What happens when you realise you may be able to buy your first home years earlier than you thought?

For Katya, the journey started with an assumption that she needed a 20% deposit. After looking more closely at her finances and learning about the 5% deposit scheme, she and her partner realised buying could be possible sooner than expected.

In this episode, Katya shares her journey from having no idea how to buy a property to purchasing an apartment in Ryde, Sydney. We talk about saving, borrowing capacity, learning through the the First Home Buyer Course and Campfire sessions, and how her initial ideas about buying an investment property quickly changed once she understood the numbers.

Katya also explains how she assessed apartments in a suburb with plenty of competing stock, why outlook, natural light, privacy and scarcity became important factors, and how she used research to identify an apartment with characteristics that were difficult to replicate. We also follow the buying process, from inspecting a tenanted property to working out what to offer and negotiating a private treaty sale.

If you’re wondering whether buying your first home is possible, or you’re not sure how to turn your savings into a clear buying strategy, Katya’s story offers a practical look at what can happen when you stop guessing and start learning the process.

01:05 – From Wild Property Ideas to Buying a First Home

07:05 – From Podcast Listening to a Clear Buying Process

10:19 – How Katya Spotted a Rare Apartment Worth Buying

13:21 – How One Partner Took the Lead on Property Research

15:37 – Why Some Properties Look Better Online Than In Person

20:49 – Why You Should Never Buy an Apartment From a Floor Plan

25:37 – Buying the Home Today With a Bigger Plan for Tomorrow

27:34 – Katya’s Advice for Anyone Thinking About Buying

30:36 – A First Home, New Floors and What Comes Next

• THE First Home Buyer Course is our Step-By-Step, No BS Guide to Every Stage of The Home Buying Process – It’s the next best thing to having your own buyer’s agent. With our expert guidance, you’ll know what to do at every step along the way. Become a home owner faster and easier. Click here: https://homebuyeracademy.com.au/YFHBG

If you enjoyed today’s podcast, don’t forget to subscribe, rate, and share the show! There’s more to come, so we hope to have you along with us on this journey!

• Subscribe on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@TheFirstHomeBuyerCourse
• Subscribe on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/ph/podcast/your-first-home-buyer-guide-podcast/id1544701825
• Subscribe on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/7GyrfXoqvDxjqNRv40NVQs?si=7c8bc4362fab421f

You find a property listed at $700,000 to $750,000, stretch your budget to make it work, do your due diligence and turn up to auction ready to bid. Then it sells for $850,000. So what happened? And can you actually trust the price guide?

In this episode, Veronica and Meighan unpack the complicated world of property underquoting, why lower price guides attract more buyers, and the psychological effect those numbers can have on your expectations. They also explore why underquoting continues despite being illegal, how different states approach price guides, and the role of agents, owners and buyers in the process.

Most importantly, they explain what buyers can do about it. Rather than relying on an advertised guide, you need to understand what the property is actually worth, what you’re prepared to pay and how the auction method of sale works.

If you’re buying at auction, this episode will help you understand the game you’re stepping into, ask better questions and prepare properly before you ever raise your hand to bid.

01:37 – Underquoting: How the Property Pricing Game Works

04:14 – The Psychology Behind Low Price Guides

09:55 – Forget the Guide: Learn to Price the Property Yourself

17:19 – Buying at Auction? Learn the Rules Before You Bid

20:12 – How Price Guide Loopholes Can Be Used

23:08 – Don’t Trust the Guide: Work Out Your Own Price

25:45 – Preparation: The One Thing No Law Can Do for You

• THE First Home Buyer Course is our Step-By-Step, No BS Guide to Every Stage of The Home Buying Process – It’s the next best thing to having your own buyer’s agent. With our expert guidance, you’ll know what to do at every step along the way. Become a home owner faster and easier. Click here: https://homebuyeracademy.com.au/YFHBG

If you enjoyed today’s podcast, don’t forget to subscribe, rate, and share the show! There’s more to come, so we hope to have you along with us on this journey!

