In the latest episode of the First Property Buyer Show, journalist Emilie Lauer sits down with buyer's agent James Nellis to explore the crucial role that mindset plays in property buying.

The discussion begins with Nellis reflecting on his first property purchase in Kallangur, Queensland, admitting that it was driven more by the desire to enter the market than by a strategic plan, yet it has performed well over time.

The duo then unpack the common mistake of buying due to societal pressure and fear of missing out, stressing the importance of having a clear strategy aligned with long-term goals.

Nellis emphasises resilience and discipline, warning that success in property is a long-haul game and advising buyers to define their 'why' to guide decision-making, and to be prepared to miss out on properties when making competitive offers.

The episode addresses challenges for casual or variable-income earners, underscoring the importance of expert guidance to navigate lenders' policies and secure favourable terms.

Reflecting on his semi-professional Australian Football League (AFL) career, Nellis draws parallels between sports and property buying, reinforcing the importance of teamwork, a high-performance mindset, and surrounding oneself with the right people to succeed in the property market.

In the latest episode of the First Property Buyer Show, host Emilie Lauer sits down with property expert Kev Tran to unpack common myths and strategies shaping the journey of first-time buyers.

The discussion opens with the sense of urgency many feel to purchase property, with Tran warning that rushing into the wrong investment can lead to financial strain.

He highlights the strategic balance between buying owner-occupier homes and investment properties, suggesting that regional purchases can help build capital for pricier metropolitan markets.

The conversation also debunks a major myth: Investors no longer need at least 10 properties to retire, especially as lending restrictions have tightened since 2018.

Instead, Tran notes that a portfolio of three to five quality properties can be more sustainable, achievable, and aligned with lifestyle goals.

Building such a portfolio requires understanding borrowing capacity, managing equity wisely, and avoiding overcapitalisation.

Due diligence remains critical, with investors urged to assess risks like flood zones, bushfire areas, and unapproved structures using resources such as council websites and title insurance.

On the latest episode of the First Property Buyer Show, host Emilie Lauer sits down with Mortgage Choice broker Richard Brown to unpack the role brokers play in guiding first-time homebuyers through Australia's complex property market.

Brown shares his personal journey of purchasing his first home in his mid-20s, highlighting strategies for saving for a deposit and leveraging government grants.

A key focus was the 5 per cent deposit scheme, which allows buyers to enter the market with a smaller deposit but comes with the responsibility of a 95 per cent mortgage.

Brown emphasises the importance of having a financial buffer and a long-term plan, rather than relying solely on the scheme to enter the market.

The role of mortgage brokers is also discussed in detail, with Brown explaining how brokers guide buyers through loan options and provide tailored advice without charging clients directly.

The duo encourages prospective buyers to speak with multiple brokers to find someone who understands their goals.

They also explore strategies for overcoming deposit challenges, from leveraging lenders mortgage insurance (LMI) waivers to considering rentvesting as a pathway into property ownership.