The PROPERTY DOCTORS, Sydney Australia Novak Properties

40 Episodes
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By: Mark Novak, Lisa Novak, Billy Drury, Michael Burgio, Cleo Whithear, Stankovic, Stevan Bubalo, Bidhan Shrestha, Thomas Sims, Jonathan Vescio, Harry Lorcas, Josh Wapshott and guests

NOVAK PROPERTIES CREW and PROPERTY LEGENDS in the industry share their experiences and knowledge.  Hacks and tips to make you a smarter property GURU :) Learn with exclusive content, advice, insider info and HOT real estate industry PRO SECRETS.  For sale, for lease, residential, commercial, buying off the plan, finance, mortgages, interest rates, first home buyer, investments - all topics covered.  The untold real estate info you've been waiting for.

EP. 1513 - THE BUYERS AGENT POST THAT WENT VIRAL...
#1513
Today at 1:00 AM

🚨 Buyers agents, we love you—but we don’t read your long emails. 😬
If you want cut-through, think: speed + convenience.

✅ WhatsApp briefs
✅ Quick video intros
✅ 10-word summaries
✅ Price-filtered info
✅ Occasional phone calls

Let’s make it easier to work together and serve clients better. 👏
Tag a buyer’s agent who needs to hear this! 💬👇
#RealEstateTips #BuyersAgent #RealEstateLife #AgentTalk #PropertyTips #SpeedMatters


EP. 1514 The Most Sales In The Northern Beaches Under One Roof! HOW, WHEN AND WHERE
#1514
Today at 1:00 AM

🚨 220+ SALES in under 12 months – one building, one suburb, Frenchs Forest.

Warehouses + storage units selling like hotcakes 🔥
Why?
✅ Priced from $220k
✅ High clearances for mezzanines
✅ Low strata costs
✅ 6.5–7% yields
✅ Located next to 🇦🇺 Australia’s biggest Bunnings

Investor, tradie, or collector – this one’s for you.
Limited stock left. DM us or 📲 Text BUNNINGS to 0460 111 111
#CommercialProperty #NorthernBeaches #WarehouseForSale #StorageUnits #FrenchsForest #RealEstateWins


EP. 1512 THE FIRST HOME BUYER THAT LAUGHED ALL THE WAY TO THE BANK!
#1512
Last Monday at 1:00 AM

🎉 First-home buyer win! At just 22, Paige secured her first property in DY for $629K — now renting for $650/week. With a 5% deposit & clever planning, she’s holding it for just $89 a week. 💥

This studio’s a beauty: winter garden, secure parking, modern finishes & high rent return = winning formula. 🏠✨

Let this be your sign. DM me if you're ready to get in the game! 💬

📍 DY, Sydney
#FirstHomeBuyer #RealEstateSuccess #DYProperty #NorthernBeaches #StudioLiving #RentVsBuy


EP. 1511 The secret tenant screening program that agents use
#1511
09/10/2025

🗝️ Tenant screening — what REALLY gets you approved
It’s not just about who offers the most rent. Great PMs are matchmakers: right tenant, right home, low risk for everyone. Here’s what matters:
Previous agent reference (the golden Q: “Would you rent to them again?”)
Verified rental ledger + payslips + bank savings (affordability)
Employer check (HR/payroll > a mate’s word)
Details that match (ID ↔️ address ↔️ prior property)
👀 We’ll even glance at public socials for consistency.

🚩 Red flags:
• No agent ledger / can’t verify r...


EP. 1510 Attention All INVESTORS! Multi Use, Multi Income and Maximum Potential
#1510
09/09/2025

🚀 Unpacking a unicorn on the Northern Beaches: residential + retail + office + warehouse… all in one purchase.
📍 DY/Collaroy border (near 21 Grams)
📐 ~650sqm | 3 lots | 7 tenants (leases in place)
💸 Approx. $220,000 p.a. blended income
🛍️ Retail | 🧑‍💼 Office | 🏠 Apartments | 🏭 Warehouse
🔧 Value-add angles: uplift residential rents with light refresh, potential granny flat over the warehouse (STCA), annual 3–5% reviews on most commercial leases.
📈 In commercial, more rent = more value (yield-driven).
🎥 Pre-portal first look—DM for details or a private walk-through.