• Subscribe on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@TheFirstHomeBuyerCourse
• Subscribe on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/ph/podcast/your-first-home-buyer-guide-podcast/id1544701825
• Subscribe on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/7GyrfXoqvDxjqNRv40NVQs?si=7c8bc4362fab421f

What happens if your builder goes broke halfway through building your first home? It’s a scenario no buyer expects, but one that can leave you with an unfinished house, money already paid, and a loan that still needs to be repaid.

In this episode, we break down what can happen when a builder collapses, why even large and well-established builders aren't immune, and how rising construction costs, labour shortages and fixed-price contracts can put pressure on building companies. We also explain why a cheap quote isn't always a bargain, and what buyers should look for before signing a building contract.

You'll learn how construction loans, progress payments and building insurance can protect you — and where those protections have limits. We also cover the warning signs to watch for during your build, including unexplained delays, unpaid trades, requests for early payments and communication becoming difficult.

Most importantly, you'll learn what you can do before signing and what steps to take if something starts going wrong, from checking licences, insurance and company records to keeping detailed paperwork and getting independent legal, financial and building advice.

Building your first home comes with enough uncertainty already. This episode will help you understand the risks, prepare for what could go wrong, and put better protections in place from day one.

01:49 – Why Builders Are Going Broke

03:34 – Why Builders Are Under Pressure

06:18 – What Happens When Your Build Stops?

08:36 – Why Building Insurance May Not Be Enough

11:36 – Warning Signs Your Builder Is in Trouble

15:15 – How to Check Your Builder Before Signing

19:01 – Your Builder Collapsed: What Should You Do?

23:29 – How to Protect Yourself From Builder Failure

• THE First Home Buyer Course is our Step-By-Step, No BS Guide to Every Stage of The Home Buying Process – It’s the next best thing to having your own buyer’s agent. With our expert guidance, you’ll know what to do at every step along the way. Become a home owner faster and easier. Click here: https://homebuyeracademy.com.au/YFHBG

If you enjoyed today’s podcast, don’t forget to subscribe, rate, and share the show! There’s more to come, so we hope to have you along with us on this journey!

• Subscribe on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@TheFirstHomeBuyerCourse
• Subscribe on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/ph/podcast/your-first-home-buyer-guide-podcast/id1544701825
• Subscribe on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/7GyrfXoqvDxjqNRv40NVQs?si=7c8bc4362fab421f

Your first impression of a property can be powerful — but should it really influence your decision to buy? For first home buyers, a beautifully styled home can create excitement before you've had a chance to properly assess whether the property actually works.

In this episode, Veronica and Meighan explain why experienced buyers agents don't rely on first impressions alone. They take you through the process of assessing a property beyond the presentation, from researching it before the inspection and doing drive-bys to looking closely at the location, block, surrounding properties, privacy, noise and other fundamentals.

You'll learn how to separate the emotional response you have when you walk through a home from the evidence you need to make a smart buying decision. Because a property can look fantastic online or feel amazing when you walk through the front door — but that doesn't necessarily make it the right property for you.

If you're buying your first home and want to feel more confident at open homes, this episode will help you understand what to look for before letting yourself fall in love with a property.

01:35 — Verify Before You Trust Your First Impression

06:08 — When Styling Starts Influencing Your Decision

10:53 — Why the Outside Matters Before You Go Inside

14:45 — Veronica's Off-the-Plan Buying Lesson

20:41 — Why Good Buyers Dig Deeper

27:14 — Don't Mentally Move In Too Soon

35:52 — A Framework for Better Property Due Diligence

38:48 — How to Earn Confidence Before You Buy

• THE First Home Buyer Course is our Step-By-Step, No BS Guide to Every Stage of The Home Buying Process – It’s the next best thing to having your own buyer’s agent. With our expert guidance, you’ll know what to do at every step along the way. Become a home owner faster and easier. Click here: https://homebuyeracademy.com.au/YFHBG

If you enjoyed today’s podcast, don’t forget to subscribe, rate, and share the show! There’s more to come, so we hope to have you along with us on this journey!

