042: Scott McGeever of Property Searchers | Brisbane

042: Scott McGeever of Property Searchers | Brisbane

"Stick to quality. A quality asset will always appreciate, or at least hold its ground when the market softens." – Scott McGeever Few people have witnessed Brisbane's property evolution as closely as Scott McGeever. After starting as a valuer and becoming Brisbane's first buyer's agent in 1999, Scott has spent more than two decades helping buyers navigate changing markets, shifting trends, and major economic cycles. In this episode, Scott joins Chris Bates to reflect on Brisbane's journey from a relatively overlooked market to one of Australia's most talked-about property cities. They discuss the early 2000s boom, the post-flood stagnation years, the COVID surge, and the factors that continue to shape Brisbane's future. Scott also explains why street selection matters just as much as suburb selection, how infrastructure and development influence long-term performance, and why experience becomes even more valuable when markets become uncertain. Whether you're investing, upgrading your family home, or simply trying to understand Brisbane better, this conversation offers practical insights from someone who's seen it all. Listen now to learn what decades of market experience can teach you about making smarter property decisions. EPISODE HIGHLIGHTS 01:32 — How Brisbane's First Buyer's Agent Got Started 04:32 — 30 Years of Brisbane Property Cycles Explained 07:28 — Why Quality Assets Outperform Every Market 11:36 — Why Scott Returned to a Boutique Model 15:13 — Where Brisbane's Best Value Is Right Now 18:59 — Olympics, Apartments & Brisbane's Next Chapter 26:55 — How Development Shapes Future Property Growth 32:49 — Why Relationships Matter in Changing Markets ABOUT THE GUEST Scott McGeever is one of Australia's longest-serving buyer's agents and is widely regarded as Brisbane's first dedicated buyer's agent, having established his business in 1999. Before entering buyer advocacy, Scott worked as a government property valuer, specialising in land valuation and developing a deep understanding of Brisbane's property fundamentals. He later moved into private valuation and property advisory work before being introduced to the concept of buyer's agency through an overseas client relocating to Brisbane. Over the past 25+ years, Scott has helped buyers navigate multiple Brisbane property cycles, including the early-2000s boom, the GFC period, post-flood market stagnation, and the recent COVID-driven growth phase. Throughout his career, he has built his reputation around identifying quality assets, understanding street-level nuances, and helping clients avoid costly mistakes. Today, Scott works directly with clients in a highly personalised model, leveraging decades of local knowledge to help buyers secure quality property across Brisbane. CONNECT WITH SCOTT * LinkedIn | Scott McGeever [https://www.linkedin.com/in/scott-mcgeever-7232742/] * Instagram | Scott McGeever [https://www.instagram.com/scottmcgeever_buyersadvocate/] * Website | Property Searchers [https://propertysearchers.com.au/] WORK WITH CHRIS (ALCOVE) * Business Webpage Link - https://alcove.com.au * Email - hello@alcove.com.au [hello@alcove.com.au] * Contact Alcove at: (1300 252683) * Socials: * LinkedIn (Alcove) - https://www.linkedin.com/company/alcovemb [https://www.linkedin.com/company/alcovemb] * LinkedIn (Chris) - https://www.linkedin.com/in/christopherbates/ [https://www.linkedin.com/in/christopherbates/] * Instagram (Chris) - https://www.instagram.com/chrisbates_alcove/ [https://www.instagram.com/chrisbates_alcove/] 🗓️Book a chat with us! [https://meetings.hubspot.com/hello-at-alcove/cx-initial-discovery-call]🗓️ FOLLOW US ON OUR SOCIALS! * YouTube [https://www.youtube.com/@street-secrets] * LinkedIn [http://linkedin.com/company/108454250/] * Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/street_secrets_podcast/] * TikTok [https://www.tiktok.com/@street_secrets_podcast] 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 [https://www.youtube.com/@street-secrets] * Subscribe on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/street-secrets/id1837331268 [https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/street-secrets/id1837331268] * Subscribe on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/7sBYmpcuxCYwceQiHdBnaq?si=2Gdl60HRRWCBoUlcBHB0nA [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.