#NorthernBeaches #CommercialRealEstate #MixedUse #PropertyInvestment #DY #Collaroy #Novak


NOVAK NEWS - BREAKING DOWN THE NEW ENTRY-LEVEL PRICES ON SYDNEY'S NORTHERN BEACHES
09/09/2025

💥 New Entry-Level Prices on the Northern Beaches!

House-hunting on Sydney’s Northern Beaches? Here’s what you need to know:
🏠 Entry-level houses now start above $2M – properties under that are rare!
🏡 Suburbs like Narraweena & Beacon Hill offer the best value with potential to add equity.
🏢 Entry-level apartments (2 bed, 1 bath, 1 car) are now $900K–$1M+, especially in DY.
🚀 A recent resale jumped from $885K to $1.127M in under a year!

Why the surge?
✔️ Lower interest rates
✔️ New first-home buyer incentives
✔️ Limited stock + increased demand

💬 Go...


EP. 1509 - #4 IN THE NATION!
#1509
09/09/2025

🎉 #4 Real Estate Show in Australia — Thanks to YOU!

What started as a little show for the Northern Beaches community has gone national… and now global! 🌏

💬 Daily chats. Real topics. Bite-sized insights.
💪 Over 1,500 shows. 7 years. 6 days a week.
📈 #4 in the country for top real estate podcasts.

We’re not a once-a-week production.
We’re LIVE every day — talking to buyers, sellers, investors, tenants — sharing what we learn on the ground.

Whether it's property trends, buying your first home, tenancy law, or navigating super in real estate — we’re breaking it...


EP. 1508 - DUMB THINGS TO DO WITH YOUR SUPERANNUATION
#1508
09/07/2025

💰 Ever wondered what smart Aussies are doing with their super?
We’ve seen people using superannuation to invest in property, from $200K storage units to million-dollar warehouses — and even retirees creating income streams by selling them off gradually.
Your super could be working harder for you.
📊 $4.4 TRILLION is sitting in super — second only to property in Australia.
🤯 Super can borrow money, and it doesn’t touch your personal lending capacity.
👀 Want to know how to start with as little as $20K? DM us.
#superannuation #investsmart #SMSF #propertyinvestment #australianproperty #financialfreedom #wealthbuilding


EP. 1507 do smart homes make money in Real Estate?
#1507
09/03/2025

🏠⚡️ Smart homes: do they make you money?
Short answer: usually no price premium… but big wins in convenience + fewer headaches.

What helps when selling/renting:
Smart locks → easy code change between tenancies 🔐
Leak sensors (laundry/kitchen) → early alerts, less damage 💧
Doorbell/cameras → practical security ✅
Motion lights / timers → labour-saving, set-and-forget 💡

What doesn’t move price: full-blown automation that buyers/tenants won’t use.
Keep it simple, standard, reliable.

Would you pay more for a fully “smart” home? 👇

#PropertyTip


EP. 1506 – FIRST HOME BUYERS USING THEIR SUPERANNUATION AS A DEPOSIT TO BUY!!! WHAT WHAT!? 😲🏠 Sounds too good to be true? It’s not. 💥
#1506
09/03/2025

🏠💥 Secret weapon for first-home buyers: use your super to save your deposit faster (legally).
It’s the FHSS Scheme and here’s how it works:

Salary-sacrifice extra into super → taxed at 15% (often much lower than your normal tax).You can contribute up to $15k/yr (lifetime $50k cap).When you’re ready, withdraw your eligible contributions (generally 85% of concessional + 100% of non-concessional) + earnings for your deposit.

Why it’s good: people save deposits ~30% faster.

Need-to-knows:
• Must be 18+ and...


EP. 1505 REAL ESTATE ROOKIE ROAD TRIP
#1505
09/02/2025

🚐 Real Estate Rookie Road Trip
Thinking about jumping into real estate? Here’s what it really looks like with us:

• Team road trip + hands-on training
• Start in Property Management → graduate to Sales
• Daily 9am huddle, 50 calls/day, real clients, real deals
• Mentors who’ve done it for decades (and rookies smashing it in year 1)
• No uni degree required—work ethic > ATAR

From HSC grads to career-changers, there’s room for you. Want in? DM “ROOKIE”.

