Raising the Bar - QLD Property

Every year, Queensland buyers settle on properties with hidden risks they never saw coming. From unapproved building work and boundary disputes to title defects and fraud.In episode 23 of Raising the Bar, George Sourris from Empire Legal sits down with Paul Watkins, General Counsel at Stewart Title Australia, to unpack one of the most overlooked forms of buyer protection in Australian property: title insurance. With more than 20 years at the forefront of title insurance, legal reform and property risk management, Paul breaks down what title insurance actually is, why so many Australians still don’t know about it and the real life claims that can cost buyers tens or even hundreds of thousands of dollars.We cover:- Title insurance explained: what title insurance actually covers, why it protects buyers for the life of ownership, how it differs from standard conveyancing due diligence and why it remains one of the most under-utilised risk management tools in Australian property.- Real claims and hidden landmines: the most common title insurance claims in Queensland, including unapproved structures, boundary encroachments, council enforcement action and fraud, plus the real stories that show just how costly hidden property issues can become.- Raising the bar in buyer protection: what lawyers, conveyancers, lenders and real estate agents need to do better when it comes to educating buyers, managing property risk and ensuring clients understand what their legal representation does and doesn’t cover.If you’re buying property or working in real estate, this episode is a reminder that protecting your biggest asset starts with understanding the risks most buyers don’t even know exist.Contact Paul: https://www.stewartau.com/about-us/leadership-teamFollow us on instagram: https://www.instagram.com/empirelegal/More podcast episodes: https://empirelegal.com.au/podcast/Check out our blogs: https://empirelegal.com.au/blog/Website: https://empirelegal.com.au/Support the show

In episode 22 of Raising the Bar George Sourris from Empire Legal sits down with Italian Knight and community icon Mariangela Stagnitti, who has spent over 40 years helping people get on their feet, not just financially, but in life.Starting as a batch clerk in a local bank branch, Mariangela has built a career grounded in relationships, trust and showing up for her clients across multiple generations.We cover:- The journey: how Mariangela went from a batch clerk to becoming a trusted name in Brisbane’s Italian community and the lessons from her early years in banking that still shape how she works today.- Empowering women: why she’s so passionate about helping women become financially independent, particularly through property and how she supports those navigating major life transitions like divorce, loss and starting over.- Legacy and impact: the growth of the Italian Business Women’s Network with over 80,000 members, what it means to give back at that level and how her work has been recognised with Knighthood from the Italian President.If you work in real estate, finance or deal with people making big financial decisions, this episode is a reminder that relationships and trust are what actually build long term success.Contact Mariangela: https://ibw.network/contact/Follow us on instagram: https://www.instagram.com/empirelegal/More podcast episodes: https://empirelegal.com.au/podcast/Check out our blogs: https://empirelegal.com.au/blog/Website: https://empirelegal.com.au/Support the show

If you’re not part of the solution, you’re part of the problem. In episode 21 of Raising the Bar, George Sourris from Empire Legal sits down with industry titan and ex REIQ Chairman Peter Brewer to unpack what it really means to lift standards in Queensland real estate.From building a career that spans over four decades to leading major reform through the REIQ, Peter shares a no nonsense perspective on what’s working, what’s broken and what needs to change.We cover:- The career: how Peter built a brand that stands the test of time, what “raising the bar” actually means from his perspective and the key mentors and moments that shaped his journey from practitioner to industry educator and advocate.- Industry advocacy and the hard conversations: where Peter’s direct approach comes from, the biggest gaps he still sees in agent training and support and why real change comes down to leadership, accountability and calling out poor behaviour.- What’s next: where Queensland real estate is heading over the next 3-5 years, the biggest mistakes agents are still making today and what he would do differently if he was starting his career in today’s market.If you’re in real estate or business and want a real look at how standards are actually lifted, this episode is a reminder that change happens when people decide to do something about it.Contact Peter: https://thatpeterbrewer.comFollow us on instagram: https://www.instagram.com/empirelegal/More podcast episodes: https://empirelegal.com.au/podcast/Check out our blogs: https://empirelegal.com.au/blog/Website: https://empirelegal.com.au/Support the show