041: Michael Ramsay of The Advocates | Geelong - Bellerine Peninsula

“People say buyers' advocates help you buy the right house. They help you not buy the wrong house.” – Michael Ramsay Geelong and the Bellarine Peninsula have transformed from lifestyle destinations into some of Australia's most talked-about property markets. But beneath the headlines, local knowledge still matters more than ever. Chris Bates is joined by Michael Ramsay, one of Australia's longest-serving buyer's advocates, who has spent nearly 30 years helping buyers secure property across Melbourne, Geelong, the Bellarine Peninsula and the Surf Coast. They discuss the migration of Melbourne buyers to coastal Victoria, the lifestyle differences between the Bellarine and Surf Coast, Geelong's long-term growth prospects, school zones, prestige pockets, and why local relationships remain critical when buying property. Whether you're an investor, upgrader, sea-changer or first-home buyer, this episode offers an insider's perspective on one of Victoria's most dynamic regions. EPISODE HIGHLIGHTS 01:12 – Meet Michael Ramsay: 28 Years in Property 04:32 – Lessons from Melbourne’s Inner-City Market 06:39 – Spotting Opportunity on the Bellarine 13:09 – Surf Coast or Bellarine: Where Buyers Choose 14:35 – Land Tax: Real Impact or Overblown Concern? 17:16 – The Mistakes Coastal Buyers Keep Making 20:28 – Acreage Living: Lifestyle vs Investment 23:20 – How Schools Shape Local Property Demand 25:10 – Geelong vs Coastal Living: What Buyers Prefer 31:10 – Why Geelong Still Has Strong Fundamentals 35:52 – How Agent Relationships Unlock Better Deals 38:02 – The Trust Factor in Property Negotiations 41:08 – Michael’s Final Advice for Buyers ABOUT THE GUEST Michael Ramsay is one of Australia's longest-serving buyer's advocates, having started his buyer's advocacy business in 1998 after a decade in residential real estate sales. He began his career selling real estate in Melbourne before becoming a partner at RT Edgar, eventually leaving sales to represent buyers exclusively. Michael spent approximately 14 years operating in Melbourne before relocating to the Bellarine Peninsula, where he now specialises in Geelong, the Bellarine Peninsula and the Surf Coast markets. He was also a founding figure behind REBAA (Real Estate Buyers Agents Association of Australia), helping establish professional standards within the buyer's advocacy industry. Throughout his career, Michael has built a reputation for deep local knowledge, strong agent relationships, and helping buyers avoid costly property mistakes. CONNECT WITH MICHAEL * LinkedIn | Michael Ramsay [https://www.linkedin.com/in/michael-ramsay-20b494139/] * LinkedIn | The Advocates Property Advisory [https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-advocates-property-advisory/] WORK WITH CHRIS (ALCOVE) * Business Webpage Link - https://alcove.com.au * Email - hello@alcove.com.au [hello@alcove.com.au] * Contact Alcove at: (1300 252683) * Socials: * LinkedIn (Alcove) - https://www.linkedin.com/company/alcovemb [https://www.linkedin.com/company/alcovemb] * LinkedIn (Chris) - https://www.linkedin.com/in/christopherbates/ [https://www.linkedin.com/in/christopherbates/] * Instagram (Chris) - https://www.instagram.com/chrisbates_alcove/ [https://www.instagram.com/chrisbates_alcove/] 🗓️Book a chat with us! [https://meetings.hubspot.com/hello-at-alcove/cx-initial-discovery-call]🗓️ FOLLOW US ON OUR SOCIALS! * YouTube [https://www.youtube.com/@street-secrets] * LinkedIn [http://linkedin.com/company/108454250/] * Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/street_secrets_podcast/] * TikTok [https://www.tiktok.com/@street_secrets_podcast] 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 [https://www.youtube.com/@street-secrets] * Subscribe on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/street-secrets/id1837331268 [https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/street-secrets/id1837331268] * Subscribe on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/7sBYmpcuxCYwceQiHdBnaq?si=2Gdl60HRRWCBoUlcBHB0nA [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.