#RealEstateCareer #RookieRoadTrip #NorthernBeaches #PropertyJobs #LearnByDoing


NOVAK NEWS - BIGGEST SHAKE-UP FOR FIRST HOME BUYERS IN YEARS! OCT 1ST BRINGS LOWER BARRIERS AND HIGHER CHANCES
09/01/2025

🚨 The BIGGEST shake-up for first-home buyers in history starts 1 October 🚨

Here’s what’s changing:
✔️ Buy with just 5% deposit (no LMI)
✔️ No income caps — even couples earning $250k+ can qualify
✔️ Price caps lifted to $1.5m in Sydney 🏡
✔️ Simpler, national scheme — easier to access

💡 Example: A $1.5m property = $75k deposit. That’s it.

This is game-changing for buyers on the Northern Beaches (and across Sydney) where entry-level apartments & homes sit right around these new limits.

📲 Talk to your broker now — pre-approvals are already blowing out.

#FirstHomeBuyer #SydneyProperty


EP. 1504 - NEW UNITS HITTING DEE WHY HARD
#1504
09/01/2025

🏙️ Too many units in DY?
We hear it all the time: “I don’t want to buy in Dee Why – there are just too many apartments.”

But let’s look at the facts ⬇️
✔️ DY has had apartments for 70 years. Most were built in the 60s/70s (≈8,600).
✔️ In the last 10 years, only ≈700 new ones were added.
✔️ Compare that to Mascot: 2k → 32k in ~15 years 😳
✔️ New and old stock don’t compete — they attract totally different buyers.
✔️ Every off-the-plan unit sold through us in DY has resold for more.

💡 And remember: most new projects are pre-sold before com...


EP. 1503 The Appliance Trap Every Landlord Should Avoid
#1503
08/28/2025

⚡ Appliance traps landlords fall into ⚡

Dishwashers. Ovens. Washing machines. Exhaust fans.
Do you repair… or replace? 🤔

Here’s the truth ⬇️
✔️ Call-out + repair = $140–$200 just to diagnose (often ½ the cost of a new unit)
✔️ Then wait weeks for parts = unhappy tenants 😡
✔️ If you’ve had 8–10 years from an appliance, you’ve done well
✔️ Replace = new warranty + happy tenants + tax-deductible 📝

👉 Stick to cheap, standard sizes. Don’t fall in love with your Miele or Smeg in an investment property.

💡 Pro tip: Bosch dishwashers with dials not buttons last longer.

Would you repair or replace?

#PropertyTips


EP. 1502 Navigating Challenging Driveways in Property Transactions
#1502
08/26/2025

🚗💡 Does a steep driveway or battle-axe block hurt your property value?

We just sold a home in Arthur Street — a stunning property with ocean views 🌊… but a tricky driveway.

Here’s what we learnt:
✔️ Hard access can rule out some buyers 🚫
✔️ But it often means privacy + elevated views = huge lifestyle tick ✅
✔️ Vendors may find it hard to see the “buyer’s perspective”
✔️ Usually it doesn’t slash the price — it just takes longer to find the right buyer

👉 So if you’re selling with hard access: focus on privacy, views + lifestyle.
👉 If you’re buyi...


EP. 1501 - WHERE DID ALL THE PRICE GUIDES GO?
#1501
08/26/2025

🤔 Where did all the price guides go?

If you’ve been searching property online lately, you’ve probably noticed… more and more listings just say “Contact Agent”. Frustrating, right?

Here’s why guides sometimes “disappear”:
✔️ Vendor may not want a public guide
✔️ Market’s been too volatile to pin down early
✔️ Agents testing buyer feedback before setting a guide
✔️ Strict rules on underquoting mean guides must shift with offers

💡 Buyer tips:
➡️ Ask the agent for recent comparables
➡️ Look up past sales in the building/suburb
➡️ If no sold price is listed, ask for a range (“circa $X”...


EP. 1500 - DEVELOPERS GETTING THEIR HANDS ON YOUR DEPOSIT WHEN BUYING OFF THE PLAN? TRUE OR FALSE?
#1500
08/24/2025

💰 Buying off the plan? Ever wondered if the developer gets to touch your hard-earned deposit?

The truth: No. Your 10% sits safely in a trust account (agent’s or solicitor’s) until settlement. ✅

Here’s what else you need to know:
✔️ If the project never gets delivered → you get your deposit back.
✔️ Deposit counts toward your final purchase price.
✔️ In some cases, the interest earned is shared.
✔️ On the Northern Beaches, off-the-plan buyers have never lost money when holding long-term.

