Simon Diaz grew up in Glen Waverley and still lives nearby.
Simon Diaz is a smoothfm 91.5 afternoon announcer.
Where do you live?
In the southeastern suburbs with my wife and two boys in a 1980s, mission-brown brick, three-bedroom home we bought in 1997, just before Melbourne’s property prices went crazy. It even came with an ’80s kidney-shaped pool.
What do you love most about your home?
The outdoor room, which overlooks the pool. I also love that our home is close to friends we made through mothers’ group, the local footy club is only 500m away, the local Westfield is a five-minute drive, and a ride up the Dandenongs is not too far. Getting to the smoothfm studios, in Richmond, on the “Monash carpark”, though, is very trying.
Have you changed anything?
We altered a few internal walls to create a separate living area so the boys could have their own living area and we didn’t have to hear the PlayStation. And we converted the outdoor deck into an outdoor room we could use all year round.
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One more thing you’d change?
We often say we should’ve knocked down the house and rebuilt, but there was no way we could’ve afforded it back then.
How many homes have you ever lived in?
I grew up in Glen Waverley, in a home my dad designed in the ’70s and ’80s. It’s still one of a kind. I’ve also lived in numerous flats in country towns throughout my radio journey.
The most memorable?
A coastal block down the Bass Coast I bought for nine grand. I told all my mates about it and they bought blocks as well. We had the best summers down there, camping. Eventually, we built on the block and sold it.
Your first foot on the property ladder?
Where I’m living. We’ve also had a few investment properties we’ve renovated and sold.
Are you a keen or reluctant property buyer?
I’ve always been a keen property watcher and buyer. We’re the sort of couple that can be driving through a suburb, see a sale sign and look up the property to see what it’s selling for.
Highlights of your property journey?
Seeing how new carpet, a coat of paint and a little kitchen and bathroom makeover can make such a difference.
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The lowlights?
There’s always a risk with an investment property. A tenant can damage your property and can skip rent, which has happened to us.
Tips for homebuyers?
Buy within your means. Make sure you can service the loan. If it means moving a bit further out, like we did, so be it.
Future property plans?
We’re looking at a knockdown rebuild in Mornington and plan to eventually sell our family home, once the kids have finished school, and move down there. I’m sure the boys will follow.
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