• Subscribe on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@TheFirstHomeBuyerCourse
• Subscribe on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/ph/podcast/your-first-home-buyer-guide-podcast/id1544701825
• Subscribe on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/7GyrfXoqvDxjqNRv40NVQs?si=7c8bc4362fab421f

Most first home buyers have heard about offset accounts and redraw facilities, but very few understand how they actually work—or how choosing the wrong one could cost them thousands over the life of their home loan.

In this episode, Veronica and Meighan are joined by first home buyer specialist mortgage broker Jack Elliott to break down the difference between offset accounts and redraw facilities in plain English. You'll learn how both features reduce the interest you pay, why an offset account can help you pay off your mortgage sooner without increasing your repayments, and the practical differences that matter once you're living in your home.

The conversation also explores one of the most overlooked topics for first home buyers: the long-term tax implications if your home later becomes an investment property. Jack explains why the way your money is structured today could affect your options years down the track, why fixed-rate loans change how these features work, and why the "best" option isn't always the same for every buyer.

If you've ever wondered where your savings should sit after settlement, or you've nodded along when someone mentioned an offset account without really knowing what it does, this episode will give you the clarity you need to make smarter decisions with your mortgage from day one.

02:41 – Offset Accounts Explained: How They Save You Interest

05:46 – Why Fixed Loans Change Your Offset Options

10:23 – Offset vs Redraw: The Tax Difference That Matters

14:29 – Offset or Redraw? Choose What Fits Your Money Habits

19:23 – Why Setting Up Your Loan Correctly Matters

21:37 – Need Mortgage Help? How to Connect with Jack

23:49 – Key Takeaways for Smarter Mortgage Decisions

• Book a Get To Know You Chat with Jack
• Website | First Home Unlocked

• THE First Home Buyer Course is our Step-By-Step, No BS Guide to Every Stage of The Home Buying Process – It’s the next best thing to having your own buyer’s agent. With our expert guidance, you’ll know what to do at every step along the way. Become a home owner faster and easier. Click here: https://homebuyeracademy.com.au/YFHBG

If you enjoyed today’s podcast, don’t forget to subscribe, rate, and share the show! There’s more to come, so we hope to have you along with us on this journey!

• Subscribe on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@TheFirstHomeBuyerCourse
• Subscribe on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/ph/podcast/your-first-home-buyer-guide-podcast/id1544701825
• Subscribe on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/7GyrfXoqvDxjqNRv40NVQs?si=7c8bc4362fab421f

Property prices are falling in some areas, and if you're a first home buyer with a 5% deposit, it can be tempting to sit back and wait for prices to fall further.

But how will you know when the market has actually reached the bottom? And what happens if the right property becomes available before then?

In this episode, Veronica and Meighan unpack the reality of buying your first home in a falling property market. They explain why trying to time the market is more of a bet than a strategy, and why financial readiness, property quality and your ability to hold the property long term matter more than predicting what prices will do next.

They also take a closer look at the risks of buying with a 5% deposit, including negative equity, holding power, valuation risk and the dangers of buying off the plan in a slowing market. You'll also learn why established properties can provide stronger price anchors, how to use comparable sales to assess value, and why buffers and due diligence become even more important when markets are uncertain.

If you're wondering whether you should buy now or wait for property prices to fall further, this episode will help you think through the decision with more clarity and less noise.

01:35 – Can You Actually Pick the Bottom of the Market?

06:06 – What a 5% Deposit Really Means in a Falling Market

08:15 – The Hidden Risk of Buying Off-The-Plan

11:38 – A Smarter Way to Buy in a Falling Market

17:10 – How to Make Confident Decisions in Uncertain Markets

19:28 – The Question to Ask Before You Decide to Buy

22:17 – Join the First Home Buyer Community

• THE First Home Buyer Course is our Step-By-Step, No BS Guide to Every Stage of The Home Buying Process – It’s the next best thing to having your own buyer’s agent. With our expert guidance, you’ll know what to do at every step along the way. Become a home owner faster and easier. Click here: https://homebuyeracademy.com.au/YFHBG

If you enjoyed today’s podcast, don’t forget to subscribe, rate, and share the show! There’s more to come, so we hope to have you along with us on this journey!

