Rhonda Martin is a colourful woman who has stamped her bright personality all over her waterfront Coogee home. Her long-suffering husband Peter has painstakingly painted the ceiling roses to match the wallpaper but was over the house and Rhonda's decorating ideas years ago. Peter wants to sell up and hit the road in their camper van, however, Rhonda is yet to cut the grandkids apron strings. Two-and-a-half years ago, she agreed to put the house on the market - for $4.5 million. She's slowly coming round to Peter's way of thinking and a more realistic asking price of $3 million. But even with the knockout views, there aren't many buyers who will pay top dollar to live in a kaleidoscope. 

Property in the coastal town of Austinmer is so hot that buying another house before you sell is considered the norm. Judy and Graham Mahoney never dreamed they would have trouble selling their three-bedroom weatherboard cottage, so they went ahead and purchased a new home before they sold. After 10 months on the market, a failed auction, and 80 inspections, they have a big problem and an even bigger bridging loan. 

Buyers are turned off by the bad presentation, poor level of maintenance, and the lack of a communal bathroom. Despite the feedback, Judy and Graham refuse to budge from their $700,000 asking price. They need the money to renovate their new home, but as each month passes, the couple slip further into debt. They have loans on both properties and need to find almost $6000 each month just to stay afloat.