Courtney Caulfield sits down with George Sourris from Empire Legal to share her journey from law to becoming one of Brisbane's most influential women in real estate.We cover:Her pivot from law into Queensland real estateBuilding a personal brand that actually convertsBalancing motherhood with high-performance sellingWhat QLD buyers and sellers need to know right nowFull show notes + links: empirelegal.com.au/blog/news/episode-20-courtney-caulfieldRaising the Bar is Empire Legal's podcast for Queensland property - hosted by Brisbane-based conveyancing solicitor George Sourris. We chat to real estate agents, mortgage brokers, buyer's agents, building inspectors and property pros across Brisbane, the Gold Coast and beyond.Need a conveyancer for your next QLD property purchase or sale? Visit empirelegal.com.au or call 07 3088 7675.Support the show

Ash Hansom from LJ Hooker Cannon Hill joins George Sourris to reveal how she became the #1 agent in Murarrie, outselling her nearest competitor 3 times over.We cover:Dominating a Brisbane suburb from scratchWhy she outsold the competition 3:1Building referral pipelines that actually workWhat buyers in Murarrie and Cannon Hill should knowFull show notes + links: empirelegal.com.au/blog/news/episode-19-ash-hansomRaising the Bar is Empire Legal's podcast for Queensland property - hosted by Brisbane-based conveyancing solicitor George Sourris. Visit empirelegal.com.au or call 07 3088 7675.Support the show

Alex Tincknell shares how he built Elders Real Estate Redlands from zero experience in the Queensland property market.We cover:Starting a real estate agency with no industry backgroundWhy the Redlands market is one to watchHiring and building a team in QLD real estateLessons from the first 12 monthsFull show notes + links: empirelegal.com.au/blog/news/episode-18-alex-tincknellRaising the Bar is Empire Legal's podcast for Queensland property - hosted by Brisbane-based conveyancing solicitor George Sourris. Visit empirelegal.com.au or call 07 3088 7675.Support the show

Emma Flatley went from selling agent to scaling Acquired Buyer's Advocacy across Queensland in just 6 months.We cover:Making the jump from selling agent to buyer's agentScaling a QLD buyer's agency fastWhat buyer's agents really do for youThe Brisbane and Gold Coast markets through a buyer's lensFull show notes + links: empirelegal.com.au/blog/news/episode-17-emma-flatleyRaising the Bar is Empire Legal's podcast for Queensland property - hosted by Brisbane-based conveyancing solicitor George Sourris. Visit empirelegal.com.au or call 07 3088 7675.Support the show

Rebecca Russell from Place Kangaroo Point shares how she went from bartending to dominating Richlands real estate.We cover:Switching careers into QLD real estateLocking down a suburb as "your" patchThe daily habits that separate top 1% agentsRichlands and southside Brisbane property trendsFull show notes + links: empirelegal.com.au/blog/news/episode-16-rebecca-russellRaising the Bar is Empire Legal's podcast for Queensland property - hosted by Brisbane-based conveyancing solicitor George Sourris. Visit empirelegal.com.au or call 07 3088 7675.Support the show

Thomas Metos from MEC reveals the 5-star customer formula that transformed his small business.We cover:Building a 5-star customer experienceSystemising service so every client feels looked afterWhat real estate agents and property pros can steal from this playbookRunning a small business in QueenslandFull show notes + links: empirelegal.com.au/blog/news/episode-15-thomas-metosRaising the Bar is Empire Legal's podcast for Queensland property - hosted by Brisbane-based conveyancing solicitor George Sourris. Visit empirelegal.com.au or call 07 3088 7675.Support the show

