The Room Xchange Podcast

The Room Xchange is proud to present a new partnership with compare and connect enabling you to save money on your utilities.About this episodeIn this episode of The Room Xchange podcast, Ludwina Dautovic talks with Neil Saligrama, the founder and CEO of compare and connect. They discuss how the company is revolutionising the Australian and New Zealander markets in services like energy, broadband, and insurance. Neil shares his journey of moving to Australia, the challenges he faced with utility providers and how these experiences led him to create Compare and Connect. Origin storyThe platform simplifies the complex industry of utilities, enabling consumers to make informed, cost-effective choices. Neil details the evolution of the company from a telesales organisation in 2010 to its pivotal shift in 2014, where it combined comparison and connection services under one roof. Bill consolidationThe discussion also covers the practicalities and benefits of using compare and connect, including the potential savings on essential services and the ease of switching providers. Additionally, Neil introduces an innovative app, 1Bill, aimed at consolidating bills and further simplifying service management for consumers. Our partnershipWe conclude with the partnership arrangement between The Room Xchange and compare and connect. If you click on this link it will allow you to compare your own bills and support The Room Xchange at the same time.Contact The Room Xchange Tweet us at @theroomxchange and @LudwinaDautovic Share a story on instagram @theroomxchange Email us at admin@theroomxchange.com Please leave us a reviewClick here for Apple reviewsConnect on our socialsYoutube | Facebook | Instagram | Twitter | Linkedin Sign up on our websitewww.theroomxchange.com

Ever wished there was a simpler way to manage and share expenses? Today, we're having an enlightening discussion with Rowan Wilde, co-founder of HelpPay. It's a social impact payments platform that's making it easier to shoulder bills together. Rowan shares how HelpPay lets you create a link for others to chip in on expenses and speaks candidly about the importance of customer trust and the challenges of providing support. And there's more - we're making an exciting announcement you won't want to miss!Next, we're exploring the free app, HelpPay. Designed to take the fuss out of sharing bills with friends, family, and organisations, this app is a game-changer for anyone managing shared expenses. It's particularly beneficial for students and those in shared housing, making it easy to forward bills for payment and maintain a good credit history. The convenience and simplicity of HelpPay can't be overstated - it's revolutionising bill management and payment. We're also diving into the future of house-sharing and renting and how it's simplifying the renting process. The Room Xchange, Australia's first verified house-sharing platform, is revolutionising house-sharing by matching renters based on personality, values, and lifestyle. Plus, we're discussing the option to rent or offset rent, a game-changer for anyone looking to save time and money. Whether you're a homeowner new to the sharing economy, or a well-versed renter, this episode is packed with actionable tips and insights.Last but not least, we're sharing our great news about the innovative partnership between The Room Xchange and HelpPay and how together, we're making bill paying easier.Contact The Room Xchange Tweet us at @theroomxchange and @LudwinaDautovic Share a story on instagram @theroomxchange Email us at admin@theroomxchange.com Please leave us a reviewClick here for Apple reviewsConnect on our socialsYoutube | Facebook | Instagram | Twitter | Linkedin Sign up on our websitewww.theroomxchange.com

Housing Trends & Affordability Challenges:Dive into a captivating exploration of the regional housing market with Laura Shooter, Managing Director at SJ Shooter Real Estate in Dubbo. This episode promises enlightening insights into the intricacies of the rental market, housing value trends, and the pressing matter of affordability issues faced by many.Navigating the Housing Shortage:Discover the role of innovative initiatives, such as The Room Xchange, in addressing the housing crunch. Laura, deeply connected to the heart of Dubbo, shares the potential economic and tourism benefits that come from optimising current housing capacities.Impact of the Pandemic & Risk-Taking:How has the pandemic reshaped the housing landscape? Join us for a riveting discussion on altered risk-taking behaviors and their implications for the market.Engage with Us!Don't miss out on this enlightening journey through the regional housing market and the groundbreaking changes in the rental space. Subscribe, share, and leave us a review!Contact The Room Xchange Tweet us at @theroomxchange and @LudwinaDautovic Share a story on instagram @theroomxchange Email us at admin@theroomxchange.com Please leave us a reviewClick here for Apple reviewsConnect on our socialsYoutube | Facebook | Instagram | Twitter | Linkedin Sign up on our websitewww.theroomxchange.com

Today's episode is a deep dive into urban and housing development with Nicola Smith, an accomplished urban and regional planner and director of Niche Planning Studio. Expertly navigating the current rental crisis and mortgage stress, she unveils the key factors that have steered us to our current housing crisis. Nicola breaks down terms like green field and brown field, highlighting their significant role in housing development. Together we strategise on how to generate more housing in established areas, promoting affordability, and diversifying our housing types.Steering the conversation towards government policies, Nicola and I scrutinise their town planning and housing development strategies. We dissect the implications of the policy that earmarks 70% of growth for the inner city and the remaining 30% for the green fields. How will this affect the citizens of established areas? We further delve into the complexities of rejuvenating inner city areas, the potential for overlooking amenity impacts, and the advantages of home-building in green field regions. Nicola then shares her valuable insights on challenges surrounding housing affordability and service accessibility in Melbourne. We mull over the government's strategic planning efforts and the use of developer contributions in the face of a pressing need for affordable housing. We also explore the cost of apartment living, the possibility of converting offices into residences, and the often overlooked factor of embodied carbon in building construction. Join us as we unravel the convolutions of Australia's housing market, the struggle for affordable housing, and the impact of 'NIMBYism' (Not in my backyard) on planning and development.Contact The Room Xchange Tweet us at @theroomxchange and @LudwinaDautovic Share a story on instagram @theroomxchange Email us at admin@theroomxchange.com Please leave us a reviewClick here for Apple reviewsConnect on our socialsYoutube | Facebook | Instagram | Twitter | Linkedin Sign up on our websitewww.theroomxchange.com

Ever wondered how to navigate the complexities of the strata sector or manage the ever-evolving challenges of the rental market? We've got you covered in our enlightening conversation with John Minns, the pioneer New South Wales Property Services Commissioner. John, armed with his 30 years of experience, unravels the intricacies of the real estate industry and underscores the urgent necessity for reform and uplift to ensure a secure future for the industry. From the power of knowledge in boosting confidence in the property sector to the issues faced by renters and landlords alike, John takes us on a candid exploration of the strata sector.Our discourse with John doesn't end there; we delve deeper, examining the current market's property management challenges and the importance of fostering healthy tenant-landlord relationships. The conversation gets even more riveting as we tackle the trials of integrating new technologies into the rental system and the repercussions of rent increases on tenants. We further dissect the rental market, explore the concept of digital ID, delve into rental challenges, and discuss the call for more private investment.  To cap it all off, we discuss The Room Xchange, Australia's premier verified house-sharing platform. Don't miss out on John's wealth of insights - they're sure to revolutionise your understanding of the property sector!Contact The Room Xchange Tweet us at @theroomxchange and @LudwinaDautovic Share a story on instagram @theroomxchange Email us at admin@theroomxchange.com Please leave us a reviewClick here for Apple reviewsConnect on our socialsYoutube | Facebook | Instagram | Twitter | Linkedin Sign up on our websitewww.theroomxchange.com

Ever wondered how architectural design could shape our future? Imagine a world where houses aren't just commodities, but sustainable spaces that nourish our lives and the planet. Join us as we explore this potential world with our guest Antony DiMase, of DiMase Architects.  Antony champions the belief that good design has the power to enhance our lives and environment, and he delves into the essence of sustainable architecture in this episode - highlighting the importance of small footprint buildings suffused with natural light, good ventilation, and adaptable spaces. Did you know that even as a renter, there are ways to make your home more energy-efficient? Antony shares some nifty tips on how to keep your house warm and minimise drafts. We also discuss the importance of regular maintenance in ensuring the longevity of a building. We also dive deeper into more complex solutions to reduce carbon emissions and create sustainable housing, discussing everything from green loans and subsidies to the potential of creating a logbook system to track energy efficiency progress in dwellings. Join us to envision the future of sustainable housing with Antony DiMase, where every home could be a sanctuary that complements our planet.Contact The Room Xchange Tweet us at @theroomxchange and @LudwinaDautovic Share a story on instagram @theroomxchange Email us at admin@theroomxchange.com Please leave us a reviewClick here for Apple reviewsConnect on our socialsYoutube | Facebook | Instagram | Twitter | Linkedin Sign up on our websitewww.theroomxchange.com

