In this episode In this episode, Michelle speaks with mortgage broker Serena Lu from The Funding Lab to unpack what rising interest rates really mean for buyers, homeowners and investors. Serena explains how rate increases flow through to repayments, borrowing capacity and lender behaviour — and why pre‑approval timing is more critical than ever in a fast‑changing market.

They explore how banks assess different borrower profiles, why valuations are becoming more conservative, and how issues like cladding, waterproofing defects and work orders can impact lending outcomes. Serena also outlines the practical financial‑hygiene steps buyers should take before applying, and why online calculators often give misleading results.

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In this episode Michelle talks about Efflorescence, which is one of those issues most buyers walk straight past — a bit of white dust on tiles, a patch on a balcony, something that looks like it just needs a good scrub. In this episode, Michelle explains why it’s anything but minor, and why recognising it early can save you from buying into a building with serious (and expensive) structural problems.

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In this episode Michelle breaks down one of the biggest sources of confusion for property buyers: price guides, what they really represent, and why they often fail to reflect a property’s true selling price. She explains the recent NSW legislative changes around mandatory price guides and comparable sales, highlights the ongoing gap between advertised guides and undisclosed vendor reserves, and shares how buyer demand, seller motivation and campaign dynamics all influence the final outcome. With practical guidance on assessing comparable sales, asking the right questions, and understanding seller expectations, Michelle shows buyers how to cut through the noise, avoid wasting time on unrealistic campaigns, and approach the market with clarity, strategy and confidence.

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In this bonus International Women’s Day episode, Michelle is joined again by Nikki Montaser, director of Front Door Property and one of Sydney’s most trusted property managers. Together, they explore the realities women face in the rental market — from building financial independence to overcoming the barriers that too often hold women back from securing a safe, stable home.

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In this episode, Michelle is joined by Nikki Montaser, director of Front Door Property and one of Sydney’s most respected property managers. Together, they unpack what really happens behind the scenes in the rental market — and the small, often‑overlooked things that can make or break a tenant’s application, experience and long‑term success.

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In this episode, Michelle is joined by Brenda Gately, licensed conveyancer and founder of Gately Conveyancing. Together, they lift the veil on what really happens behind the scenes of a property purchase — and the contract traps, legal risks and hidden clauses every buyer needs to understand before they sign.

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This episode focuses on why density is a critical factor in property buying decisions, even for owner‑occupiers. Michelle May explains that your home is not just shelter but your biggest investment, and zoning changes or government overrides can dramatically reshape suburbs, impacting both lifestyle and property values. She highlights how high‑density developments can reduce scarcity, limit capital growth, and create buyer competition, while also bringing hidden costs like higher strata levies and maintenance fees.

The episode cautions against buying new or off‑the‑plan apartments, which often stagnate in value, and stresses the importance of thorough due diligence to balance lifestyle needs with smart investment choices.

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This episode kicks off the new year by debunking common property myths that often mislead buyers. It highlights why off‑market deals aren’t always the best option, the realities of auctions, and challenges the idea that buying the “worst house on the best street” is always smart.

Listeners learn how to spot misleading marketing, why waiting for the “perfect timing” rarely works, and gain practical tips to cut through noise and buy with confidence.

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Welcome to the final episode of the year! 2025 has been a wild ride for buyers, and I’m here to share what’s happened and what’s ahead.

Buying property is about playing the long game. You can change the paint, the kitchen, even the floor plan – but you can’t change the location. Be strategic, be patient, and don’t let FOMO push you into a bad investment.

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Buying your first home can feel overwhelming, but it doesn’t have to be. In this episode of the Buy Your Side podcast, Michelle chats with mortgage broker Sam Neville from I Am Lending about what every first-home buyer should know before they start house-hunting.

From understanding how much you can borrow and building your support team, to navigating incentives, using AI wisely, and planning for the “what ifs,” this conversation is packed with practical advice and real-world insights to help you make confident, informed property decisions.

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In this episode of Buy Your Side, Michelle speaks with Ben Stammer from ReLove, a Sydney charity turning pre-loved furniture into fresh starts for families. Discover how kindness, choice, and community are helping create homes filled with dignity and hope.

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Townhouses are one of Sydney’s most underrated property types. In this episode, Michelle May explains why they can be the perfect middle ground between an apartment and a house, often offering more space, better value, and clever opportunities to add future potential.

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In this episode of Buy Your Side, Michelle is joined by Jason Ratcliffe, The Wellbeing Surveyor, to talk about the impact noise can have on your comfort, health, and property’s value. From flight paths and main roads to noisy neighbours and poor building design, they share practical solutions, smart compromises, and the red flags to look out for before you buy. If you want to make a sound investment (pun intended) and avoid the noise-related regrets many buyers face, this episode is a must-listen.

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In this episode of Buy Your Side, Michelle May shares why getting your pre-approval in place before you fall in love with a property isn’t just good advice, it’s non-negotiable.

Michelle, principal of Michelle May Buyers Agents in Sydney, pulls back the curtain on a situation that went from full steam ahead to full stop, all because a buyer didn’t have their finance sorted.

If you’ve ever thought, “We’ll sort out the paperwork later” or “We’ll just see what’s out there first,” this episode is your wake-up call.

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Can plants really make or break your home’s health?
In this episode, Michelle is joined by Jason Ratcliffe, The Wellbeing Surveyor, to explore how indoor and outdoor plants can impact everything from air quality to property damage. From the best low-maintenance houseplants to the hidden risks of tree roots, this chat is packed with practical advice for anyone wanting a healthier home without the overwhelm.

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Ever wondered how to secure the right property without overpaying — even in a competitive market?

In this episode, Michelle shares a behind-the-scenes look at how she helped first home buyer clients beat the competition and buy their dream home before auction with smart strategy, not just money.

From uncovering the real value behind a misleading price guide to using timing, due diligence and favourable terms to win the deal, this real-life case study shows exactly what a buyers agent can do to take the stress and guesswork out of buying property.

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In this episode, Michelle is joined by Jason Ratcliffe, The Wellbeing Surveyor and host of the Heal Your Home podcast.

Together, they dive into the hidden health risks which are being overlooked, especially in new builds, and Jason shares the five key things every buyer should be aware of when assessing a property’s true liveability.

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Michelle is joined by Tracey Seymour, Certified Mould Testing Technician and founder of Break The Mould Inspections to dive into one of the most overlooked risks in Australian homes: mould.

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Moving house is one of life’s most stressful experiences, but it doesn’t have to be! In this episode of the Buy Your Side podcast, Michelle May is joined by Emma O’Sullivan, Managing Director of Mums PA, to share expert strategies for a smooth, stress free move

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Michelle shares her expert insights on what’s ahead for property buyers in 2025. With interest rates shifting, buyer competition increasing, and major rezoning changes in Sydney, it’s never been more important to do your research before purchasing.

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