Some agents make it effortless for investors to buy. Others kill the deal without even realising it. Ilse shares the best—and worst—agent experiences she’s seen lately, plus the one piece of advice every agent needs if they want repeat investor business. Real stories, real mistakes, and practical lessons you can use tomorrow.

Most agents guess what investors are looking for—Ilse sees it firsthand. In this episode, she breaks down the stock that’s flying off the shelf, the listings investors won’t touch, and what good agents are doing to get deals across the line. If you want to know where the smart money is going in 2025, this is the playbook.  

Ready to sell your home? In this episode of Cut to the Chase (CTTC), top-performing real estate experts Diego Traglia and Aaron Davis share proven strategies to maximise your property’s value before hitting the market. From presentation tips to smart upgrades, discover what actually works when it comes to attracting buyers and boosting your sale price. If you are a homeowner or investor looking to sell, this practical guide will help you achieve the best result.

In this episode of Cut to the Chase, Diego Traglia and Aaron Davis delve into the often overlooked risks of selling properties off market. They discuss why listing your property in the open market can fetch a higher price and use real-life examples to caution against off-market sales. The episode offers critical advice on the importance of getting a proper valuation and being wary of database buyers. Whether you’re a homeowner, vendor, or buyer, this episode provides valuable insights into protecting your property's true value and navigating the complexities of the real estate market.

In this episode of Cut to the Chase (CTTC), real estate experts Diego and Aaron discuss strategies to avoid the property 'squeeze' in the Auckland market. They emphasise the importance of getting a building report before listing, understanding buyer psychology, and having backup offers to ensure smoother sale processes. They also highlight how fully disclosing property issues upfront can build buyer confidence and prevent cancellations. Whether you're a buyer or seller, this episode provides vital insights for navigating property transactions in a competitive market.

In this episode of Cut to the Chase (CTTC), Diego Traglia and Aaron Davis discuss strategies for successfully selling a property the second time around. They explore the importance of bringing fresh energy to the campaign, realistic pricing, and practical approaches for overcoming the challenges of a property that has been on the market for an extended period. With insights into effective marketing and the right agent-client collaboration, this episode provides valuable advice for vendors looking to re-enter the market.

In this episode of 'Cut to the Chase', Diego and Aaron delve into the topic of AI valuations in real estate. They discuss the potential and limitations of using AI as a tool for property valuations, emphasising that while AI can provide valuable data, it should not be relied upon as the sole determinant of a property's value. They highlight the importance of combining AI data with practical insights and warn against the common mistake of taking AI valuations at face value. They also share practical advice on how to effectively use AI tools like ChatGPT for comparing property data, ensuring that this information is easy to understand and useful in real estate transactions.

In this episode, Diego and Aaron discuss crucial strategies for selling property in the spring. They emphasise the importance of hitting the market early and avoiding the common mistake of choosing agents based on over-optimistic pricing. Timing your sale to beat the October influx and understanding market dynamics are key themes. They also highlight the significance of professional marketing, negotiation skills, and integrity in pricing. Watch for valuable insights and tips, and don't forget to like, share, and subscribe!

In this episode, Diego and Aaron delve into the concept of decision fatigue and its impact on real estate transactions. They discuss how both agents and clients experience fatigue due to continuous decision-making and offer strategies to navigate this challenge. Key tips include framing questions to elicit a 'no' response, remaining non-pushy, and establishing trust through clear communication and evidence. They share personal anecdotes and practical advice on how to maintain efficiency and effectiveness in negotiations despite the challenges of decision fatigue.

In this episode of Cut to the Chase, Diego and Aaron discuss the critical steps real estate agents should take when they receive their first five enquiries from potential buyers. Emphasising the importance of making a lasting impression within the first few minutes of contact, they provide actionable tips on communication, asking the right questions, and creating a sense of urgency to engage potential buyers effectively. They also talk about the significance of marketing oneself and the property with enthusiasm to convert enquiries into successful sales or future listings. Concluding with strategies to maintain high energy and leave a positive impression, this episode is a must-watch for real estate professionals looking to optimise their initial client interactions.