Welcome to episode 25 of The Room Xchange podcast, where we delve into the accommodation partnership between Study Gold Coast and The Room Xchange as part of their 'Host for the Coast' program. Join us as we explore how this collaboration is revolutionising the student community in the Gold Coast, Australia, and providing affordable accommodation solutions for international and local students. In this episode we're speaking with Jennine Tax, the acting CEO of Study Gold Coast. The conversation provided a wealth of knowledge, revealing how Study Gold Coast is transforming the student community through its four cardinal pillars: attracting students, ensuring a warm welcome, facilitating employability opportunities, and retaining student talent in the city.As one of the world's top 10 most welcoming destinations, the Gold Coast stands out for its picturesque beaches, lively nightlife, and most importantly, its safe and inviting environment - a key factor that draws in international students seeking a secure place to study and live.Despite its welcoming reputation, the Gold Coast, like many other cities worldwide, faces an accommodation crisis. Factors such as interstate migration, families coming together due to the COVID pandemic, and the rise of Airbnb have led to a scarcity of suitable housing options for students.To address this pressing issue, Jennine and her team have set up a dedicated student hub that offers vital support appointments to students, guiding them through pre-departure planning and the challenges of finding accommodation. In a remarkable step, Study Gold Coast has introduced an innovative room exchange program exclusively for international students, presenting an appealing alternative to traditional homestay options.In the first chapter of this insightful podcast, Jennine delves into how Study Gold Coast is actively working to support students in the rental market. She sheds light on the organisation's four pillars and discusses the Gold Coast's success as a welcoming destination with a focus on safety, which continues to attract students from around the globe.The second chapter highlights the housing crisis faced by students. Jennine elaborates on the contributing factors, including interstate migration, pandemic-related changes, and the popularity of Airbnb, which have made finding rental properties increasingly challenging, especially for non-native English speakers without rental history.In the final chapter, we explore the room exchange program developed by Study Gold Coast. This exceptional initiative provides a safe, secure, and welcoming experience for students, ensuring their well-being and fostering long-lasting connections. The program also includes thorough verification processes for both homeowners and housemates, making it a reliable and trusted option for students in need.Contact The Room Xchange Tweet us at @theroomxchange and @LudwinaDautovic Share a story on instagram @theroomxchange Email us at admin@theroomxchange.com Please leave us a reviewClick here for Apple reviewsConnect on our socialsYoutube | Facebook | Instagram | Twitter | Linkedin Sign up on our websitewww.theroomxchange.com

Welcome to another insightful episode of our podcast, where we explore real-life stories and experiences. In this episode, we dive into the fascinating world of The Room Xchange and the transformative power of living together. Join us as we hear from Hansraj and Cate, two individuals who have embarked on a unique living arrangement through The Room Xchange matching service. Discover how sharing living spaces can be a rewarding solution for loneliness and personal growth.I'm grateful for the support and guidance provided by the service. They helped us navigate through the process and ensure that our house-sharing arrangement would work seamlessly. - CateWhen Hansraj and Cate first connected through our platform, they immediately sensed a shared interest in creating a harmonious living environment. Our meticulous matching algorithms took into account their preferences, lifestyles, and values, carefully analyzing every detail to ensure compatibility.Through a series of conversations facilitated by our platform, Hansraj and Cate delved into their expectations, aspirations, and daily routines. They explored their hobbies, and interests, and even discussed their approach to maintaining a tidy living space. It quickly became evident that they shared similar values and deep respect for each other's boundaries.The matching service played a pivotal role in identifying the common threads that would contribute to a successful house-sharing experience. It highlighted their complementary personalities and the potential for a strong bond to develop. As they delved deeper into their conversations, they realised the remarkable potential for personal growth and meaningful connections within their shared space.With our assistance, Hansraj and Cate navigated through the process of evaluating their compatibility. They meticulously assessed the practical aspects, such as household responsibilities, financial arrangements, and schedules. Their discussions were marked by transparency, open communication, and a genuine desire to ensure a mutually beneficial living arrangement.The meticulousness of our matching service provided Hansraj and Cate with the confidence to move forward, knowing that they had found a truly compatible house-sharing match. Today, they cherish the rewarding experience of cohabitating, reaping the benefits of companionship, personal growth, and the joy of sharing their lives.At our core, we strive to connect individuals who share not only physical living spaces but also a sense of belonging and connection. Through our exceptional matching service, we continue to transform the lives of many, forging bonds that go beyond mere cohabitation.If you're seeking a house-sharing match made in heaven, trust our matching service to guide you on a journey towards finding your ideal housemate. Experience the transformative power of living together, where shared spaces become a source of growth and friendship.Contact The Room Xchange Tweet us at @theroomxchange and @LudwinaDautovic Share a story on instagram @theroomxchange Email us at admin@theroomxchange.com Please leave us a reviewClick here for Apple reviewsConnect on our socialsYoutube | Facebook | Instagram | Twitter | Linkedin Sign up on our websitewww.theroomxchange.com

Finding a place to call home can be a challenging and sometimes overwhelming task. Whether you're a homeowner, a renter, or someone interested in co-living arrangements, navigating the housing market can often leave you feeling uncertain and frustrated. In episode #23 of The Room Xchange Podcast, we had the pleasure of speaking with Peter Meek, a remarkable individual who has experienced housing from various angles. His unique insights shed light on the joys, challenges, and opportunities within the ever-evolving world of housing.A Multifaceted BackgroundPeter's diverse background immediately captured our attention. Having explored different housing options throughout his life, he brings a wealth of knowledge and experiences to the table. From being a homeowner and managing rental properties to embracing the concept of house sharing, Peter has gained invaluable insights into the dynamics of the housing market.The Joy and Benefits of House SharingA popular alternative to traditional renting, emerged as a focal point of the conversation. Peter shared his enthusiasm for this concept, highlighting the positive aspects that extend beyond financial savings. Building relationships, creating a sense of community, and enjoying the company of like-minded individuals were among the numerous benefits he highlighted.The Challenges of Finding Rental PropertiesAs the conversation unfolded, the challenges faced by renters became apparent. Peter discussed the difficulties many encounter in finding affordable and accessible rental properties, especially in the midst of a rental crisis. He emphasized the importance of platforms like The Room Xchange, which aims to connect homeowners with spare rooms to those in need of affordable accommodation.Fostering Relationships Between Landlords and TenantsPeter's experiences as a homeowner provided valuable insights into the landlord-tenant relationship. He stressed the significance of treating this relationship as a business partnership, emphasizing open communication and trust. By establishing personal connections and showing genuine care for tenants, homeowners can foster a positive living experience for all parties involved.The Evolution of The Room XchangePeter's involvement with The Room Xchange, a platform that connects hosts with guests in a mutually beneficial exchange, showcased the potential for innovative solutions within the housing market. He highlighted the platform's role in creating safe and secure living arrangements while simultaneously fostering new friendships. The Room Xchange is not just about finding a place to stay; it's about building meaningful connections.Creating Safe and Affordable Accommodation OptionsWith housing affordability being a pressing concern, Peter emphasised the importance of finding innovative ways to address this issue. Platforms like The Room Xchange provide a viable solution by offering safe and affordableContact The Room Xchange Tweet us at @theroomxchange and @LudwinaDautovic Share a story on instagram @theroomxchange Email us at admin@theroomxchange.com Please leave us a reviewClick here for Apple reviewsConnect on our socialsYoutube | Facebook | Instagram | Twitter | Linkedin Sign up on our websitewww.theroomxchange.com

