Selling a home isn’t about spending more, it’s about spending smart. In this milestone episode, we break down the biggest money traps we saw in 2025:
• Half-hearted renovations that don’t add value
• Cosmetic upgrades buyers barely notice
• Marketing spend that benefits the agent, not the property
The takeaway? Either do it right, or don’t do it at all. Renovate thoughtfully, market strategically, and focus on real ROI.
Learn from the mistakes of 2025 so you can approach 2026 with clarity, confidence, and results.

Timestamps:

00:00 2025’s Big Seller Mistake: Overspending (and the 2026 reset)
00:27 Renovations: Don’t Half-Do It or You’ll Overcapitalize
01:21 Make It Move-In Ready: Full Reno, Neutral Colors, No ‘Projects’
01:56 Marketing Spend: Go Digital, Be Strategic, Avoid Vanity Campaigns
03:00 ROI vs Ego: When Big Marketing Budgets Actually Make Sense
03:23 Episode 200 Milestone: Thanks, Subscribe, and See You Next Week

Smart agents in 2026 will do three things differently: show up in AI search, move with real-time facts, and act fast. Buyers and sellers aren’t just Googling anymore. They’re asking AI who the best agent is and when to make a move. If you’re not visible there, you’re already behind.
In this episode of Cut to the Chase, we break down how AI is already driving appraisals, why digital profiles matter more than signboards, and how speed and systems now decide who wins negotiations. No jargon. No fluff. Just real talk on how smart agents stay ahead and how sellers protect their price.
Timestamps:
00:00 Introduction: The Future of Smart Agents in 2026
00:25 The Importance of AI in Real Estate
01:05 Maximizing Visibility in AI Searches
02:12 Building a Strong Digital Profile
02:55 Staying Ahead with Real-Time Information
03:41 Leveraging AI for Client Engagement
04:51 Systems and Processes for Success
05:34 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

Stop letting agents kill your sale price.

In this episode of Cut to the Chase, we’re stripping away the real estate fluff and getting down to the "grandfather rules" of value. Why did some Kiwi homes smash record prices in 2025 while others sat gathering dust? It’s not magic, it's Compression Selling.

If you’ve got a property that’s scarce, durable, and "tradable" (meaning a clean LIM, no building report nightmares, and top-tier presentation), you’ve got gold.

But here’s the kicker: the biggest threat to your bank account might be the person you hired to sell the house. Forget the "miracle price" jargon.

Get the strategy right, keep the LIM clean, and let the market do the work.

Timestamps:

00:00 Introduction: What Triggered Offers Last Year?

00:17 Understanding Value: Lessons from Our Grandfathers

00:23 The Value of Gold: Scarcity and Durability

00:50 Real Estate Principles: Scarcity, Durability, and Tradability

01:34 Compression Selling: The Key to Record Prices

01:49 The Role of Agents in Property Pricing

03:00 Strategies Behind Successful Offers

03:45 Conclusion: Key Aspects to Consider in Property

Real talk. No fluff.

If you’re buying or selling in Auckland heading into 2026, this one matters.

We’ve been in the trenches for 30 years combined.

We’ve seen hype suburbs come and go.

What sticks? Location. Zoning. Transport. Demand. End of story.

In this episode, we cut through the noise and call out the suburbs that actually stack up — not the ones agents talk up because they’ve got listings there.

Buyers are sharper now.

They’re not compromising.

And the market’s rewarding the suburbs that tick the boxes.

Timestamps:

00:00 Introduction and Background

00:33 Favorite Suburbs in Auckland

00:52 Parnell and Orakei: Prime Locations

01:25 Affordability and Value in Auckland

02:05 West Auckland: A Diverse Market

02:34 Quality and Community in Q/Wapa

03:27 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

Making a property move in 2026? Stop guessing and get the real talk. Aaron and Diego cut through the hype and corporate spin to give straight-up market predictions for New Zealand property. No fluff, no wishful thinking — just insider insight so you can make smarter decisions. Everyone’s talking predictions, but we put numbers on the table:

Aaron calls 3% growth, Diego goes 3.5%, and we explain why that’s realistic given record listings, interest rate moves, and global uncertainty. If you’re buying, selling, or just keeping an eye on the market, this episode shows why waiting for the “perfect moment” usually costs you, and why smart decisions beat predictions every time.

