In this episode of the Buy Your Side podcast, Michelle reflects on the year that was in Sydney’s property market, shares her top tip for buyers priced out of the Inner West, and explains why strata reports are non‑negotiable if you’re considering units or townhouses. She also looks ahead to 2026, unpacking lending changes, interest rate pressures, and what they could mean for buyers.
They unpack the entire process, from building your A-team of experts and getting your borrowing capacity sorted, to understanding exit strategies, navigating incentives, and steering clear of risky purchases. Sam also shares her refreshing, neuro-affirming approach to helping clients feel supported and confident throughout their home-buying journey.
Together, Michelle and Sam talk about common first-home buyer pitfalls (hello, AI mortgage “advice” ), the realities of market caps and government schemes, and the importance of planning for life’s “what ifs.” Whether you’re buying solo, with a partner, or with family support, this episode gives you the clarity and confidence to take your first steps on the property ladder, the smart way.
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In this episode of the Buy Your Side podcast, Michelle reflects on the year that was in Sydney’s property market, shares her top tip for buyers priced out of the Inner West, and explains why strata reports are non‑negotiable if you’re considering units or townhouses. She also looks ahead to 2026, unpacking lending changes, interest rate pressures, and what they could mean for buyers.
They unpack the entire process, from building your A-team of experts and getting your borrowing capacity sorted, to understanding exit strategies, navigating incentives, and steering clear of risky purchases. Sam also shares her refreshing, neuro-affirming approach to helping clients feel supported and confident throughout their home-buying journey.
Together, Michelle and Sam talk about common first-home buyer pitfalls (hello, AI mortgage “advice” ), the realities of market caps and government schemes, and the importance of planning for life’s “what ifs.” Whether you’re buying solo, with a partner, or with family support, this episode gives you the clarity and confidence to take your first steps on the property ladder, the smart way.
In this episode of the Buy Your Side podcast, Michelle reflects on the year that was in Sydney’s property market, shares her top tip for buyers priced out of the Inner West, and explains why strata reports are non‑negotiable if you’re considering units or townhouses. She also looks ahead to 2026, unpacking lending changes, interest rate pressures, and what they could mean for buyers.
They unpack the entire process, from building your A-team of experts and getting your borrowing capacity sorted, to understanding exit strategies, navigating incentives, and steering clear of risky purchases. Sam also shares her refreshing, neuro-affirming approach to helping clients feel supported and confident throughout their home-buying journey.
Together, Michelle and Sam talk about common first-home buyer pitfalls (hello, AI mortgage “advice” ), the realities of market caps and government schemes, and the importance of planning for life’s “what ifs.” Whether you’re buying solo, with a partner, or with family support, this episode gives you the clarity and confidence to take your first steps on the property ladder, the smart way.
In this episode of the Buy Your Side podcast, Michelle chats with Sam Neville, mortgage broker and founder of I Am Lending, about what first-home buyers need to know before they take the leap into property ownership.
They unpack the entire process, from building your A-team of experts and getting your borrowing capacity sorted, to understanding exit strategies, navigating incentives, and steering clear of risky purchases. Sam also shares her refreshing, neuro-affirming approach to helping clients feel supported and confident throughout their home-buying journey.
Together, Michelle and Sam talk about common first-home buyer pitfalls (hello, AI mortgage “advice” ), the realities of market caps and government schemes, and the importance of planning for life’s “what ifs.” Whether you’re buying solo, with a partner, or with family support, this episode gives you the clarity and confidence to take your first steps on the property ladder, the smart way.
In this episode of the Buy Your Side podcast, Michelle May is joined by Ben Stammer, co-founder of ReLove, to explore how one simple idea — giving pre-loved furniture a second life — has grown into a movement that’s transforming homes and lives across Sydney.
ReLove connects high-quality furniture and homewares that might otherwise end up in landfill with families moving into safe housing after crisis. From women and children escaping domestic violence, to people experiencing homelessness, ReLove furnishes homes with dignity, care, and choice.
Michelle and Ben discuss:
How ReLove began with a small community project and now furnishes over 1,000 homes a year.
Why choice and dignity are central to helping people rebuild their lives.
The creative ways corporate office furniture is being repurposed into beds, dining tables, and storage.
The environmental impact of saving 2,500+ tonnes of furniture from landfill.
