Building a successful property development is like conducting an orchestra—you don't need to play every instrument, but you do need to know who the best musicians are. The wrong architect, a slow town planner, or a builder with a bad attitude can turn a profitable project into a nightmare.
In this episode of the Property Mastermind Podcast, Hilary and Bob guide you through building your "Dream Team." They unpack the essential roles you need to fill—from the finance broker who sets your budget to the real estate agent who sells your vision. You'll discover why you are the most critical member of the team, how to vet consultants effectively, and why Bob's golden rule of hiring is "hire slowly, fire fast." Whether you are looking for a mentor to guide you or a builder to execute your plans, this episode provides the blueprint for assembling a squad that delivers results.
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Episode Highlights
01:36 – Bob’s Tip of the Week: "Hire slowly, fire fast." Take your time to choose the right people, but don't hesitate to move them on if they aren't performing.
02:44 – The Orchestra Analogy: You are the conductor. Your job is to bring together specialists (architects, engineers, etc.) to create a masterpiece.
05:05 – The Most Important Team Member: Spoiler: It's the Mentor. Having someone who has "been there, done that" to guide you through the entire process is invaluable.
08:44 – The Captain: Why you (the developer) are the second most important person. Your mindset, leadership, and belief in the project determine its success.
12:14 – The Finance Broker: The first person to hire. You need to know your borrowing capacity before you can even look at a site.
16:02 – Consultant Red Flags: How to spot the warning signs early—lack of responsiveness, poor communication, or being "too busy" to prioritise your project.
23:01 – The Real Estate Agent: Why you need to build a relationship with agents early (even if you have to chase them at first) to get access to the best sites.
28:30 – The "Dream Team" Roll Call: A walkthrough of the key consultants: Lawyer, Surveyor, Town Planner, Architect, Landscape Architect, and Civil Engineer.
34:58 – Gut Feeling: Why trusting your instincts when choosing between two qualified consultants can save you headaches down the road.
38:34 – The Builder: Often the biggest cost in your project. How to assess a builder's communication style during the tender process to predict future performance.