👉 Don’t let myths hold you back. Off-the-plan can be a smart move in low-supply...


EP. 1499 Childhood Memories on Sydney’s Northern Beaches
#1499
08/21/2025

🌊 Northern Beaches glory ✨

From horse rides through Maccas drive-thru 🐎🍟 to nights at Jet Club with sticky floors & $1 drinks 🍹… from swimming lessons in freezing rock pools 🏊‍♂️ to ice skating in Narrabeen ⛸️ — the Beaches gave us the best childhood memories.

It’s safe, family-friendly, and full of stories only locals will ever truly get.

👉 Growing up here wasn’t just about the beaches, it was about community, family & freedom.

What’s YOUR favourite Northern Beaches memory? Share below ⬇️

#NorthernBeaches #BeachesLife #AussieNostalgia #CommunityVibes


EP. 1498 THE AGE OF AI, You Wouldn't Believe What We Use It For
#1498
08/20/2025

🤯 Tried explaining ChatGPT to my family yesterday… and ended up showing them how it’s basically a personal assistant in your pocket.

Here’s what we use it for daily in real estate + life:
✔️ Polished emails & reports
✔️ Social media captions (tailored for each platform)
✔️ Editing photos (furniture removal, style changes)
✔️ Meeting notes + mind maps 🧠
✔️ Instant property cashflow analysis 💸
✔️ Learning & research (faster than Google!)

It’s not replacing us — it’s making us faster, sharper & more efficient. 🚀

Would you trust AI to run your meetings or polish your business comms?

#A...


EP. 1497 UNLOCKING PROPERTY GROWTH: WHERE THE NEXT GAINS ARE HIDDEN
#1497
08/19/2025

🏡💡 Where’s the next big property winner on the Northern Beaches?

Here’s our insider intel after 30+ years in the market:
✔️ Houses have already stretched their legs with growth 🚀
✔️ Units are now catching up – one, two & three-bedders are flying 🏢
✔️ Land tax is pushing investors away from houses 💸
✔️ Supply is the enemy of capital growth – choose suburbs with limited new stock.

👉 Right now, essential properties (entry-level homes & affordable apartments) are performing best.

Would you buy a unit or a house in today’s market? 👇

#NorthernBeachesLiving #SydneyRealEstate #PropertyTips #FirstHomeBuyer #InvestmentPropert


NOVAK NEWS - IS IT TIME TO SPRING ONTO THE MARKET?
08/19/2025

🌸 Spring market is here — but should you spring onto the market now or wait?

Here’s the inside scoop from the ground:
✔️ Stock levels = low (620 vs. 800 typical) 📉
✔️ Buyer demand = HOT 🔥 (thanks to recent rate cuts)
✔️ Less competition = better prices 💰

💡 Tip: Don’t overspend on renos. Fresh paint & tidy gardens go further than a new kitchen buyers may rip out anyway.

👉 This could be the sweet spot before stock rises and competition grows.

Would you list now or wait for spring peak? 🤔

#SpringMarket #PropertyTips #NorthernBeachesRealEstate #RealEstateAdvice


EP. 1496 CAN YOU REALLY AFFORD A PROPERTY ON THE NORTHERN BEACHES FOR $63 PER WEEK?
#1496
08/18/2025

💡 Did you know? Buying a $650k property on the Northern Beaches could cost you as little as $70/week (after rent & tax benefits) 🏖️

🔑 Here’s how:
✔️ Rent offsets most of the loan
✔️ Negative gearing kicks in
✔️ First-home buyers save on stamp duty

It’s not about the headline price… it’s about the numbers you run. With the right tools, you’ll see owning is closer than you think.

Would you pay $70 a week to own a piece of the Beaches?

#FirstHomeBuyer #NorthernBeachesLiving #PropertyTips #InvestmentProperty #DYLife


EP. 1495 “Tenant vs Landlord: Who Gets the Parking Permits?”
#1495
08/13/2025

🎟️ Council parking permits – who gets them? Landlord or tenant? 🤔

Every August, it's sticker season on the Northern Beaches. With council rates come beach parking permits – and the great debate begins.