How community volunteers and corporate partners are vital in making this work possible.
ReLove’s plans to expand across NSW and beyond, bringing hope to even more families.
Michelle also shares her personal reflections after visiting ReLove’s Alexandria warehouse — describing it as a warm, welcoming space that feels more like a beautifully styled store than a charity. It’s not just about beds and sofas; it’s about the little touches — cushions, fabrics, lamps, and knick-knacks — that make a house feel like home.
Whether you’re moving house, downsizing, or simply want to make a difference, this conversation will inspire you to think differently about what you do with your furniture and how you can be part of creating homes filled with kindness.
Noise isn’t just an annoyance, it can affect your wellbeing, disrupt your daily life, and even reduce your property’s value. In this episode, Michelle is joined by Jason Ratcliffe, The Wellbeing Surveyor, to unpack the hidden ways noise pollution creeps into your home and what you can do about it. From flight paths and busy roads to noisy neighbours and poor building design, they cover practical fixes, smart compromises, and the red flags to look for before you buy. If you’re searching for a property and want to avoid “the sound of regret,” this conversation is essential listening.
Noise isn’t just an annoyance, it can affect your wellbeing, disrupt your daily life, and even reduce your property’s value. In this episode, Michelle is joined by Jason Ratcliffe, The Wellbeing Surveyor, to unpack the hidden ways noise pollution creeps into your home and what you can do about it. From flight paths and busy roads to noisy neighbours and poor building design, they cover practical fixes, smart compromises, and the red flags to look for before you buy. If you’re searching for a property and want to avoid “the sound of regret,” this conversation is essential listening.
In this episode, Michelle shares a recent experience that reveals just how critical pre-approval is when buying property, especially in Sydney’s fast paced market.
Michelle dives into how timing, finance readiness and clear communication can either make or break a deal, and why having your finances in order isn’t just a box to tick.
You'll learn why pre-approval is a non-negotiable in a hot market, the risks of makinga an offer without unconditional finance, what a 66W is and why you need one, and how Buyer's Agents leverage relationships with selling agents.
In this episode, Michelle is joined once again by Jason Ratcliffe, The Wellbeing Surveyor and host of the Heal Your Home podcast.
Together, they explore the power of plants and how what you grow both inside and outside can significantly impact your home’s health, air quality, and even its structure. Whether you’re a proud plant parent or a serial over waterer, this conversation is full of practical insights to help you create a healthier, more harmonious living environment. In this episode you will learn why some plants do more harm than good, the biggest myth about watering that's killing your houseplants, which plants are best for purifying indoor air and a whole lot more!
In this episode, you'll learn why the smell of fresh paint might be hiding something more serious, the surprising reason new homes can pose bigger risks than older ones, how building materials in your home could be affecting your health, practical ways to create a healthier home for you and your family, and the essential role of ventilation and every day cleaning products in your wellbeing.
In this episode, you'll learn why the smell of fresh paint might be hiding something more serious, the surprising reason new homes can pose bigger risks than older ones, how building materials in your home could be affecting your health, practical ways to create a healthier home for you and your family, and the essential role of ventilation and every day cleaning products in your wellbeing.
In this episode, you'll learn why new homes and renovations can still be mould traps, the difference between a B&P inspection and a proper mould inspection, five key things to check before stepping inside a property, what not to be fooled by in property listings and open homes and why bleach won't solve your mould problem.
In this episode of the Buy Your Side podcast, Michelle reflects on the year that was in Sydney’s property market, shares her top tip for buyers priced out of the Inner West, and explains why strata reports are non‑negotiable if you’re considering units or townhouses. She also looks ahead to 2026, unpacking lending changes, interest rate pressures, and what they could mean for buyers.
They unpack the entire process, from building your A-team of experts and getting your borrowing capacity sorted, to understanding exit strategies, navigating incentives, and steering clear of risky purchases. Sam also shares her refreshing, neuro-affirming approach to helping clients feel supported and confident throughout their home-buying journey.
Together, Michelle and Sam talk about common first-home buyer pitfalls (hello, AI mortgage “advice” ), the realities of market caps and government schemes, and the importance of planning for life’s “what ifs.” Whether you’re buying solo, with a partner, or with family support, this episode gives you the clarity and confidence to take your first steps on the property ladder, the smart way.