040: Ying Chan of Eclipse Property Advisory | Melbourne - North East

“The key word is lifestyle. That’s been really, really valuable to buyers post-COVID.” – Ying Chan Melbourne’s Outer East has quietly become one of the city’s most desirable regions for families, owner-occupiers and long-term investors. With strong schools, established communities, larger blocks and access to some of Victoria’s best lifestyle amenities, demand continues to evolve beyond the traditional inner-city focus. In this episode, Chris Bates sits down with Ying Chan, Director of Eclipse Property and a buyer’s advocate with more than 14 years of experience helping clients navigate Melbourne’s property market. Together they unpack the suburbs driving demand across Ringwood, Croydon, Blackburn, Knox, Warrandyte and Park Orchards, why school catchments matter so much, and how changing work patterns have increased demand for larger homes and lifestyle-focused locations. Ying also shares her perspective on Melbourne’s current market conditions, the opportunities available to upsizers, and the importance of taking a long-term view when making property decisions. Whether you're buying a home, investing, or simply trying to understand where Melbourne is headed next, this conversation offers valuable on-the-ground insights from one of the city's most experienced advocates. EPISODE HIGHLIGHTS 01:52 – From Banking To Buyer Advocacy: Ying Chan’s Journey 03:01 – Building A Buyer’s Agency Team That Delivers 05:48 – Why Melbourne’s Outer East Keeps Attracting Buyers 07:41 – The Schools, Transport & Growth Formula 11:30 – Blackburn vs Warrandyte: The Post-COVID Shift 14:58 – The Lifestyle Villages Buyers Are Chasing 16:47 – Land, Growth & The Investor Playbook 18:41 – Mid-Century Gems And Architectural Hidden Treasures 20:26 – Multicultural Demand And Local Area Intelligence 26:01 – Agent Relationships That Unlock Better Deals 30:10 – Why Melbourne’s Market Still Offers Opportunity 38:21 – Final Thoughts On Melbourne’s Outer East ABOUT THE GUEST Ying Chan is the Director of Eclipse Property and has worked as a buyer’s advocate for more than 14 years. Prior to founding her own business, she worked in insurance serving medical professionals and began her career through ANZ’s graduate program, giving her strong experience across banking, lending, valuations and finance. Before launching Eclipse Property, Ying worked as a buyer’s and vendor’s advocate within a national property valuation firm, helping build a deep understanding of Melbourne’s property market and valuation processes. Today, she leads a growing team that assists home buyers and investors across Melbourne, with particular expertise in the city’s eastern suburbs. Her approach combines detailed local market knowledge, strategic property selection and long-term planning to help clients make confident property decisions. CONNECT WITH YING CHAN * LinkedIn - Ying Chan [https://www.linkedin.com/in/chanying/] * LinkedIn - Eclipse Property [https://www.linkedin.com/company/eclipsepropertyadvisory/] * Instagram - Eclipse Property [https://www.instagram.com/eclipseproperty/] * Website - Eclipse Property Advisory [https://eclipseproperty.com.au/] * Facebook Page - Ying Chan [https://www.facebook.com/ying.chan.526438/] * Facebook Page - Eclipse Property [https://www.facebook.com/eclipsepropertyadvisory] WORK WITH CHRIS (ALCOVE) * Business Webpage Link - https://alcove.com.au * Email - hello@alcove.com.au [hello@alcove.com.au] * Contact Alcove at: (1300 252683) * Socials: * LinkedIn (Alcove) - https://www.linkedin.com/company/alcovemb [https://www.linkedin.com/company/alcovemb] * LinkedIn (Chris) - https://www.linkedin.com/in/christopherbates/ [https://www.linkedin.com/in/christopherbates/] * Instagram (Chris) - https://www.instagram.com/chrisbates_alcove/ [https://www.instagram.com/chrisbates_alcove/] 🗓️Book a chat with us! [https://meetings.hubspot.com/hello-at-alcove/cx-initial-discovery-call]🗓️ FOLLOW US ON OUR SOCIALS! * YouTube [https://www.youtube.com/@street-secrets] * LinkedIn [http://linkedin.com/company/108454250/] * Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/street_secrets_podcast/] * TikTok [https://www.tiktok.com/@street_secrets_podcast] 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 [https://www.youtube.com/@street-secrets] * Subscribe on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/street-secrets/id1837331268 [https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/street-secrets/id1837331268] * Subscribe on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/7sBYmpcuxCYwceQiHdBnaq?si=2Gdl60HRRWCBoUlcBHB0nA [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.