Ludwina Dautovic introduces a new segment to The Room Xchange podcast called The Room Xchange Stories. These stories will provide insights and tips about house-sharing and will also include some of her own personal stories. The first one is about women helping women and is a very personal story for Ludwina. As the CEO and Founder of The Room Xchange, she has to deal with the complexities of leading the company as well as continuously hearing about the difficulties everyday people are facing in regards to housing. After feeling incredibly exhausted at the end of last year, Ludwina put out a call for a place to stay for a few weeks to take a break and reset. Elizabeth, who had been a household listed on their platform, replied and Ludwina moved in two days later. Elizabeth, a single mother, businesswoman and counsellor, welcomed Ludwina into her mud brick home on a ten acre property in Country Victoria. Ludwina was in awe of the cedar wood and silk walls, and French doors that opened out to a balcony with deers roaming in the garden. She felt grounded and supported by Elizabeth and her 16 year old daughter.  Elizabeth encouraged her to make herself at home. Ludwina observed the dynamic and vibe of the household, feeling the groove of the home and understanding the personalities of the two people who lived there. This conversation provided insight into the perspective of being a housemate in someone else's home. Ludwina talks about her experience of living as a housemate. She emphasises the importance of setting clear house rules and respecting how the household runs. She suggests that getting a handle on how the household works quickly will help the person fit in and connect in a deeper way. She also talks about how they discussed food, house cleaning and expectations as a housemate, and how being flexible helped her fit in. Ludwina emphasises the importance of having regular conversations and suggests having meals together as a way to connect.Key moments in this podcast 0:00:00 Women Helping Women: A Room Xchange Story0:03:04 The Room Xchange: A Story of Resilience and Connection0:04:42 Exploring the Idyllic Setting of a Mud Brick Home in Country Victoria0:06:46 Exploring the Benefits of Housemate Exchange: Reflections on Establishing House Rules and Building Connections0:08:10 Creating a Positive Living Environment: Tips for Successful Housemate Relationships0:15:05 Reflection on House Sharing: Creating Lifelong Friendships 0:17:57 Benefits of House Sharing0:19:35 Exploring the Power of Women Helping Women: Reflections from a Housemate ExperienceContact The Room Xchange Tweet us at @theroomxchange and @LudwinaDautovic Share a story on instagram @theroomxchange Email us at admin@theroomxchange.com Please leave us a reviewClick here for Apple reviewsConnect on our socialsYoutube | Facebook | Instagram | Twitter | Linkedin Sign up on our websitewww.theroomxchange.com

Hello and welcome to The Room Xchange podcast. I'm Ludwina Dautovic and today I'm talking to Peter Schravemade. Peter is an international educator and speaker in the area of Property, Construction and Development Marketing. He's on the board of Proptech Association of Australia (of which I'm a member). He's also a managing partner of Reach Australia, a venture  capital and private equity firm accelerating the top growth companies into the global real estate industry.In episode #22, Ludwina Dautovic and Peter Shravemade talk about the archaic rental application process in Australia and the difficulties of applying for a rental property when living interstate. 00:58.14 - Peter Schravemade's background in the property industry02:25.70 - Current state of the rental market03:59.34 - Challenges in addressing housing affordability and shortage04:27.91 - The need for an overarching solution05:02.73 - Discussion about the broken rental market06:32.46 - Peter's personal experience helping his daughter find a rental property08:04.84 - Property inspections and application process09:02.49 - Stringent financial scrutiny for rental applications10:13.10 - Various application processes and their complexities11:43.80 - Property inspections and overcrowding issues12:36.90 - Mistake in lease duration and missed opportunity13:27.73 - Frustration and anger over the costly experience14:42.63 - Expenses incurred and the unfeasible nature of the process15:10.88 - Conclusion and reflection on the rental process16:06.60 - The Challenges of the Rental Application Process16:47.68 - Difficulty in Finding Short-Term Rentals17:01.58 - Overwhelming Experience of Renting and Lack of Six-Month Rental, lack of Transparency in Lease Requirements and Strain on Property Managers and Market Readiness18:06.17 - Need for Clear Expectations in Lease Duration, Challenges of Renting from Interstate, International Students and Language Barriers19:05.97 - Difficulty for International Students in Understanding Regulations20:00.50 - Frustration with Inability to Secure Rental Accommodation21:11.74 - Challenges Faced by Self-Manage Landlords21:55.11 - The Need for Change in the Rental Process22:27.20 - Excessive Financial Investigation of Tenants23:59.23 - Concerns About Privacy and Data Security24:35.11 - Requesting Deletion of Personal Data from Providers25:13.50 - Importance of Cybersecurity and Data Protection26:13.34 - Alternative Housing Options for University Students26:24.73 - Understanding the Property Managers' Perspective27:02.81 - Overregulation and Complex Application Process28:22.19 - Centralised Application System and Potential Issues29:23.38 - Lack of Landlord Influence in the Rental ProcessContact The Room Xchange Tweet us at @theroomxchange and @LudwinaDautovic Share a story on instagram @theroomxchange Email us at admin@theroomxchange.com Please leave us a reviewClick here for Apple reviewsConnect on our socialsYoutube | Facebook | Instagram | Twitter | Linkedin Sign up on our websitewww.theroomxchange.com

Welcome to The Room Xchange Podcast. I'm Ludwina Dautovic and today I have the pleasure of speaking with David Webb, Head of Industry for Homely.With 14 years' experience across sales, property management, as a business owner and as an agency supplier, David brings a breadth of knowledge to his work while also seeking to anticipate the demands of an ever-changing real estate industry.A message from our host and CEO - Ludwina DautovicIt's wonderful to hear about innovative and disruptive platforms generating value for the real estate industry. Homely's street reviews are capturing the best of our neighbourhoods by giving residents the opportunity to tell the stories of their streets."Every street has a story. We give residents the opportunity to share those stories so potential new residents can know the vibe of the street." - David WebbIn this episode on Homely we discuss:The family business and how it led to HomelyThe founders story of how they bought their dream home in the wrong streetTrip advisor sparked the idea. If we can get reviews for holidays, restaurants and more, why not for our streets?They were featured on The Today Show in the USA and the A Current Affair the next day.It started as Street Review and turned into it's own portal, called HomelyThey partnered with leading real estate agenciesIn 2018 it hit #2 is listing volumesIn 2022 they did what has become known as the largest industry capital raiseYou can ask questions on the platform and leave a review of a streetThe technology legitimises the reviewer to ensure the review doesn't come from spam or inappropriate in language. If so, it gets flagged to their customer care team.They've noticed the reviews change over time as the suburb has evolved providing great insights into our suburbs.We discussed if we'll ever see reviews for landlords and real estate agents such as AirbnbLudwina proposed the idea that the real estate industry recognise a house sharing arrangement from The Room Xchange as a legitimate form of a rental history and reference. Stay tuned on this one. I'm hoping it may lead somewhere:)"When will we start seeing house-sharing reference as having the same value as a tenancy reference?" Ludwina DautovicThis podcast was brought to you by: www.theroomxchange.comContact The Room Xchange Tweet us at @theroomxchange and @LudwinaDautovic Share a story on instagram @theroomxchange Email us at admin@theroomxchange.com Please leave us a reviewClick here for Apple reviewsConnect on our socialsYoutube | Facebook | Instagram | Twitter | Linkedin Sign up on our websitewww.theroomxchange.com

