“The type of dwelling that people want in Brisbane is a detached house… but you’ve got to be careful where you buy.” – Pete Wargent

Brisbane might look affordable and straightforward, but buying well takes more than picking a suburb and a budget.

In this episode, Chris Bates sits down with Pete Wargent, co-founder of AllenWargent Property Buyers and long-time investor in the Brisbane market. Pete shares lessons from over a decade on the ground—why scarcity value matters more than suburb names, how affordability gaps with Sydney shaped Brisbane’s cycles, and why local knowledge about streets, aspects, and even traffic patterns often separates the best purchases from costly mistakes.

From renovated Queenslanders in leafy Ascot to townhouses in tightly held inner-ring pockets, Pete explains what makes some homes double in value while others stagnate. He also unpacks why interstate buyers often misread Brisbane, bringing southern habits north only to run into risks they never saw coming.

Whether you’re a first-time buyer or an investor eyeing Brisbane, this conversation gives you the on-the-ground insights to buy with clarity, avoid the pitfalls, and find real long-term value.

00:00 — Introduction

01:28 — Meet Pete

02:24 — How Market Exposure Shaped Pete’s Investing

03:39 — Why Every Suburb Has Good and Bad Parts

04:22 — Pete’s Books, Podcasts & Experience

06:18 — Brisbane Demand: Families and Detached Homes

09:20 — Why Interstate Buyers Struggle in Brisbane

10:38 — Flood Maps, Zoning & Supply Cycles

14:29 — High-Rise vs. Boutique Apartments

23:11 — Detached Homes, Townhouses and Units

26:51 — Agent Relationships and Off-Market Deals

29:26 — Lessons from 13 Years in Brisbane

34:25 — Conclusion and Where to Find Pete

Pete Wargent is a co-founder of AllenWargent Property Buyers, a boutique buyer’s agency operating in Sydney, Newcastle, and Southeast Queensland. He has been a buyer’s agent since 2011, following a career as a chartered accountant with Deloitte. Pete is also a property investor, having built experience in markets across the UK (London, Cambridge) and Australia (Sydney, Brisbane).

Beyond buyer’s advocacy, Pete is a published author of eight books on investing and property, a media commentator, and co-host of the Australian Property Podcast with Chris Bates. Today, he focuses on helping clients secure quality properties in growth markets, with a particular specialty in Brisbane’s inner-ring suburbs.

• Business webpage Link - https://petewargent.com/
• Email - pete@allenwargent.com
• LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/pete-wargent-37228322/
• Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/petewargent/
• Facebook (business page)- https://www.facebook.com/PeteWargent/
• Facebook (blog page) - https://www.facebook.com/pwargent/
• X - https://x.com/PeteWargent
• Daily Blog (blogspot) - https://petewargent.blogspot.com/

"Just 'cause it's on the same street, that doesn't necessarily mean it's worth the same price."

– Frank Russo

Buying property in Sydney’s eastern suburbs isn’t just about location — it’s about strategy, foresight, and knowing where the hidden value lies.

In this episode of Street Secrets, Chris Bates sits down with Sydney-based buyer’s agent Frank Russo, founder of Search Find Invest, who shares insights from over 12 years in the industry.

From his builder background to negotiating multi-million-dollar deals, Frank explains why not every property on the same street is worth the same price, the importance of long-term planning and exit strategies, how to uncover overlooked value pockets across the east, and the common mistakes buyers make when emotion takes over.

Whether you’re a first-home buyer or an investor eyeing Sydney’s toughest markets, this conversation reveals how experience, relationships, and strategy separate good purchases from costly regrets.

00:00 — Introduction

01:10 – Meet Frank Russo: Sydney Buyer's Agent

01:39 – Frank's Journey to Becoming a Buyer's Agent

03:05 – The Skills and Challenges of a Buyer's Agent

06:17 – Navigating the Eastern Suburbs Real Estate Market

10:27 – Common Mistakes and Strategies in Property Buying

16:15 – Building Trust and Relationships with Agents

25:13 – The Importance of Property Location and Condition

32:13 – Conclusion and Final Thoughts

Frank Russo is the founder of Search Find Invest, a Sydney-based buyer’s agency he established over 12 years ago.

With a trade background as a carpenter and builder, Frank brings a unique perspective to property — blending building knowledge, investment strategy, and market expertise.

Specializing in Sydney’s eastern suburbs, he helps clients, from first-home buyers to seasoned investors, navigate one of Australia’s most competitive markets. Known for his honesty, strategic approach, and strong relationships with local agents, Frank has built a trusted reputation as a buyer’s advocate who delivers long-term value.

• Business webpage Link - https://www.searchfindinvest.com.au/
• LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/searchfindinvest/
• Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/frankrusso_buyersagent/
• Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/searchfindinvest.com.au
• YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCFW25vEYAgCHjWwG2rnRkWQ
• X - https://x.com/searchfindinvst

• Business Webpage Link - https://www.alcove.com.au/
• Phone: 0489 913 227
• Email - hello@alcove.com.au
• LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/company/alcovemb
• Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/alcove.au

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“You need to know what’s happening from zoning right through to flight paths if you want to buy well.” – Cate Bakos

In this first episode of Street Secrets, Melbourne-based buyer’s agent Cate Bakos explains the factors that separate a smart purchase from a costly mistake in the city’s inner north and west.

With a background in chemistry and mortgage broking, Cate approaches property with a sharp, analytical eye. She breaks down how zoning changes, flight paths, and heritage overlays can impact a home’s value and livability. She also highlights the traps that catch new buyers—like cheap-looking properties that banks won’t finance, or contracts hiding red flags.

Drawing on more than 2,000 property deals, Cate shares real-world examples of what to avoid and what to look for, from Yarraville’s gentrification story to why one side of a street can be worth far less than the other.

If you’re planning to buy in Melbourne, or want to avoid expensive mistakes anywhere, this episode gives you the insider knowledge. Tune in to learn the street-level secrets that could save you thousands.

00:00 — Introduction

01:52 — Cate Bakos' Journey into Real Estate

03:20 — The Role of a Buyer's Agent

04:44 — Understanding Property Analysis

06:04 — Specializing in Melbourne's Inner West

09:00 — Navigating the Real Estate Market

10:37 — The Importance of Local Knowledge

23:25 — Building Relationships with Agents

28:44 — Final Thoughts and Recommendations

Cate Bakos is one of Melbourne’s most respected buyer’s agents, with more than 16 years of experience helping clients secure the right properties across the city’s Inner North and West. Starting her career in chemistry before moving into real estate sales and mortgage broking, Cate brings a unique mix of analytical skills and on-the-ground knowledge to every deal.

She has secured over 2,000 properties for clients and is known for her deep understanding of zoning laws, heritage overlays, and the local factors that make or break a property’s performance. Beyond transactions, Cate is a trusted advisor who guides buyers through the emotional and financial challenges of purchasing, always with honesty and a focus on long-term success.

• Business Webpage Link - https://www.catebakos.com.au/
• Phone - 03 7000 6026
• Mobile - 0422 638 362
• Email - cate@catebakos.com.au
• Socials:
• LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/catherinebakos/
• Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/cate_bakos_property/
• Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/catebakosproperty/

• Business Webpage Link - https://www.alcove.com.au/
• Phone: 0489 913 227
• Email - hello@alcove.com.au
• Socials:
• LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/company/alcovemb
• Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/alcove.au

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