039: Chris Curtis of Curtis Associates | Inner City - Sydney

“Scarcity drives value… and most people don’t understand what real scarcity looks like.” – Chris Curtis Inner city Sydney is one of the most competitive and misunderstood property markets in Australia. In this episode, Chris Curtis breaks down what actually drives value—and where buyers get it wrong. With over 20 years as a buyer’s agent (and a background as a barrister and Macquarie Bank executive), Chris shares how trust, off-market access, and deep due diligence separate good deals from costly mistakes. From Potts Point to Surry Hills, he explains what buyers should be looking for—and what to avoid. We dive into downsizer demand, why many developments are missing the mark, the risks hiding in strata, and how planning changes like LMR and TOD are reshaping the market. If you’re buying or investing in Sydney’s inner city, this episode will sharpen how you assess value, risk, and long-term upside. EPISODE HIGHLIGHTS 01:09 – From Barrister To Sydney Buyer’s Agent 03:54 – Buyer’s Agent Regulation Crisis Explained 05:14 – Why Trust Matters More Than Transactions 07:00 – Off-Market Access Through Agent Relationships 09:16 – What’s Driving Sydney’s Inner-City Demand? 09:46 – Budget Changes, Tax Risks & Owner-Occupiers 12:43 – Downsizers, Developers & Market Disconnects 16:12 – Why Affordable Housing Isn’t Affordable 19:30 – Rethinking Space: The Case For Vertical Living 23:24 – Scarcity Drives Value: The Estate Trap 25:01 – Finding Scarcity In Sydney Apartment Markets 27:23 – Due Diligence Mistakes That Cost Millions 29:31 – AI, Property Research & Off-Market Myths 31:19 – LMR, TODs & The Planning Uncertainty Ahead ABOUT THE GUEST Chris Curtis is the founder of Curtis Associates and a highly experienced buyer’s agent specialising in Sydney’s inner city property market. Before becoming a buyer’s agent over 20 years ago, Chris spent 17 years as a barrister and later worked in property at Macquarie Bank. His career blends legal, financial, and property expertise, giving him a unique edge in high-stakes acquisitions. Chris has acted for a wide range of high-profile clients, including senior legal figures and executives, with over 85% of his business coming from repeat clients and referrals. He is known for his conflict-free approach, deep off-market access (often sourcing 90–95% of deals this way), and a strong focus on fiduciary duty—prioritising client outcomes over transactions. CONNECT WITH CHRIS * Website - Curtis Associates [https://www.curtisassociates.com.au/] * Facebook Page - Curtis Associates [https://www.facebook.com/CurtisAssociates] * LinkedIn - Chirs Curtis [https://www.linkedin.com/in/chriscurtisgr8buy/] * LinkedIn - Curtis Associates [https://www.linkedin.com/company/curtis-associates/] WORK WITH CHRIS (ALCOVE) * Business Webpage Link - https://alcove.com.au * Email - hello@alcove.com.au [hello@alcove.com.au] * Contact Alcove at: (1300 252683) * Socials: * LinkedIn (Alcove) - https://www.linkedin.com/company/alcovemb [https://www.linkedin.com/company/alcovemb] * LinkedIn (Chris) - https://www.linkedin.com/in/christopherbates/ [https://www.linkedin.com/in/christopherbates/] * Instagram (Chris) - https://www.instagram.com/chrisbates_alcove/ [https://www.instagram.com/chrisbates_alcove/] 🗓️Book a chat with us! [https://meetings.hubspot.com/hello-at-alcove/cx-initial-discovery-call]🗓️ FOLLOW US ON OUR SOCIALS! * YouTube [https://www.youtube.com/@street-secrets] * LinkedIn [http://linkedin.com/company/108454250/] * Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/street_secrets_podcast/] * TikTok [https://www.tiktok.com/@street_secrets_podcast] 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 [https://www.youtube.com/@street-secrets] * Subscribe on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/street-secrets/id1837331268 [https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/street-secrets/id1837331268] * Subscribe on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/7sBYmpcuxCYwceQiHdBnaq?si=2Gdl60HRRWCBoUlcBHB0nA [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.