About Josh Farr, Founder of Campus ConsultancyJosh Farr is an entrepreneur and leadership expert who founded Campus Consultancy in 2017. He has been working to connect and develop the most influential leaders across universities, as well as with graduate programs and high schools. In this episode, we discuss the plight of international students as a result of the disruption of the education system during COVID-19, and the issues surrounding student accommodation.Josh shares his mission to help students better understand themselves, manage their own stress and lives, and succeed in their careers. Josh also shares stories of students who have accomplished great things through his work. We talk about the impact that the lack of support from Australia has had on international students and how they felt unwelcome when told to go home as the pandemic first hit. International students bring a lot to universities, cities, and towns, and that they should not be seen as “cash cows”. Rather, they should be seen as integral parts of the global community, and that their hospitality and professional skills should be acknowledged. We also discuss how international students should be supported in their endeavours, and have a role to play in crafting a new narrative about international students and their overall wellbeing. We might be going into a winter economically right now, but you can get through the winter if you cut the wood, you stay inside and you stay warm - Josh FarrKey moments in this podcast0:00:00 - Conversation with Josh Farr: Supporting Student Leaders and Renters in Australia0:02:17 - Impact of COVID-19 on international students in Australia0:05:12 - Mentoring international students and the light of Hospitality Workers in Regional Victoria0:07:02 - The value of international students in the workforce0:08:22 - The power of humility0:09:53 - International student housing crisis in Australia0:11:46 - Financial stress experienced by international students0:13:38 - Exploring the impact of the housing crisis on young Australians0:15:45 - Navigating the broken rental market0:19:51 - Maximising financial resources during an economic winter for students and homeowners0:21:26 - Exploring the benefits of house-sharing via The Room Xchange0:23:11 - Supporting international students during challenging times0:24:46 - Exploring ethical solutions to rising rental costsAs a child of immigrants, I know first hand the challenges one faces when leaving their home country to move to a foreign land - Ludwina DautovicContact The Room Xchange Tweet us at @theroomxchange and @LudwinaDautovic Share a story on instagram @theroomxchange Email us at admin@theroomxchange.com Please leave us a reviewClick here for Apple reviewsConnect on our socialsYoutube | Facebook | Instagram | Twitter | Linkedin Sign up on our websitewww.theroomxchange.com

About Karl Fitzgerald - Economist and Director of GroundedWelcome to The Room Xchange Podcast. I'm Ludwina Dautovic and today I have the pleasure of speaking with Karl Fitzgerald about Community Land Trusts.Karl Fitzgerald is an economist specialising in land economics and works as the Director of Grounded - the Community Land Trust advocacy body. He led Prosper Australia's research for 18 years. He is also Treasurer of the Malmsbury Village Fayre, a volunteer with the local farmers market and loves making rhubarb amaro.A message from our host - Ludwina DautovicThis conversation took me by surprise. I first met Karl Fitzgerald at a recent Prosper event. I'd never heard of Prosper before or the idea that land could be leased to build upon. Call me naive, but with the entire conversation in the media being about home ownership in Australia, it's a little hard to imagine there is another way.Karl and I go in depth about the process of Community Land Trusts. I used my lack of knowledge on the subject as a presupposition that the listeners might not have too much knowledge on it either.I hope you enjoy this episode. I welcome your thoughts and opinions on our social media. All links are below."Society is so busy playing the monopoly board game that they can't see how they are being played by monopolists IRL" - Karl FitzgeraldIn this episode we discuss:Rhubarb AmaroHow his brother's cot death led to the founding of the Sudden Infant Death Research Foundation which today is known as Red Nose Australia.He discovered Georgism and got involved with Prosper Australia and helped build the company back up.  Prosper Australia has been around since 1890 and was born out of an American economist called Henry George.How Grounded is setting up Community Land Trusts to enable people to have access to affordable housingKarl Fitzgerald produced a documentary called 'Real Estate 4 Ransom'A CLT means that you only pay for the building of the house, not the land it's on so it massively reduces the cost of housingWhy are we experiencing a rental crisis?When did affordable housing become a privilege and not a right?We should be giving tax incentives to nurses and childcare workers as opposed to land developers13.5m unused spare bedrooms in 10m homes across Australia - existing housing stockWe need to shift the conversation around how we can fix housingThere are also 1.1m vacant homes around Australia. To replace that stock would cost $650mCharge higher rates for vacant homes - vacancy taxVacant land banks that are being held by investorsin 2022 Australian land prices increased by $994 billion!Corporate renters will be the new housing trend"If we share the benefits of location, location.... thContact The Room Xchange Tweet us at @theroomxchange and @LudwinaDautovic Share a story on instagram @theroomxchange Email us at admin@theroomxchange.com Please leave us a reviewClick here for Apple reviewsConnect on our socialsYoutube | Facebook | Instagram | Twitter | Linkedin Sign up on our websitewww.theroomxchange.com

Lucy O'Flaherty, CEO Columbia Aged CareWelcome to The Room Xchange Podcast. I'm Ludwina Dautovic and today I have the pleasure of speaking with Luck O'Flaherty, CEO of Columbia Aged Care. Lucy and I are going to unpack the process of caring for our elderly in Australia.In this episode we discuss:Caring for our elderly in Australia and the choices you haveDementia and loneliness are two main issues we need to be aware of with our elderlyMy Aged Care is a great resource to find out the right information for your elderly careBe clear about your goals for your care, what you need and when you'll need itHave an advanced care directive in place which can be set up onlineMake sure your family clearly understands your needs and desires when agingGet your financial plans in orderHave a power of attorney Make the right preparations so when the time comes your family doesn't have to be concerned about what you want"We need to find the right ways when caring for our elderly parents in Australia"Options for living arrangements when caring for your elderly in AustraliaIn the early stages when you're just needing some company at home and a little bit of help around the place, The Room Xchange is an ideal option. Most unused spare bedrooms are in the homes of elderly people. The spare bedrooms is an untapped resource for both the family of the elderly person and those who are looking for affordable and accessible housing. When it's only company and some light housekeeping that's needed, having someone to share your home could be the ideal answer you need. We also have a Matching Service and House Share Agreement process that we can take you through should you need a more personalised approach.Retirement Villages or Assisted Living are a good next step. These are places where you can still live fairly independently but have the onsite care and help should you need it.Aged Care Facilities are for when you are closer to the end of your life and require medical care and ongoing support."You need to be clear about your goals and decide them early"Contact The Room Xchange Tweet us at @theroomxchange and @LudwinaDautovic Share a story on instagram @theroomxchange Email us at admin@theroomxchange.com Please leave us a reviewClick here for Apple reviewsConnect on our socialsYoutube | Facebook | Instagram | Twitter | Linkedin Sign up on our websitewww.theroomxchange.com

In episode 16, Ludwina Dautovic interviews Mitchell McLean. Mitch is passionate about all things DIY, having spent the past 19 years with Bunnings supporting customers with bringing their projects to life. Mitch is currently part of the Bunnings workshop team, an online community for sharing DIY advice and inspiration.About Mitchell McLeanMitchell McLean has been renting for 20 years and has had quite a rental journey. It's provided him with variety and flexibility. Bunnings workshops is all about assisting customers with DIY projects online. Renters are coming in daily to improve their property.  They have just hit 30k members and a high percentage of them are renters."Whether you're a tenant or owner, turning your house into a home is imperative. Creating positive surroundings with your personal style should be seen foremost as an investment into your own well-being."***Connect with The Room Xchange on social media  - Facebook | Instagram | Twitter | Linkedin  | Get started | Stay updatedHow you can make your rental feel like your home with out losing your bondTouch base with your landlord and have a chat. They're usually happy to negotiate changes in the home.The kinds of things you can change are basically anything that doesn't damage your property and it's easily removable. Make sure that you put the property back in the same state that you found it.You can hang pictures and curtains. Just be mindful how you hang them. You can now get hanging strips from Bunnings which will hold up to 4kg which will save you putting a hole in the wall.Bathroom vanity storyMitch and his partner were living in a rental that had a very old bathroom vanity. They replaced it and it improved the quality of their home and their experience living in it. The landlord was also very happy as it improved the value of his house.“ We need to look at it like we're investing in our happiness, not in someone else's property.”Garden ideas for your rental propertyContainer plantingFree standing gardensDon't invest in things that you can't take with you.Outdoor wall art from succulentsHang cheap art outside and seal it with a waterproofer - silicone sprayImprovements you can do inside your rental homContact The Room Xchange Tweet us at @theroomxchange and @LudwinaDautovic Share a story on instagram @theroomxchange Email us at admin@theroomxchange.com Please leave us a reviewClick here for Apple reviewsConnect on our socialsYoutube | Facebook | Instagram | Twitter | Linkedin Sign up on our websitewww.theroomxchange.com