Aaron Woolard from Place New Farm shares how he went from White Pages cold calls to becoming Brisbane's inner-city attraction agent.We cover:Starting with literally the phone bookBecoming an attraction agent in one of Brisbane's hottest suburbsNew Farm, Teneriffe and inner-city property insightsBuilding a book of business that sends clients to youFull show notes + links: empirelegal.com.au/blog/news/episode-14-aaron-woolardRaising the Bar is Empire Legal's podcast for Queensland property - hosted by Brisbane-based conveyancing solicitor George Sourris. Visit empirelegal.com.au or call 07 3088 7675.Support the show

Shane Lawson from North Coast Pool Inspections shares pool safety insights every QLD and Northern NSW property buyer needs to hear.We cover:What pool safety inspections actually checkCommon failures that trip up sellersThe QLD pool safety certificate explainedHow buyers can protect themselves pre-contractFull show notes + links: empirelegal.com.au/blog/news/episode-13-shane-lawsonRaising the Bar is Empire Legal's podcast for Queensland property - hosted by Brisbane-based conveyancing solicitor George Sourris. Visit empirelegal.com.au or call 07 3088 7675.Support the show

John Cassimatis from Belle Property Coorparoo shares 25+ years of lessons from the Brisbane real estate market.We cover:What changes (and what doesn't) over 25 years of propertyCoorparoo and southside Brisbane market cyclesAdvice for first home buyers right nowHow to pick a great agentFull show notes + links: empirelegal.com.au/blog/news/episode-12-john-cassimatisRaising the Bar is Empire Legal's podcast for Queensland property - hosted by Brisbane-based conveyancing solicitor George Sourris. Visit empirelegal.com.au or call 07 3088 7675.Support the show

Alex McEwan from McGrath Wynnum/Manly shares his journey from mechanic to top-performing Bayside real estate agent.We cover:Career pivot from the workshop to real estateWynnum, Manly and Bayside property trendsWinning listings in a competitive QLD suburbBuilding client relationships that lastFull show notes + links: empirelegal.com.au/blog/news/episode-11-alex-mcewanRaising the Bar is Empire Legal's podcast for Queensland property - hosted by Brisbane-based conveyancing solicitor George Sourris. Visit empirelegal.com.au or call 07 3088 7675.Support the show

Sachin Nair, co-founder of Fincode Loanmarket and former QLD Police officer, shares rapid growth hacks for mortgage brokers.We cover:From the QLD Police force to financeScaling a mortgage broking businessWhat borrowers need to know about the current QLD lending landscapeThe broker + conveyancer + agent relationshipFull show notes + links: empirelegal.com.au/blog/news/episode-10-sachin-nairRaising the Bar is Empire Legal's podcast for Queensland property - hosted by Brisbane-based conveyancing solicitor George Sourris. Visit empirelegal.com.au or call 07 3088 7675.Support the show

Ethan Petrie from Ray White West End shares how he went from earning 100k to 2.4m in just 3 years in Brisbane real estate.We cover:The mindset shift that changed everythingProspecting at volume in West End and inner-city BrisbaneHow to scale GCI fast in QLD real estateWhat buyers and sellers should demand from their agentFull show notes + links: empirelegal.com.au/blog/news/episode-09-ethan-petrieRaising the Bar is Empire Legal's podcast for Queensland property - hosted by Brisbane-based conveyancing solicitor George Sourris. Visit empirelegal.com.au or call 07 3088 7675.Support the show

Suzana Wade from Locate Property shares why picking the wrong property manager in QLD could cost you thousands.We cover:What a great property manager actually doesRed flags to watch for when choosing oneBrisbane rental market trendsProtecting your investment propertyFull show notes + links: empirelegal.com.au/blog/news/episode-08-suzana-wadeRaising the Bar is Empire Legal's podcast for Queensland property - hosted by Brisbane-based conveyancing solicitor George Sourris. Visit empirelegal.com.au or call 07 3088 7675.Support the show