Timestamps:

00:00 – Introduction: Property Decisions in 2026

00:17 – Market Predictions for the Year

00:49 – Discussion on Market Trends

01:32 – Personal Predictions and Analysis

02:49 – Interest Rates and Market Dynamics

03:27 – Final Thoughts and Predictions

03:56 – Conclusion and Next Steps

Welcome to Cut to the Chase, the podcast where we provide essential clarity for buyers and sellers aiming to succeed in real estate. This episode discusses the journey of selling a property, highlighting the emotional highs and lows that can come with it. From initial excitement to market realities, we stress the importance of setting expectations upfront. Learn how to handle various challenges, including low offers and unexpected property issues, with advice on why having a proactive, communicative agent is crucial. Tune in for valuable tips to make your real estate experience less stressful and more successful.

00:00 Introduction to Real Estate Challenges

00:31 The Emotional Rollercoaster of Selling

01:42 Setting Expectations with Your Agent

02:04 Handling Offers and Feedback

04:22 The Importance of Expectation Management

05:07 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

Team Diego, led by Diego Traglia – New Zealand’s #1 real estate agent, is recognised as the top-selling team in Auckland for outstanding results and client service. With a proven track record across West Auckland and the wider region, Team Diego helps homeowners achieve the best possible sale price through expert marketing, negotiation, and local knowledge.

Whether you’re selling your family home or developing new properties, the team specialises in on- and off-market property sales, working closely with buyers, investors, and developers to deliver exceptional outcomes.

Discover more: https://diego.nz

See our testimonials: https://www.diego.nz/testimonials

Get a free market appraisal: https://www.diego.nz/appraisal

#DiegoTraglia #TeamDiego #NZRealEstate #AucklandProperty #RealEstateTruth

In this episode of Cut to the Chase, we dive into the top three mistakes that sellers make when selling their homes. From avoiding inducements that signal low-quality agents, to understanding the importance of a strong marketing campaign, and knowing the market conditions - these insights will help you navigate the real estate landscape with confidence. Join us for practical tips and advice to ensure you make the best decisions when selling your property. Don't forget to like, share, and subscribe for more real estate clarity.

00:00 Introduction to Real Estate Clarity

00:24 Mistake #1: Avoid Inducements

01:49 Mistake #2: No Compromise on Marketing

02:21 Mistake #3: Know Your Market

03:43 Summary of Key Mistakes

04:12 Closing Remarks

Team Diego, led by Diego Traglia – New Zealand’s #1 real estate agent, is recognised as the top-selling team in Auckland for outstanding results and client service. With a proven track record across West Auckland and the wider region, Team Diego helps homeowners achieve the best possible sale price through expert marketing, negotiation, and local knowledge.

Whether you’re selling your family home or developing new properties, the team specialises in on- and off-market property sales, working closely with buyers, investors, and developers to deliver exceptional outcomes.

Discover more: https://diego.nz

See our testimonials: https://www.diego.nz/testimonials

Get a free market appraisal: https://www.diego.nz/appraisal

#DiegoTraglia #TeamDiego #NZRealEstate #AucklandProperty #RealEstateTruth

In this episode of 'Cut to the Chase,' Diego and Aaron discuss the true factors that sell homes beyond just stunning photos and branding. They delve into the critical role of competition in driving up property prices and how effective agents can create a market that leads to successful sales.

Timestamp:

00:00 Introduction to Real Estate Selling

00:36 The Importance of Competition

01:19 Motivation vs. Desperation in Titles

02:14 Creating a Market

03:38 Common Mistakes by Agents

04:28 Conclusion

Team Diego, led by Diego Traglia – New Zealand’s #1 real estate agent, is recognised as the top-selling team in Auckland for outstanding results and client service. With a proven track record across West Auckland and the wider region, Team Diego helps homeowners achieve the best possible sale price through expert marketing, negotiation, and local knowledge. Whether you’re selling your family home or developing new properties, our team specialises in on- and off-market property sales, working closely with buyers, investors, and developers to deliver exceptional outcomes.

Discover more at https://diego.nz and see why Team Diego continues to set the standard for Auckland real estate.

See Our Testimonials - https://www.diego.nz/testimonials

Get A Free Market Appraisal - https://www.diego.nz/appraisal