In episode 15, Ben Pretty, Co-founder of Rent Rabbit, and Ludwina Dautovic talk about reviews for renters by renters.***To listen to all episodes go to: www.TheRoomXchangePodcast.com or subscribe on all major podcast directories.About Ben PrettyBen is the co-founder of RentRabbit.com.au - Australia's No1 Property Review Platform for Renters. Ben is passionate about tackling the imbalance of Australia's private rental market through a renter first approach. Rent Rabbit allows renters to review the properties they've rented; list any issues they've had with the property and/or with the landlord or agent. In this conversation, Ben Pretty and Ludwina Dautovic discuss the benefits and transparency around reviews for landlords, agents and tenants and the benefits it brings to the industry.How Rent Rabbit worksRent Rabbit is a review platform for landlords, agents and tenants. It's a transparent approach to finding out who you're dealing with and what their history of dealing with others is like. It also gives the tenant an opportunity to understand what it's like to deal with the owner and agents of the property. If you're spending a great deal of money each year with a supplier, you it's reasonable to know what they're like to deal with.Benefits to all partiesBeing able to ask previous tenants about the street, neighbourhood, the condition of the house and how the landlord dealt with repairs is great knowledge to have. If you're spending anywhere from $20 - $30k a year with an agent or landlord, shouldn't you be able to know what they're like to deal with? There are benefits to the landlord knowing what the tenants history is like. It's also a benefit for the tenant to know what the landlords history is like.Ratings and reviews are everywhereWe are living in a world where ratings and reviews are the first port of call for consumers when making a decision about a product or service you're purchasing, especially if it is a high ticket item. So why not for rentals?As an example, Airbnb uses ratings and  reviews for both hosts and guests. It is becoming a standard requirement in the short term holiday space. So why shouldn't we do the same for long term rentals?It's a fascinating discussion and very thought provoking. If you enjoyed it, please subscribe, rate and review the podcast on Apple podcasts. We'll read it out in a future episode if you do.Contact The Room Xchange Tweet us at @theroomxchange and @LudwinaDautovic Share a story on instagram @theroomxchange Email us at admin@theroomxchange.com Please leave us a reviewClick here for Apple reviewsConnect on our socialsYoutube | Facebook | Instagram | Twitter | Linkedin Sign up on our websitewww.theroomxchange.com

In episode 14, Mark McCrindle, social researcher and demographer, and Ludwina Dautovic, talk about the future of housing in Australia and how our CBDs are changing.ABOUT MARK MCCRINDLEMark McCrindle is a social researcher with an international following. He is recognised as a thought leader in tracking emerging issues and researching social trends. Having developed his reputation across two decades as an award-winning social researcher, best-selling author and social commentator, Mark has appeared across all major television networks, radio and print media, and been twice invited to speak at TEDx. He has presented thousands of keynotes and workshops in all major industries including finance, technology, health, mining, energy and education for top global brands and organisations. His advisory, communications and research company, McCrindle, count among its clients more than 100 of the largest companies and leading international brands."One thing that we came to appreciate during the pandemic were their household members, friends and family with whom they were living and they reprioritised their life and values as a result. Moving out of it, I think that will remain core."***Connect with The Room Xchange on social media  - Facebook | Instagram | Twitter | Linkedin  | Get started | Stay updatedIn this conversation, Mark McCrindle and Ludwina Dautovic discuss the future of housing in Australia. There have been multiple changes in our country as a result of Covid which has changed our housing landscape and the future of housing.POPULATION GROWTH HAS REDUCEDPopulation growth is foundational to housing, and we've had a slowdown in population growth due to the pandemic. We've seen a slow down in immigration and arrivals from overseas. We've also seen a slowdown in birth rate in fact it's been the slowest birth rate recorded. Considering the property market has been geared on population growth, this has caused issues. There's also been an internal migration. Growth in regional areas and secondary capitals are growing faster and it's creating a rebalancing of our population. But with the shift in population and more people working from home, these trends have changed.LIFE CHANGES ARE MOVING THE HOUSING MARKETThe single person household is the fastest growing household category with both young people and the elderly. Delayed family forming, living at home phenomena, more investment over a longer period into education and career, have defined the life stages and therefore the dContact The Room Xchange Tweet us at @theroomxchange and @LudwinaDautovic Share a story on instagram @theroomxchange Email us at admin@theroomxchange.com Please leave us a reviewClick here for Apple reviewsConnect on our socialsYoutube | Facebook | Instagram | Twitter | Linkedin Sign up on our websitewww.theroomxchange.com

Angela and Sherylanne have been house sharing for 18 months and have now formed a lifelong friendship. In this episode we're talking about their journey, how they negotiated their rent offset, how they worked through any issues and their plans to remain friends for life.***Connect with The Room Xchange on social media  - Facebook | Instagram | Twitter | Linkedin  | Get started | Stay updatedAbout Angela and SherylanneAngela is epidemiologist and a kidney specialist who works long hours. Sherylanne was building a dance school just before Covid hit. They came together just at the right time. Not only where they a great support for each other during the 18 months house sharing together, they were also able to support each other through Covid.Benefits of having a housemateSherylanne helped to create a lot of stability around their home during covid. The consistency of having someone older and more mature around Angela's son Felix, created a more solid experience for him and for Angela. She was also able to fill the gaps for Angela and be there as another adult to help raise her son.Negotiating the rent offsetSherylanne and Angela did a full rent offset. It changed over time as it was needed, and they constantly talked about their needs and the changes that were required to fulfil them. Their advice is, if you keep the lines of communication open, you'll be fine. They also found our house share agreement helpful as well as our interview questionnaire.House sharing with children in the homeIt's a natural concern as a parent to ensure the safety of your children. There are things we consider when someone is around our kids who might have any form of influence over them. Asking questions and being clear about your views as a parent is important and as a housemate you must back up the parents. Having another adult in the home can have a huge positive impact on the children especially if you are a single parent family. The additional support and adult opinion can sometimes help to divert arguments or issues that the children might challenge you on.Lifelong friendshipsThe most beautiful thing they now have is a lifelong friendship. That's what house sharing does. It creates friends for life. Sherylanne is now moving on overseas and Angela is looking for someone new. They are sad that the arrangement is coming to an end but they'll be friends for life. There's even talk of visiting Sherylanne overseas sometime down the track.Contact The Room Xchange Tweet us at @theroomxchange and @LudwinaDautovic Share a story on instagram @theroomxchange Email us at admin@theroomxchange.com Please leave us a reviewClick here for Apple reviewsConnect on our socialsYoutube | Facebook | Instagram | Twitter | Linkedin Sign up on our websitewww.theroomxchange.com

“My role as a property manager, first and foremost, is to help people.” Karen JosephKaren Joseph, Principal at First National Real Estate in Manly, Sydney has been in the real estate industry for 19 years and talks about how she builds trust and solid relationships between her property owners, herself and her tenants. About Karen JosephWith a reputation in the industry for having a proven set of skills, Karen Joseph provides her clients with extensive experience in both property management and sales. As a consummate professional, she believes in being open and honest at every step of the process. She prides herself on being able to place the right tenant into the right property. This comes from doing her due diligence and caring for each house as if it were her own. It is also important that every individual ‒ both landlords and tenants ‒ is treated with respect.What we discussed2:56 – Good communication is vital to develop a good relationship with your agent.My role as a property manager first and foremost is to help people.2:56 – Good communication is vital to develop a good relationship with your agent.6:19 – The rental market has changed and is governed a lot more now.6:35 – The burnout rate for a property manager is about two years. 8:22 – The perception of the role of the rental manager and the reality is very different.9:00 –  It's important to match the right tenant in the right rental apartment. 11:27 – Take the time to understand the life and person behind the agent.12:32 – Covid has changed the world so much which puts even more pressure on agents. We need good quality tenants to have great relationships with, so they'll stay long-term and look after the owners' investment property.14:00 – We can't always get back to you right away, so you need to be patient.16:00 – Moving can be stressful and we have e-books to help you with that.18:26 – Realistic expectations of a tenant. 19:32 – The owner needs to have a budget and expect repairs.20:24 – ‘As inspected'. You accept the property as it is. Don't expect renovations. 24 :51 – Legislation now allows tenants to do certain things around the home like hang pictures and paintings. It's better for them to do so as they're likely to stay longer.25:22 – What are the expectations of the agent when doing a routine property inspection?1) Are you taking care of the property? 2) Is it in a reasonable state of cleanliness? 3) Is anything damaged?  28:30 – What is considered reasonable wear and tear?Contact The Room Xchange Tweet us at @theroomxchange and @LudwinaDautovic Share a story on instagram @theroomxchange Email us at admin@theroomxchange.com Please leave us a reviewClick here for Apple reviewsConnect on our socialsYoutube | Facebook | Instagram | Twitter | Linkedin Sign up on our websitewww.theroomxchange.com