💡 Technically, the permits go to whoever pays the rates – usually the landlord. But in practice, many landlords choose to pass one to their tenant, especially if it helps sweeten a lease renewal.

📌 No legislation. No tribunal ruling. Just common sense, fairness, and a bit of negotiation.

Best practice? Landlords: If you're not using your sticker, give it to your tenant. Tenants: If you’re stuck, tak...


EP. 1494 Interest Rates come down, equals Bad news?
08/12/2025

📉 Rates are down — but should we really be celebrating?

Lower interest rates feel great in your pocket, but history tells us something important:
💡 Cuts often mean the economy needs a boost.
💡 House prices have surged over the decades when rates rise, then cooled when they fall.
💡 Units are lagging behind — which could mean they’re next in line for growth.

More control over your cash is good news — but keep an eye on the bigger picture.

#InterestRates #PropertyMarket #RealEstateInsights #HousingTrends


NOVAK NEWS - WARRINGAH TAKES THE CROWN: THE BEST PLACE TO LIVE IN NSW
08/11/2025

Join us, while we dive into why Warringah is the best place to live in NSW.

🏡 Warringah = #1 in NSW
From the family-friendly streets of Frenchs Forest to the vibrant beach life of DY, Warringah offers the perfect mix of community, convenience, and capital growth.

✅ Central location & easy commutes
✅ World-class amenities (biggest Bunnings in the Southern Hemisphere!)
✅ Thriving café & restaurant scene
✅ Diverse, welcoming community

No wonder it’s Sydney’s top-rated area to live. 🌊🌿

#WarringahLiving #FrenchsForest #DY #NorthernBeachesLife #SydneyLifestyle


EP. 1493 GROW YOUR WEALTH: HOW BUYING PROPERTY IN AN SMSF COULD SUPERCHARGE YOUR FUTURE
#1493
08/11/2025

💡 Turn your super into property 💡
With a self-managed super fund (SMSF) you can:
✅ Combine funds with up to 6 members
✅ Use leverage to buy property
✅ Pay just 15% tax while building your portfolio
✅ Pay zero tax on rental income & capital gains in retirement

From storage units to commercial offices — your super could be working harder for you. 📈

#SMSF #PropertyInvestment #WealthBuilding #SuperannuationTips


EP. 1492 THE 50sqm SOLUTION: RETHINKING SPACE TO SOLVE AUSTRALIA'S HOUSING SHORTAGE
08/11/2025

🏙️ Small is smart.
Super funds and savvy investors are quietly snapping up under-50m² apartments — and they’re performing brilliantly.

✅ Lower entry price
✅ Strong rental yields
✅ High demand from singles, couples & students

So why aren’t banks and governments backing them more?
The stigma is old. The results are real.

#PropertyInvestment #SmallSpaceBigReturn #RealEstateAustralia #Superannuation #Apartments


EP. 1491 Australia’s $4.2T giant – what’s next for your future?
#1491
08/11/2025

💰 $4.2 trillion — bigger than the Australian stock market.
That’s how much is sitting in Australian Super right now.

Most people don’t know what to do with it.
Some are using it to buy property.
Some have no plan at all.

It’s time to understand your super — it could be the biggest investment you’ll ever make.

#AustralianSuper #WealthBuilding #PropertyInvestment #FinancialFuture


Asset Class / Metric

Approximate Value (mid-2025)

Superannuation Assets

A$4.1–4.2 trillion

Residential Property Value


EP. 1490 Wayne Hughes: 22 Years of Calm in Business Chaos and brilliance
#1490
08/06/2025

Wayne Hughes has been our business coach for 22 years — and in all that time, we’ve never seen him angry. Ever.

Through COVID, career pivots, and even near team mutinies, Wayne has been our anchor — listening, guiding, never missing a Thursday session, and always asking: “What’s your 2-year plan?”

His wisdom isn’t just about business — it’s about life. About mindset. About staying grounded when everything feels off balance.

Wayne doesn’t just coach. He uplifts.
We’re lucky to have him — and we think every business deserves a "Wayne." 💼💙

#BusinessCoaching #TeamSu...


