1 in 4 new builds fail their first inspection. Here's why that's actually not bad news.In this episode, Ed and Andrew sit down with Jeff Fahrensohn – Auckland Council's former inspections manager, now independent – for an honest look inside the build.You'll learn:The defects building inspectors find most often in new buildsThe questions investors don't even think to askThe documents smart investors demandThe biggest takeaway? Most new builds are good. You just need to know what to check.As mentioned in the episode, here is the link to Fahrensohn Building Consultants websiteBook a meeting to start your path to financial freedom with a detailed financial plan for $0.For more from Opes Partners:Sign up for the weekly Private Property newsletterInstagramTikTok
Jul 17
20 min
Every real estate agent seems to have an award. So how do you work out who's actually the best person to sell your home?In this episode, Ed and Andrew unpack what real estate awards really measure, why so many agents can call themselves "award-winning", and the simple checks that matter far more than a trophy. You'll learn:The truth behind real estate agent awards How so many agents end up with an award, and what those awards actually measure A simple checklist to choose the right agent, looking past the trophies The interesting part? The best agent for your home isn't necessarily the one with the most awards. Book a meeting with Opes Partners to start your path to financial freedom with a detailed financial plan for $0.For more from Opes Partners:Sign up for the weekly Private Property newsletterInstagramTikTok
Jul 16
10 min
You've paid the deposit. Then the developer goes bust.What happens next? In this episode, Ed and Andrew unpack one of the biggest risks of buying a new build ... and the simple checks that could save you tens of thousands of dollars. You'll learn:How buyers can lose hundreds of thousands of dollars before a house is even built The one line in your contract that decides whether you get your deposit back When even a Master Build Guarantee won't save you Sometimes the biggest risk isn't the house itself. It's the contract you sign before construction even begins.Book a meeting with Opes Partners to start your path to financial freedom with a detailed financial plan for $0.For more from Opes Partners:Sign up for the weekly Private Property newsletterInstagramTikTok
Jul 15
13 min
There are hundreds of managed funds in New Zealand. So how do you know which one is right for you?In this episode, Ed and Andrew break down the simple checks every investor should make before choosing a managed fund ... and the red flags that could save you from making an expensive mistake. You'll learn: The 5 checks to make before choosing a managed fund The one safety check to do before handing over your money Why a fund with the best returns isn't always the best investment The important catch? Choosing a fund isn't about finding last year's winner. It's about understanding what you're actually investing in.And you can check out Frank Wealth here.Book a meeting with Opes Partners to start your path to financial freedom with a detailed financial plan for $0.For more from Opes Partners:Sign up for the weekly Private Property newsletterInstagramTikTok
Jul 14
20 min
You've saved your deposit. Now comes the harder question: should you use your cash or your equity?In this episode, Ed and Andrew compare both strategies using real numbers, showing why the answer isn't always as obvious as it first seems. You'll learn: Whether to use cash or equity for your next investment property deposit A full worked example showing what the numbers actually look like The counter-intuitive decision most experienced investors make The best choice isn't always the one that makes a single property look better. It's the one that puts your overall financial position ahead. And if you want to talk to one of our mortgage advisers, just reach out to Opes Mortgages for a free meeting.For more from Opes Partners:Sign up for the weekly Private Property newsletterInstagramTikTok
Jul 13
13 min
I bought 3 investment properties right at the top of the market. Then house prices fell. So, do I regret it?In this episode, Ed puts his own property portfolio under the microscope and answers the question many investors have asked themselves over the last few years. You'll learn:Whether Ed regrets buying 3 properties near the market peak The maths he uses to stay focused during market downturns The 7-question framework that can help determine whether property investing is right for you The biggest factor isn't whether you bought at the perfect time. It's whether your investment strategy matches your risk tolerance and how long you're prepared to hold.Try out the Opes Long Term Growth calculator for yourself.And try out Ed's Risk Quiz here.And if you want to talk to one of our mortgage advisers, just reach out to Opes Mortgages for a free meeting.For more from Opes Partners:Sign up for the weekly Private Property newsletterInstagramTikTok
Jul 12
17 min
They moved to the UAE.An overseas move changed their property journey in a completely different direction.In this Case Study Sunday, Bridget shares how two owner-occupied homes became part of a long-term investment plan. You'll learn: How two owner-occupied homes became investment properties What it's really like managing two rentals from overseas How Bridget and her partner are working towards buying a third property The best investment plan isn't always the one you started with. It's the one you adapt as life changes.And if you want to talk to one of our mortgage advisers, just reach out to Opes Mortgages for a free meeting.For more from Opes Partners:Sign up for the weekly Private Property newsletterInstagramTikTok
Jul 11
15 min
Think your property is worth more than it really is? That mistake could stop your next mortgage application before it even gets started.In this episode, Ed and Andrew explain why so many investors overestimate their property's value, how it affects your borrowing power, and the simple check to make before you walk into the bank. You'll learn: The one mistake that can kill your mortgage application Why investors often overestimate their property's value The one thing to do before applying for your next loan Guessing your property's value is easy. Knowing what the bank thinks it's worth is what really matters.And if you want to talk to one of our mortgage advisers, just reach out to Opes Mortgages for a free meeting.For more from Opes Partners:Sign up for the weekly Private Property newsletterInstagramTikTok
Jul 10
12 min
Most people have one bank account for everything.Ed used to have five. Now he does it differently.In this episode, Ed and Andrew compare the famous Barefoot Investor bucket system with how they actually manage their money today ... and what really matters when setting up your bank accounts. You'll learn: A simple way to set up your bank accounts to manage money better How real property investors organise their bank accounts in 2026 What the science says about managing your money well Big lesson here? There's no perfect bank account setup. The best system is the one you'll actually stick to.Book a meeting to start your path to financial freedom with a detailed financial plan for $0.For more from Opes Partners:Sign up for the weekly Private Property newsletterInstagramTikTok
Jul 9
17 min
The Reserve Bank just lifted the OCR.So what does that actually mean for your mortgage?In this episode, Ed and Andrew unpack the latest OCR decision, why the Reserve Bank made the move, and what it means for interest rates in the months ahead. You'll learn: What the Reserve Bank's latest OCR decision means How much your mortgage rate could change The interest rate discounts investors are getting right now An OCR change makes headlines. But what really matters is how it flows through to the rates you'll actually pay.And if you want to talk to one of our mortgage advisers, just reach out to Opes Mortgages for a free meeting.For more from Opes Partners:Sign up for the weekly Private Property newsletterInstagramTikTok
Jul 8
13 min
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