The changes in rental demographics might be surprising to some. Gone are the days when renting was the domain of 20 year olds who were leaving home for the first time or going to university. Or the young couple saving for a house. Changes in rental demographics are showing that more and more people are opting to rent as a lifestyle and/or financial choice. In this interview, Dr Diaswati Mardiasmo, Chief Economist at PRD Real Estate, talks about the changes in rental demographics and what that  means for the rental market.Connect with us: Website | Facebook | Instagram | TwitterABOUT DR DIASWATI ASTI MADIASMODr Diaswati Asti Madiasmo is the Chief Economist at PRD Real Estate and she is passionate about property data and sharing her knowledge of the market. She is also the secretary at the Queensland Multicultural Council and a resident committee member at Property Council of Australia. She is also a single mother and in this episode she shares her journey of house sharing.2:40 - Introducing Dr Diaswati Asti Mardiasmo4:40 - Demographics for renters todayThere are two major changes. One is the demographics and the other is in the perception or stigma that is around house-sharing or renting.7:30 - How house-sharing and renting has changed.8:00 - Single mums are house-sharing more and more.8:45 - Where are renting trends heading?9:25 - Down-sizers and empty nester are now opting to rent.10:00 - Rent-vesting is popular now.10:35 - Asti shares her story about being a single mother and sharing her space in the house she owns with herself and her daughter.11:55 - House-sharing has given her companionship, security, financial support and a backup for her daughter.14:20 - There are over 13m unused spare bedrooms in Australia. They're rooms that can be rented.17:15 - Why are homes being built so large when people are having less children?20:50 - Negotiating your home-share relationship and having the right boundaries in place is important.22:15 - Negotiating a house-share is very similar to negotiating friendships.27:10 - What are some of the qualities you're looking for? What are your deal-breakers?28:30 - Interview people. Have your questions ready. (The Room Xchange has an interview template and a house-share agreement template you can use to help you along)We are all house-sharing. If we live with a partner or children we're sharing space. Renting or house sharing with other people is not that much different.Contact The Room Xchange Tweet us at @theroomxchange and @LudwinaDautovic Share a story on instagram @theroomxchange Email us at admin@theroomxchange.com Please leave us a reviewClick here for Apple reviewsConnect on our socialsYoutube | Facebook | Instagram | Twitter | Linkedin Sign up on our websitewww.theroomxchange.com

Working from home with housemates comes with it's own challenges. Working from home is hard enough, let alone working in an environment where you may not have the space, adequate resources or the ability to be both flexible and disciplined in your work at home practices. With Covid giving more workers the option to work from home, unless you have clear boundaries set up and a good understanding of what that means for the other people in the household, it could create more problems. It's also important to take care of your mental and physical health, get enough exercise, separate work from home life and make time for leisure activities. In this interview Dr Frank Chow goes into great depth about how the working world has changed, how you can negotiate working from home with your housemates, how to ensure you have an allocated work space and how to be innovative in terms of alternatives to the home.About Dr Frank ChowDr Frank Chow is the director and psychiatrist at 2OP Health, a specialist in organisational and occupational psychiatric service, specialising in work related mental health care. Dr Chow is passionate about advocating early intervention, education and rehabilitation for all individuals so they can get back on track with improved clarity, motivation and fulfilment at work.Content of our interview0:30: We've just hit our 10th episode. Thank you to my producer David D. If you're looking for a producer for your podcast, get in touch with him.2:00 – Introducing our guest today – Dr Frank Chow. We'll be discussing how to work from home, how to negotiate working from home, how to make space in your home for work and taking care of your mental and physical health while working from home.4:00 – How has the working world changed? Adjusting expectations, more flexible work arrangements, balance between home and office.8:40 – Some of the effects of long-term working from home are social skill deterioration and increased social anxiety.10:27 – If you're moving into a new house share and you work from home, how do you negotiate with your housemates about potential issues that might arise?12:00 – The Room Xchange has a household and housemate questionnaire that you can use as a guide to asking the right questions when getting a new housemate. We also have a House Share Agreement to help you negotiate the terms of your house share.14:25 – Create a house share agreement on what your terms are and what you agree to in regard to sharing spaces and working from home.15:25 – Utilising local cafes and venues to work from that are quiet in the afternoons. Work outside in a local park. Book a co-working space a day a week for meetings and Zoom calls.16:55 – Set upContact The Room Xchange Tweet us at @theroomxchange and @LudwinaDautovic Share a story on instagram @theroomxchange Email us at admin@theroomxchange.com Please leave us a reviewClick here for Apple reviewsConnect on our socialsYoutube | Facebook | Instagram | Twitter | Linkedin Sign up on our websitewww.theroomxchange.com

With renting becoming more of a lifestyle choice as well as a necessity for some, it's time that we started to build better relationships between the landlord, agents and tenants. Landlords are not to be feared in fact over 70% of landlords in Australia are mum and dad investors. Agents want good tenants for their landlords, but tenants are often left feeling like they're the least important part of the equation.  Connect with us: Website | Facebook | Instagram | TwitterAbout Jo NatoliTo help me better understand the relationship between the landlord, agent and tenant is Jo Natoli, founder of The Rental Specialist in Sydney. The Rental Specialist is an agency that only services the rental property market. Jo has some interesting ideas on how the real estate industry needs to separate the rental market from the buying/selling market. With renting becoming more of a norm, there needs to be a fresh, new approach that better supports the landlord, agent and tenant rental relationship.What we discussed in this episode2:46 -  Introducing Jo Natoli, founder of The Rental Specialists.3:19 - Defining the relationship between the landlord and the tenant.A landlord is typically a mum and dad investor."4:35 - Who is a typical landlord?5:51 - Renting is becoming more and more a lifestyle choice as well as a necessity for many.7:40 - Long term leases need to become normal.9:25 - What certainty is required to give a tenant a long term lease?12:08 - Renting should be a completely separate business in real estate.Property management is an important function in the whole real estate space."14:35 - Property management needs its own dedicated service.22:59 - Agents are there to protect the interests of the landlords by getting the best tenant possible.26:19 - What happens to our landlord, agent and tenant history?A rental property is a product and the tenant is a customer. Why don't the same rules apply as they do in other business relationships?" 11:00 – Pet owners are generally good tenants.13:00 – How to deal with neighbours with barking dogs15:30 – Offer to take care of your neighbours' dog if you're home during the day. Foster a dog!16:16 – How to apply for a share house with a dog17:49 – Lara shares tips on how to live with a dog in a rental property.18:30 – Many dogs are now experiencing separation anxiety as their owners start going back to work post covid.Contact The Room Xchange Tweet us at @theroomxchange and @LudwinaDautovic Share a story on instagram @theroomxchange Email us at admin@theroomxchange.com Please leave us a reviewClick here for Apple reviewsConnect on our socialsYoutube | Facebook | Instagram | Twitter | Linkedin Sign up on our websitewww.theroomxchange.com

