There's a lot happening right now. Another interest rate rise, global uncertainty, fuel and supply issues, and a federal budget just around the corner. If you're a first home buyer, you might be wondering what all of this actually means for you and your plans.

In this market update episode, Jack Elliott and Chris Bates sit down to talk through what's going on in the market, what first home buyers are actually seeing, and most importantly, what you should focus on right now.

We break down the practical impact of the latest interest rate rise on your repayments and borrowing capacity, talk through your options around fixing versus variable rates, and share a three step plan to help you move forward with clarity and confidence, no matter what the market is doing externally.

In this episode:

🔑 What's actually happening in the market right now for first home buyers

🔑 The practical impact of the latest interest rate rise on repayments and borrowing capacity

🔑 Fixed versus variable rates and how to decide what suits your situation

🔑 A three step plan to help you focus on what you can control

Timestamps

00:00 - What We're Seeing in the Market Right Now

06:57 - The Impact of the Rate Rise

09:54 - Should You Fix Your Rate?

13:17 - Your Three Step Action Plan

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Download Your April 2026 Market Update Resource

Mentioned Episodes:

Episode 25 | Unlocking Interest Rates and Why They Move

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If you've saved a significant deposit, received a gift from family, or come into money through inheritance, you're in a strong position as a first home buyer. But having more cash doesn't automatically mean the best decision is to put it all into the property.

In this episode, Jack Elliott and Chris Bates talk through the strategic options worth considering when you have a large deposit. We explore how to balance reducing your loan with keeping buffers in place, why your emergency fund matters, and how a bigger deposit might allow you to skip the stepping stone property altogether.

We also talk about the professionals worth bringing into your corner, including buyer's agents and financial planners, and how a larger deposit opens up opportunities like buying properties that need renovation or having the option to buy higher quality assets.

In this episode:

🔑 Whether to put all your deposit in or keep buffers aside

🔑 How to protect yourself after settlement with emergency funds

🔑 Why a large deposit might let you skip the stepping stone property

🔑 The value of buyer's agents and financial planners for first home buyers

🔑 How you could use your deposit strategically to get the best long-term outcome

Timestamps

00:00 - Introduction

03:16 - Leaving Buffers & Why It’s Important

06:17 - Can You Look Beyond the Stepping Stone Mindset?

08:32 - The Importance of Asset Quality

11:26 - Build the Right Team Around You: Buyers Agents & Financial Planners

19:52 - Don't Let the Bigger Deposit Rush You

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Download Your Buying Strategically with a Gift, Inheritance or Large Deposit Resource

Mentioned Episodes:

Episode 6 | Unlocking Asset Quality: How to Choose the Right Property as a First Home Buyer

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Understanding how offset accounts and redraw facilities work can save you thousands in interest and years off your home loan. But most first home buyers have never been taught the difference between them or how to use them strategically.

In this episode, Jack Elliott and Chris Bates break down what an offset account actually is, how redraw works differently in the background, and why the choice between them matters, especially if your first home might become an investment property down the track.

We walk through real examples showing how even small amounts sitting in offset or paid as extra repayments can make a huge difference over the life of a 30-year loan. We also talk about money psychology and how to choose the right structure based on your goals and how you manage money.

In this episode:

🔑 What an offset account actually is and how it reduces interest

🔑 What a redraw facility is and how it works

🔑 The key differences between offset and redraw

🔑 How to use each strategically based on your goals

🔑 Real examples showing the impact of your offset account and extra repayments

Timestamps

00:00 - Introduction to Offset & Redraw Episode

02:42 - What is an Offset Account?

04:28 - Impact of an Offset Account

09:10 - What is a Redaw?

12:59 - Offset vs Redraw: Key Differences and Strategy

16:11 - Money Psychology around Offset and Redraw

19:29 - The Power of Extra Repayments with Examples

23:23 - Episode Wrap up & Key Takeaways

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Download Your Offset & Redraw Resource

Mentioned Episodes:

Episode 21 | Unlocking How Your Mortgage Actually Works

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firsthomeunlocked.com.au