Anthony Bartzis from Southern Cross Building Inspections reveals what building and pest inspections in QLD really cover.We cover:What B&P inspections check (and what they miss)Common issues in Brisbane and Gold Coast homesHow buyers should use the report pre-contractTimber pest risks in QLDFull show notes + links: empirelegal.com.au/blog/news/episode-07-anthony-bartzisRaising the Bar is Empire Legal's podcast for Queensland property - hosted by Brisbane-based conveyancing solicitor George Sourris. Visit empirelegal.com.au or call 07 3088 7675.Support the show

Vass Stammes from VMS Town Planning and PropCheck unpacks splitter blocks and due diligence traps in the Brisbane property market.We cover:Splitter blocks: profit vs trapsBrisbane City Council zoning essentialsDue diligence every QLD property buyer should runHow to use town planning to spot opportunityFull show notes + links: empirelegal.com.au/blog/news/episode-06-vass-stammesRaising the Bar is Empire Legal's podcast for Queensland property - hosted by Brisbane-based conveyancing solicitor George Sourris. Visit empirelegal.com.au or call 07 3088 7675.Support the show

Ric Medlin from The Home Buyer Helper shares the ultimate buyer's agent guide to the Wynnum/Manly property market.We cover:Why Wynnum and Manly are on so many buyers' shortlistsWhat a buyer's agent actually doesQLD Bayside property values and trendsNegotiation tactics that workFull show notes + links: empirelegal.com.au/blog/news/episode-05-ric-medlinRaising the Bar is Empire Legal's podcast for Queensland property - hosted by Brisbane-based conveyancing solicitor George Sourris. Visit empirelegal.com.au or call 07 3088 7675.Support the show

Auction specialist Kosma Comino explains the strategy that can add six figures to your QLD property sale price.We cover:Why auction still wins in many QLD suburbsSetting reserve and marketing strategyAuction day psychology from the caller's sideWhen auction isn't the right fitFull show notes + links: empirelegal.com.au/blog/news/episode-04-kosma-comino-auctionRaising the Bar is Empire Legal's podcast for Queensland property - hosted by Brisbane-based conveyancing solicitor George Sourris. Visit empirelegal.com.au or call 07 3088 7675.Support the show

Kosma Comino shares how he went from earning 250 a week as a mechanic to becoming a Brisbane suburb attraction agent.We cover:The career switch that changed everythingBecoming THE agent for a Brisbane suburbProspecting that actually moves the needleWhat sellers should look for in a listing agentFull show notes + links: empirelegal.com.au/blog/news/episode-03-kosma-cominoRaising the Bar is Empire Legal's podcast for Queensland property - hosted by Brisbane-based conveyancing solicitor George Sourris. Visit empirelegal.com.au or call 07 3088 7675.Support the show

Prestige agent Michael Bacon shares how he turned being the youngest in his office into an advantage in Brisbane prestige real estate.We cover:Selling prestige in Brisbane as a young agentGaining trust with high-net-worth sellersThe prestige market in Brisbane right nowLessons on presentation and positioningFull show notes + links: empirelegal.com.au/blog/news/episode-02-michael-baconRaising the Bar is Empire Legal's podcast for Queensland property - hosted by Brisbane-based conveyancing solicitor George Sourris. Visit empirelegal.com.au or call 07 3088 7675.Support the show

The first ever Raising the Bar episode: George's mum Joanne Sourris shares how she built a solo law firm in Queensland while raising three kids.We cover:Starting a law firm solo in QLDJuggling three kids and a practiceThe early Empire Legal storyAdvice for anyone starting out in law or businessFull show notes + links: empirelegal.com.au/blog/news/episode-01-joanne-sourrisRaising the Bar is Empire Legal's podcast for Queensland property - hosted by Brisbane-based conveyancing solicitor George Sourris. Visit empirelegal.com.au or call 07 3088 7675.Support the show