In today's episode I'll be talking about one of the features on our platform - rent or rent offset - it's your choice.The rent offset calculator is a great tool to help you work out the best plan for how you want to live. If you're a household, you can work out how many hours of additional household jobs you'd like to have done and how much of your rent you can offset for that help. The same goes for housemates. If you are happy to offer some time to offset your rent, then you can use the calculator to help work out the best arrangement for you.We believe you should be able to utilise your space and time in the most practical and beneficial way for you whether it's rent or rent offset. Here's how.HOUSEHOLD RENT OFFSETIf you are a household and you'd like the idea of having additional jobs done around your home, the first thing to do is add the number of hours of help you'd like, the hourly rate at which you would expect to pay for that help, and the calculator will tell you how much you'll receive in rent and how many hours of help you'll get. You can offset just the rent amount or rent and utilities; it's up to you.HOUSEMATE RENT OFFSETIf you'd like to save some money and are happy to do some additional jobs around the house on top of what is normally expected as a housemate, then you can work out an arrangement that suits you. To begin with, add the number of hours you'd be happy to help, add the value per hour you would expect to be paid for those jobs and the calculator will show you how much you'd expect to pay and how many hours of jobs you'd need to do.WHAT'S NEXT?Once you've worked out the best plan for you, add this information in the ‘Additional information' section on the profile. Select the ‘Rent Offset' button so people searching for you know that you're happy to offset some or all of your rent.Have a play around with the calculator and see what works best for you.www.theroomxchange.comConnect with us: Website | Facebook | Instagram | TwitterContact The Room Xchange Tweet us at @theroomxchange and @LudwinaDautovic Share a story on instagram @theroomxchange Email us at admin@theroomxchange.com Please leave us a reviewClick here for Apple reviewsConnect on our socialsYoutube | Facebook | Instagram | Twitter | Linkedin Sign up on our websitewww.theroomxchange.com

 In today's episode I'll be talking about how to create an engaging profile on Australia's first verified house sharing platform - The Room Xchange. Whether you're a household or a housemate, creating an engaging profile is vital to your success in finding the right living arrangement for you. Your profile is literally a first glance into who you are and how you like to live, so you want to draw people into your world, so they'll want to know more about you.There are a few simple things you can do that will greatly benefit you and won't take much time at all.ONE SENTENCE STATEMENT ABOUT YOUWhat's the number one thing that your friends say is great about you? This is usually a great statement to add to your ‘about' section. It's a one liner that will show up in the public search results. This sentence, plus your profile photo, is the first thing users will see. Here's a good example: ‘I'm a curious person who loves to learn and engage with people.' Or ‘I'm a neat freak who loves to organise and sort out people's spaces. Or ‘I love to travel and explore different cultures and lifestyles.' All of these statements tell the reader something interesting about you.PROFILE PHOTOChoose the right profile photo. This is the image in the round circle and it's the first image people will see of you. A head and shoulders photo is ideal. Make sure the light is in front of you and not behind you. Smile and be engaging in the photo. These photos will be used on your public profile and we'll also use them for our social media promotion of your account so it's important that you're comfortable with these images being public.ADDITIONAL INFORMATION – RENT OR RENT OFFSETThe section for additional information is where you can add information about a rent offset. If you are a household who would like to offset the rent by having the housemate do some extra jobs around the house, list it here. If you're a housemate and you are happy to offer your time to offset your rent, mention it here.You can also add information such as any quirks you might have (people sometimes find these interesting) fascinating bits of info, location benefits, nice areas of the home or if it's close to the beach.GALLERY IMAGESYou can add additional photos in the gallery image section. If you are a household, we recommend you add photos of the bedroom, living areas, kitchen and outdoor areas. If it's by the beach or a nice shopping strip you can add an image of that too. Don't add any photos of the front of your house that might show your specific location. If you are a housemate, add some images that reflect your personality. If you're a good cook add images of your food, if you liContact The Room Xchange Tweet us at @theroomxchange and @LudwinaDautovic Share a story on instagram @theroomxchange Email us at admin@theroomxchange.com Please leave us a reviewClick here for Apple reviewsConnect on our socialsYoutube | Facebook | Instagram | Twitter | Linkedin Sign up on our websitewww.theroomxchange.com

In today's episode I'll be talking about mandatory Digital iD verification.DIGITAL ID VERIFICATIONWe are proud to say that we're Australia's first verified house sharing platform. From the very beginning, we have insisted that all users on our platform are verified via Australia Post. Their Digital iD technology has been integrated into our system enabling you to quickly be verified in around 30 seconds.WHY VERIFICATION?When building a community of house sharers, we believe that the community should be built on trust. So we've utilised technology to enable trust to be built amoung our users. Everyone, including you, has had to provide a government photo iD and that information is then matched against the information in your profile. This proves that everyone is who they say they are. NO FAKE PROFILES ON THE ROOM XCHANGEOne of the biggest problems house sharers tell us is that they're sick of having to sort through fake profiles. Because every user has to be verified, it ensures that all profiles are genuine. This will give you peace of mind knowing that you're connecting with real people with real profiles.DIGITAL ID BADGE ON YOUR PROFILEOnce you have successfully applied for your Digital iD, there will be a badge applied to your profile. This will show everyone that your profile is verified.USE YOUR DIGITAL ID AT PARTICIPATING BUSINESSESYou can install your Digital iD on your mobile device and use it at any other participating business that utilises this technology for their verification.WHO PAYS FOR THE DIGITAL IDThe good news is, we pay for it. It's part of your pricing model on our platform.HOW TO APPLY FOR YOUR DIGITAL IDIt's really easy to apply for your Digital iD. Just make sure you have your preferred and accepted photo iD on hand. Once you click the verify button, you'll see a window open up that shows our logo and Australia Post. Just follow the prompts and in 30 seconds you'll have been verified. You can also watch the video below that steps you through the process.www.theroomxchange.comConnect with us: Website | Facebook | Instagram | TwitterContact The Room Xchange Tweet us at @theroomxchange and @LudwinaDautovic Share a story on instagram @theroomxchange Email us at admin@theroomxchange.com Please leave us a reviewClick here for Apple reviewsConnect on our socialsYoutube | Facebook | Instagram | Twitter | Linkedin Sign up on our websitewww.theroomxchange.com

Knowing how to rent with pets can be challenging particularly when the laws differ from one state to the next. The rental laws in regard to renting with pets have also changed which  provide tenants with more assurance around renting with their beloved pets. However, you still need to get the okay from the agent or landlord and there are some things you can do to help your application along.Connect with us: Website | Facebook | Instagram | TwitterAbout Lara ShannonTo help me unpack the mysteries of how to rent with pets is Leading dog expert, Lara Shannon. Lara is passionate about empowering people to take the best care of their pets. She's a certified dog trainer, behaviourist, and pet food nutritionist. Lara is also the Producer and Host of Channel 10's Pooches at Play, Author of ‘World of Dogs' and ‘Eat Play Love (Your Dog)'.What we discussed in this episode2:36 – Pooches at Play on Channel 10.3:11 – How have the tenancy laws changed in regards to pets?5:21 – Concerns that landlords might have and how to alleviate them.7:10 – In WA you can have a pet bond but not in other states.8:38 – Make the right decision on the type of house you're applying for based on the temperament and habits of your dog."There's over 30m pets in Australia and over 2/3'ds of households have a pet. There is a massive need fore rental accommodation that allows for these pets.”11:00 – Pet owners are generally good tenants.13:00 – How to deal with neighbours with barking dogs.15:30 – Offer to take care of your neighbours' dog if you're home during the day. Foster a dog!16:16 – How to apply for a share house with a dog.17:49 – Lara shares tips on how to live with a dog in a rental property.18:30 – Many dogs are now experiencing separation anxiety as their owners start going back to work post covid."Research shows that people with pets really appreciate and respect that they've been given this opportunity to be able to have this pet in their rental home."22:20 – Pets are a great way to get to know your neighbours and get involved in your local community.23:05 – How you can use Facebook community groups to connect you with other pet owners in your neighbourhood.23:48 – How to put together a pet resume and how it can help you with your rental applications.27:25 – To find out more about Lara Shannon go to www.poochesatplay.com or www.Larashannon.com and Pooches at Play on Channel 10.29:04 – We're taking a break from our feature interviews over the next tContact The Room Xchange Tweet us at @theroomxchange and @LudwinaDautovic Share a story on instagram @theroomxchange Email us at admin@theroomxchange.com Please leave us a reviewClick here for Apple reviewsConnect on our socialsYoutube | Facebook | Instagram | Twitter | Linkedin Sign up on our websitewww.theroomxchange.com