• Subscribe on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@TheFirstHomeBuyerCourse
• Subscribe on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/ph/podcast/your-first-home-buyer-guide-podcast/id1544701825
• Subscribe on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/7GyrfXoqvDxjqNRv40NVQs?si=7c8bc4362fab421f

Are you thinking about buying a brand-new property? It can seem like a straightforward process, but there's a lot more to buying new than choosing a floorplan, selecting your finishes, and waiting for the keys.

Before you sign a contract, it's important to understand the different pathways to buying new—and the contracts, finance considerations, and risks that come with each one.

In this episode, Veronica and Meighan unpack the differences between a new build vs established home, explain why buying new follows a different set of rules, and walk through the questions every first home buyer should ask before signing a contract. From choosing the right location and researching developers to understanding finance timelines, valuations, contracts, and pre-settlement inspections, you'll learn how to approach the process with confidence instead of relying on marketing alone.

Whether you're considering buying a brand new home, buying off the plan, or buying from a developer, this episode will help you understand what really matters before you sign a contract. You'll learn how to avoid common mistakes, ask the right questions, and why taking the time to make an informed decision could save you thousands.

01:22 - Why Buying New Is a Different Process

02:09 - The Three Ways to Buy Brand New

02:58 - Why Property Fundamentals Still Matter

05:49 - Supply, Demand and Future Resale

07:47 - Buying Off the Plan: Do Your Due Diligence

10:03 - Finance, Pre-Approval and Settlement Risks

12:49 - Contracts, Variations and Legal Advice

16:16 - The Hidden Costs of Buying New

19:36 - Construction Delays and Managing the Wait

22:52 - Pre-Settlement Inspections and Defects

24:55 - Questions to Ask Before You Sign

27:31 - Final Tips for Buying Brand New

• THE First Home Buyer Course is our Step-By-Step, No BS Guide to Every Stage of The Home Buying Process – It’s the next best thing to having your own buyer’s agent. With our expert guidance, you’ll know what to do at every step along the way. Become a home owner faster and easier. Click here: https://homebuyeracademy.com.au/YFHBG

If you enjoyed today’s podcast, don’t forget to subscribe, rate, and share the show! There’s more to come, so we hope to have you along with us on this journey!

• Subscribe on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@TheFirstHomeBuyerCourse
• Subscribe on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/ph/podcast/your-first-home-buyer-guide-podcast/id1544701825
• Subscribe on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/7GyrfXoqvDxjqNRv40NVQs?si=7c8bc4362fab421f

Buying your first home is exciting, but understanding your mortgage is just as important as getting approved for one.

In this episode, Jack Elliott breaks down the fundamentals of home loans, explaining how mortgage repayments work, how interest is calculated, and the differences between fixed, variable and split loans. You'll also learn why small changes to the way you manage your mortgage can make a significant difference over time.

Whether you're preparing to buy your first home or you've recently settled, this episode will help you better understand one of the biggest financial commitments you'll ever make so you can make more informed decisions with confidence.

01:46 – Understanding How Mortgages Really Work

04:09 – Why Your Mortgage Balance Hardly Changes at First

07:16 – The Truth About Fortnightly Mortgage Repayments

10:15 – Choosing the Right Mortgage Term

14:00 – Who Controls Mortgage Interest Rates?

18:52 – Fixed, Variable or Split: Which Is Right for You?

25:03 – How to Make Your Mortgage Work for You

• Book a Get To Know You Chat with Jack
• Website | First Home Unlocked

• THE First Home Buyer Course is our Step-By-Step, No BS Guide to Every Stage of The Home Buying Process – It’s the next best thing to having your own buyer’s agent. With our expert guidance, you’ll know what to do at every step along the way. Become a home owner faster and easier. Click here: https://homebuyeracademy.com.au/YFHBG

If you enjoyed today’s podcast, don’t forget to subscribe, rate, and share the show! There’s more to come, so we hope to have you along with us on this journey!

• Subscribe on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@TheFirstHomeBuyerCourse
• Subscribe on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/ph/podcast/your-first-home-buyer-guide-podcast/id1544701825
• Subscribe on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/7GyrfXoqvDxjqNRv40NVQs?si=7c8bc4362fab421f