How I Met My Broker

Buyer’s Agent of the Year 2026 – the Simon Loo blueprint

Most investors freeze when the market turns uncertain, but waiting for it to feel safe means you’re already too late. Simon Loo built his portfolio by doing the exact opposite – here’s the blueprint. On the How I Met My Broker podcast, hosts Hung Chuy and Liam Garman sit down with Simon Loo, who won Buyer’s Agent of the Year – Residential Investment at the inaugural Australian Buyers Agent Awards, to outline the strategy that helped him scale through uncertainty while others sat on the sidelines. Loo reveals how his early investing mistakes pushed him towards a fundamentals-driven approach focused on supply, demand, and buying below replacement cost. The trio breaks down how he capitalised during COVID-19, targeting overlooked markets while fear kept most investors inactive. Chuy also reflects on his own lessons from off-the-plan investing, reinforcing the importance of strategy, timing, and surrounding yourself with the right experts. The trio agrees that investors who build real wealth aren’t waiting for confidence to return; they’re acting before everyone else does.

The new AI playbook to earn more and borrow more with Andrew Morello from the Entourage

Borrowing power is no longer decided at the bank; it's being quietly shaped by artificial intelligence (AI), spending habits, and financial behaviour long before investors ever apply for a loan. On How I Met My Broker, hosts Liam Garman and Hung Chuy sit down with Andrew Morello, winner of The Apprentice Australia, to discuss how AI is reshaping the way investors build, protect, and lose borrowing capacity in today's market. Morello reveals that what used to take weeks of planning and analysis can now be done in hours, with AI accelerating everything from strategy development to financial modelling – giving some investors a serious speed advantage. The discussion also highlights a growing shift in lending, where AI and open banking tools are enabling lenders to delve deeper into real spending behaviour, meaning small financial habits can now directly influence borrowing outcomes. Chuy and Morello warn that investors who ignore this shift risk falling behind, as borrowing power becomes less about income alone and more about how intelligently finances are structured and managed. Ultimately, the trio shows a new reality for property investors: AI isn’t just a tool for efficiency – it’s becoming a gatekeeper to finance and growth.

Find It Before Everyone Else: Growth Markets & Execution Secrets | Ft. HTAG & Pinnacle

In this episode of the How I Met My Broker podcast, hosts Hung Chuy and Liam Garman are joined by HtAG’s Matija Djolic and Pinnacle Buyers Agents’ Michael Lezaja to unpack how investors can identify growth areas in today’s uncertain market. The discussion centres on rising interest rates and economic pressure, with a strong focus on why strategy and data matter more than ever. Djolic explains how data-driven insights can help predict market movements, while Lezaja highlights the importance of aligning investments with individual goals and experience. The pair stresses that factors such as affordability, supply constraints, and socioeconomic conditions are critical for identifying areas with both short- and long-term growth potential. The group also tackles the often-misunderstood role of housing commission properties, noting that while they can influence an area, they don’t automatically rule out strong investment opportunities. In some cases, buying near these areas at a discount can actually deliver solid long-term gains. The conversation also explores the importance of relationships in securing deals, particularly the role of working closely with agents to access off-market opportunities and buy at below-market prices. Looking across Australia, the experts point to Melbourne as a standout long-term prospect, supported by population growth and limited housing supply, despite recent momentum in markets like Perth and Brisbane. Overall, the episode reinforces that successful investing comes down to combining data, local knowledge and strategic execution to uncover opportunities, even in a challenging market.

Where to buy in 2026 – with REB Buyer’s Agent of the Year Dawn Fouhy

In this episode of How I Met My Broker, hosts Liam Garman and Strategic Brokers director Hung Chuy are joined by REB Buyer’s Agent of the Year Dawn Fouhy from Future Proof Property Advisory to unpack strategies for investing in 2026. The trio discuss the fast start to the year and the importance of timing, asset selection, and working with advisers who are active investors themselves. Fouhy outlines her philosophy of buying for the future owner-occupier, while Chuy emphasises the value of brokers who understand investing firsthand. They debate rentvesting versus owning a principal place of residence, agreeing that the right choice depends on life stage and market conditions. The conversation also explores buying through trusts, borrowing capacity, and the need for coordinated advice from brokers and accountants. Melbourne is flagged as a market with strong upside, particularly in growth corridors offering relative affordability. Fouhy and Chuy argue that investors should focus on fundamentals and timing rather than prestige, warning about the opportunity cost of overpriced blue-chip assets. They conclude that adaptability, research, and the right team are critical to navigating changing market conditions and building long-term wealth.

Top tips to supercharge your portfolio in 2026

In this episode of the How I Met My Broker podcast, co-hosts Liam Garman and Hung Chuy share essential strategies for investors, first home buyers, and developers navigating the property market. Chuy highlights the challenges of entering the market, including understanding initiatives such as the 5 per cent deposit scheme and shared equity programs, while cautioning against rushing purchases without proper planning. They explore investment strategies such as rentvesting, emphasising the importance of evaluating market conditions and performing financial analysis. Commercial real estate is also discussed, with advice on due diligence, tenant quality, and working with experienced buyer’s agents. For owners who want to sell, the co-hosts stress treating properties as business assets and selling underperforming properties strategically. The conversation also touches on property development, including navigating red tape, managing construction costs, dealing with unexpected delays, and ensuring a sufficient financial buffer.