“Growing up in New Zealand, summer sport for me wasn’t cricket or rugby — it was T-ball, then softball,” says Massey Archibald, CEO and Founder of Teach Me About Property (TMAP). “One thing that game taught me is you don’t have to swing at every pitch. You wait for the right one — the one you’re confident you can hit.”
Archibald recently used this analogy with a TMAP student who was unsure about pursuing a property deal. His message was clear: in investing, as in softball, the batter chooses whether to swing. But stepping away from a pitch doesn’t mean it’s not a strike — and in property, that can mean missed growth and missed profit.
Choosing the Right Pitches in Property
Investors who know their strengths make more confident moves. The right “pitch” might be a property type, location, or price point that fits both financial goals and personal comfort. One of the golden rules is to choose opportunities that still allow a good night’s sleep.
The Cost of Not Swinging
Declining a deal doesn’t stop the market from moving. Properties passed over often increase in value, and those who acted may walk away with hundreds of thousands in gains. The market won’t pause for anyone’s personal timeline or comfort level — it moves with or without participation.
Timing Matters
Hesitation is one of the biggest mistakes. Just like in softball, once the pitch is thrown, there’s a small window to act. In property, waiting too long can mean higher prices, stiffer competition, or losing the deal entirely.
The Three Takeaways
- Swing at pitches you like – focus on deals you understand and are confident in.
- Not swinging can still be a strike – missing out doesn’t mean the deal wasn’t good.
- Act decisively – when the right opportunity comes, be ready to move.
In the property game, the perfect deal doesn’t come around every day. Recognise your strengths, act with confidence, and accept that not every missed swing is a loss — but every pitch is an opportunity.
