Episode 38 - Unlocking Off-Market Property Deals & Smart Buying Strategies with Rich Harvey

🎯 Episode Synopsis:

In this power-packed episode of Finance This Property That, host Dion Fernandez sits down with Rich Harvey, veteran buyer’s agent and founder of Propertybuyer.com.au, for an eye-opening conversation on how to strategically build your property portfolio in 2025. Rich shares how his 25+ years of experience have shaped his proven methodology for uncovering off-market gems, negotiating smarter, and helping buyers make sound, long-term property decisions.

Whether you're a first-time investor or looking to scale your portfolio, this episode is loaded with actionable insights on aligning your finance strategy with your property goals, how to identify true off-market opportunities, and why working with the right team can fast-track your wealth-building journey.

📌 Episode Breakdown:

00:00 – 03:00 | Welcome & Introduction
Dion introduces the episode’s guest, Rich Harvey, and sets the tone for a deep dive into smart property buying, especially in challenging markets.

03:01 – 08:00 | Rich Harvey’s Backstory
Rich shares his journey into becoming one of Australia’s first buyer’s agents, the founding of Propertybuyer.com.au, and his mission to help people make better property decisions across all budget levels.

08:01 – 14:00 | The Off-Market Advantage
What is an off-market property? Rich breaks down the types (true off-market, agent-exclusive, and pre-market), how to access them, and why relationships in the industry are everything.

14:01 – 18:00 | Strategy First, Search Second
Rich outlines his team’s approach: starting with strategy, creating a buyer brief, and using research and location analysis to guide the purchase — not guesswork or emotion.

18:01 – 22:30 | Finance Meets Property
Dion and Rich explore how property and finance strategies must work hand-in-hand, from structuring loans to making tax-smart moves. They highlight the dangers of disjointed planning and the importance of building a team of aligned professionals.

22:31 – 26:30 | Case Study: Turning Drainage Issues into Deals
Rich shares a real-world example of negotiating $35K off a property price due to drainage concerns, only to find the fix cost less than $6K — a masterclass in negotiation and due diligence.

26:31 – 29:00 | Timeframes, Processes & Mindset Shifts
A look into Rich’s 7-step client process, average time to purchase (30–50 days), and why smart investors leverage experts to avoid “analysis paralysis.”

29:01 – 30:00 | Final Tips & Where to Connect
Rich shares his top 3 tips for buying in 2025, from overcoming procrastination to using lazy equity wisely. Plus, he introduces a new financial freedom calculator launching soon.

💡 Key Takeaways:

• Off-market doesn't mean secret; it means strategy.
• Successful investing starts with finance alignment, not just property hunting.
• A clear strategy, expert team, and decisive action beat guesswork every time.

🔗 Resources & Links:

• Propertybuyer.com.au
• Follow Rich on Instagram: @richharveybuyersagent
• Connect with Dion on Instagram: @dionfinancespecialist
• Visit: emergefinance.com.au

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