038: Steve Palise of Palise Property | Nationwide (Commercial)

“Commercial outperforms — you get three times the cash flow and the same capital growth.” – Steve Palise Commercial property is gaining serious momentum—but most investors still don’t understand how it really works. In this episode, Steve Palise breaks down why commercial assets are outperforming on paper, and where investors go wrong chasing yield without understanding risk. Steve shares his journey from engineer to building a portfolio across 1,000+ residential and hundreds of commercial deals, along with how he evaluates assets, tenants, and locations beyond surface-level metrics. We dive into key concepts like vacancy risk, tenant quality, yield compression, and why due diligence in commercial is significantly more complex than residential—covering everything from lease reviews to tenant financials. If you’re considering commercials—or want to avoid costly mistakes—this episode gives you a clear framework to think smarter about risk, return, and long-term strategy. EPISODE HIGHLIGHTS 01:12 Meet Steve Palise: The Commercial Specialist 03:17 Commercial vs Residential: Key Differences 08:01 How to Analyse Commercial Deals Properly 10:25 What Happens When Commercial Deals Fail 12:46 Vacancy Risk Most Investors Ignore 14:29 Price Points, Tenants, and Risk Levels 17:32 Commercial Value-Add Strategies Explained 20:18 The Overconfidence Trap in Commercial 21:57 Real Example: Shopping Centre Returns 25:57 Why Industrial Showrooms Are in Demand 27:11 Inside a 40-Hour Due Diligence Process 29:13 Hidden Costs: Insurance and Outgoings 33:22 Why Demand Matters More Than Tenants 34:44 Supply, Growth, and Risk Explained 36:44 Supply Constraints and Tenant Demand 38:51 Budget Impact and Investor Trends ABOUT THE GUEST Steve Palise is the founder of Palise Property and a commercial-focused buyer’s agent with experience across more than 2,000 property transactions, including 1,200+ residential and 800+ commercial deals. Originally trained as a structural and mechanical design engineer, Steve transitioned into property investing after building his own residential portfolio, starting with a purchase in Western Sydney in 2012. He later helped scale a buyer’s agency to a 25–30 person team before launching his own business, where he became known for his data-driven approach and deep expertise in commercial property analysis. Steve is widely recognised for educating investors on commercial property, having authored one of the first widely distributed books on the topic and giving away over 50,000 copies. His investment philosophy focuses on cash flow, tenant quality, and rigorous due diligence—often involving 20–40 hours of analysis per deal. CONNECT WITH STEVE * LinkedIn - Steve Palise [https://www.linkedin.com/in/steve-palise/] * LinkedIn - Palise Property [https://www.linkedin.com/company/palise-property/] * Instagram - Palise Property [https://www.instagram.com/paliseproperty/] * YouTube - Steve Palise | Palise Property [https://www.youtube.com/@paliseproperty] * Website - Palise Property Buyers Agency [https://www.paliseproperty.com/] * Facebook Page - Palise Property [https://www.facebook.com/paliseproperty] WORK WITH CHRIS (ALCOVE) * Business Webpage Link - https://alcove.com.au * Email - hello@alcove.com.au [hello@alcove.com.au] * Contact Alcove at: (1300 252683) * Socials: * LinkedIn (Alcove) - https://www.linkedin.com/company/alcovemb [https://www.linkedin.com/company/alcovemb] * LinkedIn (Chris) - https://www.linkedin.com/in/christopherbates/ [https://www.linkedin.com/in/christopherbates/] * Instagram (Chris) - https://www.instagram.com/chrisbates_alcove/ [https://www.instagram.com/chrisbates_alcove/] 🗓️Book a chat with us! [https://meetings.hubspot.com/hello-at-alcove/cx-initial-discovery-call]🗓️ FOLLOW US ON OUR SOCIALS! * YouTube [https://www.youtube.com/@street-secrets] * LinkedIn [http://linkedin.com/company/108454250/] * Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/street_secrets_podcast/] * TikTok [https://www.tiktok.com/@street_secrets_podcast] 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 [https://www.youtube.com/@street-secrets] * Subscribe on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/street-secrets/id1837331268 [https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/street-secrets/id1837331268] * Subscribe on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/7sBYmpcuxCYwceQiHdBnaq?si=2Gdl60HRRWCBoUlcBHB0nA [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.