NOVAK NEWS - A MINI AUSSIE DREAM FOR $1 !!
08/06/2025

🏠 $1 Dream Home Plans – NSW Gov’s New Housing Initiative

The NSW Government is rolling out a Housing Pattern Book with 8 architect-designed plans you can buy for just $1(yes, really). It includes:
✔️ Detached homes
✔️ Duplexes
✔️ Terraces
✔️ Manor homes (4 dwellings in 1)

✅ Plans fast-track the DA process
✅ Save $20K+ on architect fees
✅ Available for 6 months—then $1,000 per plan

Ideal for R2 & R3 zoned blocks.
Download the designs 👉 planning.nsw.gov.au
Need help understanding your lot’s eligibility? Reach out to us anytime.

#NSWHousing #Dr...


EP. 1489 1 Year Fresh Into My Real Estate Career at Novak, Now What?
#1489
08/06/2025

From Zero to 50+ Deals in 12 Months – Meet Josh Wapshott

Ever wondered what it’s like starting out in real estate?
Josh Wapshot jumped into the industry just over a year ago. With a background in finance and investment, he joined Novak with big ambition—and has delivered BIG results:
🏡 25 storage units
🏢 4 warehouses
🏘️ 8 apartments
📃 12+ leases

No sugar-coating: it was 7 days a week, full commitment. Josh didn’t focus on the money—he focused on activity. The result? His growth fast-tracked faster than most.

💬 Thinking about a career in real estate? Re...


EP. 1485 AI IS COMING... SHOULD THE PORTALS BE WORRIED?
#1485
08/04/2025

Is ChatGPT about to disrupt the real estate giants? 🧠💥
We recently tested ChatGPT with a simple prompt: "Find a 2-bedroom apartment in Dee Why under $1M."
And it delivered — fast, detailed, and free.

Compare that to the $3.6K+ it costs to list your home on major portals like realestate.com.au. Ouch.

What happens when more buyers and sellers realize AI can pull listings from trusted websites, social media, and agents — without paying a cent?

From virtual inspections to valuation bots, AI is changing the game.

Realestate.com.au and...


EP. 1484 RENOVATING? GET YOUR DOCS RIGHT OR RISK WEEKS WITHOUT RENT!
#1483
08/04/2025

🏠 NSW Landlords & Investors: Big Changes You Need to Know!

If you're planning major renovations and need vacant possession, new tenancy laws now require:
✔️ 60–90 days’ notice to tenants
✔️ Submission of detailed plans to NSW Fair Trading
✔️ Owners Corporation approval if you're in a strata

Failure to follow the process can cost you time and money—think weeks without rent or even legal consequences.

Greg from Stedman Williamson & Heart breaks it all down.
👉 Full guide and links at: www.stedmanwilliamsonheart.com.au

#PropertyManagement #NSWLandlords #TenancyLaw #StrataLiving


EP. 1483 Different Real Estate Agents for Different Property Types – Explained! 🏠🏢
#1483
08/03/2025

Not all agents are created equal 👀 In this episode, Mark Novak and Michael Burgio dive into why choosing the right agent for your specific property type—residential, commercial, industrial, or luxury—can make all the difference.

✅ What to look for in a specialist
🏗️ Why experience in your property type matters
💡 Real-world examples from the field

If you’re leasing, selling, or just curious—don’t miss this one!


EP. 1482 Through NCAT’s doors—what’s next for tenants & landlords?
#1482
07/30/2025

This virtual walkthrough of NCAT (New South Wales Civil and Administrative Tribunal) in Sydney demystifies what happens when a landlord-tenant dispute arises. The process begins with a formal notification—usually by mail or email—informing a party that a claim has been lodged. NCAT isn't a courtroom or legal trial environment; it's a tribunal where legal representation typically isn't allowed. Located at 66 Goulburn Street, the NCAT building is shared with other businesses, and entry involves security checks including metal detectors. Once inside, attendees check a display to find their hearing room, then wait awkwardly in a lounge area. The atmo...


EP. 1481 Supply is the Killer to Capital Growth
#1481
07/30/2025


NOVAK NEWS - REAL ESTATE RED FLAGS
07/28/2025


EP. 1480 FROM EXPIRED TO DESIRED.... RESURRECTING DEAD LISTINGS WITH A SMART STRATEGY
#1480
07/28/2025


EP. 1478 - Do you remember your favourite school teacher??
#1478
07/28/2025


EP. 1479 FIRST HOME BUYER ASSET PROTECTION
#1479
07/28/2025