In this episode of Cut The Chase, Diego and Aaron Davis delve into effective strategies for delivering news to clients, whether it’s good, bad, or neutral. They emphasise the importance of providing factual comparisons rather than opinions, validating feedback with concrete examples, and framing information in a way that maintains trust. The discussion also covers how to handle building reports, manage client expectations, and maintain clear, open communication to avoid misunderstandings. The key takeaway is the importance of honesty and transparency in client-agent relationships to maintain credibility, especially in a competitive marketplace.

In this episode, Diego and Aaron discuss crucial negotiation tactics for real estate agents. The conversation covers common pitfalls like improper phrasing and the importance of 'The Flinch' in negotiations. The episode highlights the significance of maintaining neutrality, facilitating both the buyer and seller to reach an agreement, and the technique of 'nibbling.' It's all about keeping the conversation productive to close successful deals.

In this episode of Cut To The Chase, Diego and Aaron discuss effective strategies for acing listing presentations. They emphasise the importance of teamwork, understanding client signals, and using humor to build trust. Key tips include monitoring who is doing most of the talking, asking clear questions, and differentiating oneself from the competition. Tactics like using self-deprecating humor and focusing on unique value propositions are highlighted as ways to stand out in the competitive market.

In this episode of Cut to the Chase, Diego and Aaron delve into the critical aspects of property appraisals. They discuss common pitfalls real estate agents face, such as pitching instead of listening to client needs. The conversation highlights the importance of asking the right questions to understand clients' expectations and avoiding premature discussions about price. Diego and Aaron also touch on the variability of market value and emphasize the significance of marketing impact and negotiation skills. Tune in for practical tips on how to handle appraisals effectively and increase chances of client satisfaction.

In this episode of 'Cut to the Chase,' Diego and Aaron discuss the complexities of handling real estate transactions during a divorce. They delve into strategies for managing emotionally charged situations, the importance of having separate agents and communication channels for each partner, and ensuring both parties' opinions are validated in the process. Diego and Aaron also share their experiences and tips on setting up clear guidelines from the start, maintaining professionalism, and effectively arbitrating between conflicting parties to achieve the best outcome in property sales.

In this episode of 'Cut to the Chase,' Diego and Aaron discuss the dynamics of pre-auction pressure in real estate. They provide insights on handling pre-auction offers, the importance of competition, and the impact of framing these offers during listing presentations. They also share their strategies to help sellers make informed decisions without feeling overwhelmed, ensuring the best outcomes, whether the property sells pre-auction or on auction day.

In this episode, Diego and Aaron discuss the intricacies of negotiating with a single buyer in real estate. They emphasize the importance of getting offers in writing, building trust with buyers, and creating a sense of urgency without resorting to dishonest tactics. They also share powerful language techniques, such as "invitation to ownership," and stress the importance of a positive mindset when dealing with offers, even seemingly low ones.

In this episode, we dive deep into the world of real estate negotiations and tackle the common issue of buyer objections. Learn practical tips and strategies from experienced agents on how to handle objections effectively, understand the root cause of buyer concerns, and move towards successful solutions. Whether you're a seasoned agent or just starting, this episode provides valuable insights into mastering the art of negotiation and closing deals. Discover the power of acknowledging objections, strategic "nibbling," and how to navigate complex situations with lawyers involved. Tune in to enhance your real estate negotiation skills and become a master negotiator!

In this episode, Diego and Aaron Davis discuss the importance of trust in business and how it impacts credibility and customer relationships. They share practical tips on building trust by delivering on promises, communicating effectively, and being genuine. They also touch on the realities of dealing with reviews, feedback, and how vulnerability can actually enhance trust. Learn how to avoid common mistakes that erode trust and strategies for maintaining relationships beyond the initial deal.