As housing prices continue to skyrocket across Australia the idea of owning your own home continues to remain a pipe dream for many Australian's.  With renting being the only alternative, it begs the question "Is renting a viable lifestyle option?" Christopher Zinn, our guest on episode 3 of The Room Xchange Podcast, believes renting can be a viable lifestyle option is it is well considered and you have a good plan in place.Connect with us: Website | Facebook | Instagram | TwitterAbout Christopher ZinnChristopher Zinn is a consumer campaigner at Life Sherpa, Australia's first online financial advice provider. Christopher's work at Life Sherpa is about replacing the myths and mysteries we can all feel around money with more constructive beliefs.What we discussed in this episode1:20 - Introducing Christopher Zinn2:32 - Christopher talks about how we're all consumers and how the consumer is the most important person in the party whether it's a renter or a house buyer."The consumer is the basic driver of so much of our economy and they need to be recognised as such and that could be a renter or a house buyer."3:17 - One of the first things was renting a home 4:30 - Your rental is your home.  5:00 - How can we negotiate a long term lease in Australia?7:19 - Can renting be a viable financial way to live?7:38 - last year rents went up 8.2% an regional areas went up no longer being able to provide a refuge for cheaper rents.8:25 - In the short to medium term is can actually be cheaper to rent than to buy."Buying comes with considerable costs up front, and you have to maintain it. It does all add up. Whereas with renting you pay the rent and that's it."9:47 - How to create a plan to financially benefit from renting.12:46 - Pros and cons of Rent vesting 15:05 - The future of housing and how it might change with more and more people working from home.19:08 - With more people working from home and using their spare room as an office, it can have an impact on the available occupancy rates for tenants looking for somewhere to live. 20:16 - If you're working from home there should be some compensation for the additional costs.23:45 - Let's remove the stigma of renting."If you make the right kind of investment with the money you save in renting, then the savvy renter can do as well as the householder."24:20 - Renting has got to be more viable because for some people there will literally be no choice. We have to have some tenancy reform. 26:13 - We don't hear the good stories about good tenants and landlords. Only the horror stories on the news.27:40 - Our rental payments Contact The Room Xchange Tweet us at @theroomxchange and @LudwinaDautovic Share a story on instagram @theroomxchange Email us at admin@theroomxchange.com Please leave us a reviewClick here for Apple reviewsConnect on our socialsYoutube | Facebook | Instagram | Twitter | Linkedin Sign up on our websitewww.theroomxchange.com

The Room Xchange - Helping you rent better. If you want to save some money on your rent and are a bit handy with a tool or two, this episode is full of practical ideas on how to negotiate a rent reduction with home improvements. Chris Bellesini, Director of Undercover Agent,  talks about how he saved $7000 in rent by doing some home improvements on the rental property he and his family were living in. Connect with us: Website | Facebook | Instagram | Twitter About Chris BellesiniChris is a licensed real estate agent and accountant. He learnt how to deal in property by working for a savvy investor and developer who has bought and sold over 500 homes. He runs a mentoring program for people looking to purchase their next home. If you're looking to sell, Chris researches your area and selects the best agent for you. He can also provide a holistic approach that includes renting to achieve your goals.In this episode00.40: Recap of last week's episode #1 with Ray Ellis CEO of First National Real Estate on ‘How to apply for a rental property'. 2.25: Chris Bellesini talks about his accounting background and his passion for real estate and how can we do things better and make it easier for the consumer.  3:06: How can we do things better in real estate to make it easier for the consumer?  3:20 – Chris' mentoring program helps  people research,  understand if the property has been under or over quoted, how to bid at auctions. Giving them confidence when they're purchasing their home. 5:35 – Chris shares about the house in Vermont and the rent reduction he negotiated.  7:24 – Chris made his offer to the agent. 8:10  - Chris saved around $7000 over three years and it only cost him $1000 plus his labour to make the changes. 8:25 –  "I think there's real potential in there for people who are renting to give value back to the landlord other than with cash." 9:50 – Increased the value of the house for the landlord by tens of thousands of dollars. Plus the landlord knew there was someone in the house who cared about it. He lived in the home for 5 years and the landlord never increased the rent.11:45 – How to negotiate it with the real estate agent and how to provide confidence that you can do the work well. 15:05 – Benefits for first home buyers who are renting while they're saving for a home.17:20 – How to negotiate a long-term lease.19:15 – Making sure that the house is purely an investment property means its intention is to be rented. It will give you a better chance of being able to live there longer. Do your research before you sign a lease.24:10 – "Renting is about a lifestyle choice. The old saying that ‘RenContact The Room Xchange Tweet us at @theroomxchange and @LudwinaDautovic Share a story on instagram @theroomxchange Email us at admin@theroomxchange.com Please leave us a reviewClick here for Apple reviewsConnect on our socialsYoutube | Facebook | Instagram | Twitter | Linkedin Sign up on our websitewww.theroomxchange.com

Hello, I'm Ludwina Dautovic your host of The Room Xchange Podcast and our first guest is Ray Ellis, CEO of First National Real Estate. Ray has had a strong business career in Australia and internationally through a variety of industries. Ray and I are talk about how to apply for a rental property. Ray has some great insights, so if you're currently applying for rentals, don't miss this one! Make sure you head over to our Instagram and Facebook page to join the conversation. Remember to subscribe to your favourite podcast directory so you never miss an episode.1:30 - What's happening in the real estate market in Australia?3:50 - How do you put together a good rental application?6:10 - What paperwork do you need to include in your application?9:05 - What percentage of your income should go towards your rent?10:34 - More and more people are working permanent casual or self employed. How does this impact rental applications?12:40 - How to make yourself known to the agent.13:26 - Landlords aren't meant to be feared.14:00 - The majority of tenancies are good stories.15:11 -  Watch your grammar on your application.17:00 - Establish a relationship with the agent and they'll notify you when something comes up that suits your needs. 17:39 - How to apply for a rental property with a group of tenants in a share house.22:22 - The majority of investors in Australia and mum are dad investors.23:27 - Ray recaps his points on how to successfully apply for a rental property. Get your credit rating and finances in order. Isolate where you want to live. Follow the right real estate portals such as firstnational.com.au. Get to know the local agents and impress them with your character. Stay in touch with them as it will keep you ahead of the pack.25:05 - Well done on what you're doing with this podcast show. It's a great benefit not just to young people but to all people around Australia.Contact The Room Xchange Tweet us at @theroomxchange and @LudwinaDautovic Share a story on instagram @theroomxchange Email us at admin@theroomxchange.com Please leave us a reviewClick here for Apple reviewsConnect on our socialsYoutube | Facebook | Instagram | Twitter | Linkedin Sign up on our websitewww.theroomxchange.com

The Room Xchange Podcast - Conversations with industry leaders in the house sharing market and everyday people talking about their house sharing experiences.Hello and welcome to the first episode of The Room Xchange podcast where we'll be helping you rent better. I'm Ludwina Dautovic, the CEO and Founder of The Room Xchange, Australia's first verified house sharing platform.I'll begin with telling you about the company and then why we're producing this podcast.Our mission is to help you rent better. To help you find your people and feel at home. Renting doesn't have to be a transient, short-term option on the road to nowhere. Renting is a viable living option and sharing your home with other people can be a beautiful experience. The Room Xchange is a platform that supports your house sharing journey. Firstly, all registered users must be verified giving you peace of mind that our users are who they say they are. It also prevents fake profiles which we can be a massive issue with platforms like this.Our profiling system makes it easy to find your ideal housemate by matching you on personality, values and lifestyle.You can also choose to rent or rent offset saving you time and money. The Room Xchange Podcast is a portal for you to connect with us and to learn more about how to be a better renter. I'll be interviewing industry leaders in the house sharing market along with talking to everyday people about their house sharing stories. We'll be giving you insights and tips on how to rent better and special offers that might come our way.So… to make sure that you don't miss out on an episode please subscribe to The Room Xchange Podcast on your favourite podcast app. We're listed on– Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google Podcasts, Amazon Music, Stitcher, iHeart Radio, Pandora and more.Head over to www.theroomxchange.com where you can find your people and feel at home.Contact The Room Xchange Tweet us at @theroomxchange and @LudwinaDautovic Share a story on instagram @theroomxchange Email us at admin@theroomxchange.com Please leave us a reviewClick here for Apple reviewsConnect on our socialsYoutube | Facebook | Instagram | Twitter | Linkedin Sign up on our websitewww.theroomxchange.com