational purposes only and should not be relied upon as financial, investment, or credit advice. It does not take into account your personal objectives, financial situation, or needs. You should consider the appropriateness of the information to your circumstances and seek advice from a licensed financial adviser, mortgage broker, or other qualified professional before making any decision. Canopy Private Pty Ltd holds Australian Credit Licence 558709.

  ListenShow Notes
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  Episode #47

  047: Celina Gregory of Buying Highlands | Southern Highlands

  Jul 29, 202637 min

  “It's not just about buying a property or a house—it's about helping people create the lifestyle they want.” — Celina Gregory The NSW South Coast and Southern Highlands have long attracted buyers looking for more space, a slower pace, and a better quality of life. But purchasing in these lifestyle markets comes with its own set of challenges—and local knowledge can make all the difference. In this episode, Chris Bates is joined by Celina Gregory, founder of Buying Highlands and Buying Highlands. With almost 20 years in real estate across both sales and buyer's advocacy, Celina shares how regional markets have changed since COVID and why understanding local nuances is essential when buying outside the city. Together, they unpack the realities of holiday homes, tree changes, hidden growth pockets, buyer psychology, and the practical considerations many purchasers don't think about until it's too late—from road access and community fit to bushfire risk, flood zones, and future resale appeal. If you're considering a move to regional NSW, searching for the perfect weekender, or simply want to make smarter property decisions, this episode is packed with practical advice that could save you time, money, and costly mistakes. Episode Highlights 02:17 – From Film Producer to Buyer's Agent 05:55 – The Truth About Holiday Rental Income 11:22 – Why Buyers Freeze in Today's Regional Market 16:00 – The Rural Property Mistakes Buyers Overlook 20:15 – Why Local Agents Give Buyers a Real Advantage 25:19 – Flood, Fire & Transport: Risks Buyers Must Know 29:39 – Choosing Properties That Stand the Test of Time 33:50 – How Local Knowledge Saves Buyers Thousands 36:03 – Final Advice for South Coast & Highlands Buyers About the Guest Celina Gregory is the founder of Buying South Coast and Buying Highlands , where she helps buyers secure lifestyle properties across the NSW South Coast and Southern Highlands. With nearly 20 years of experience in real estate, she has worked across residential sales, holiday rentals, and buyer's advocacy, giving her a comprehensive understanding of regional property markets. After beginning her career in real estate in 2007, Celina built extensive local knowledge through roles with leading agencies across the Northern Beaches, Southern Highlands, and South Coast. Her experience spans communities including Berry, Kiama, Wollongong, Kangaroo Valley and beyond, allowing her to guide buyers with insights that go far beyond online listings. Today, Celina specialises in helping lifestyle buyers, tree changers, and holiday home purchasers navigate regional markets with confidence. She is passionate about matching clients with not only the right property, but the right community and lifestyle, while helping them avoid the common pitfalls that come with buying in rural and coastal areas. Connect with Celina Website | Buying Highlands Instagram | Celina Gregory LinkedIn | The Savvy Bidders Facebook Page | The Savvy Bidders Instagram | The Savvy Bidders YouTube | The Savvy Bidders Website | The Savvy Bidders LinkedIn | Celina Gregory YouTube | Buying Highlands Facebook Page | Buying Highlands Instagram | Buying Highlands Work with Chris (Alcove) Business Webpage Link - https://alcove.com.au Email - hello@alcove.com.au Contact Alcove at: (1300 252683) Socials: LinkedIn (Alcove) - https://www.linkedin.com/company/alcovemb LinkedIn (Chris) - https://www.linkedin.com/in/christopherbates/ Instagram (Chris) - https://www.instagram.com/chrisbates_alcove/ ️ Book a chat with us! ️ Follow us on our socials! YouTube LinkedIn Instagram TikTok Enjoyed the podcast? Don't miss out on what's yet to come! Hit that subscription button, spread the word, and join us for more insightful discussions in real estate. Your journey starts now! Subscribe on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@street-secrets Subscribe on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/street-secrets/id1837331268 Subscribe on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/7sBYmpcuxCYwceQiHdBnaq?si=2Gdl60HRRWCBoUlcBHB0nA The information provided in this podcast is for general informational purposes only and should not be relied upon as financial, investment, or credit advice. It does not take into account your personal objectives, financial situation, or needs. You should consider the appropriateness of the information to your circumstances and seek advice from a licensed financial adviser, mortgage broker, or other qualified professional before making any decision. Canopy Private Pty Ltd holds Australian Credit Licence 558709.

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