Buying your first home is rarely a straight line — and Joel’s story proves just how much grit, clarity and self-awareness it takes. After arriving in Australia at 18 with no safety net, he spent years building a six-figure share portfolio, saving aggressively, living simply, and planning for long-term wealth. But when his permanent residency finally came through, everything shifted: the dream of buying his first home became real.

In this episode, Joel walks us through the sacrifices, smart strategies, and surprising mindset shifts that helped him secure the keys to his new two-bedroom unit — including why he chose not to touch his share portfolio, the unconventional way he used the First Home Super Saver Scheme, and the habits he built to save consistently for almost a decade. He also opens up about the emotional moments: feeling defeated during the search, questioning his options, and realising he’d been chasing the wrong type of property before the course helped him reset.

You’ll hear the biggest epiphanies that changed Joel’s buying journey, from letting go of the myth that “houses always outperform units,” to understanding how lifestyle and community matter just as much as price and property type. He also shares the near-miss that taught him to take contract reviews seriously — and how spotting unapproved renovations early saved him from a costly mistake.

If you’re feeling overwhelmed, behind, or unsure where to start, Joel’s story will help you see what’s possible when you have a plan, the right tools, and the confidence to back yourself.

00:00 — Introduction: From Student to Homeowner

01:14 — Meet Joel: A Standout Home Buyer Academy Graduate

02:04 — Joel's Journey: From Shares to Property

04:27 — The Deposit Dilemma: Sacrifices and Strategies

08:49 — Navigating the Property Market: Challenges and Realizations

15:22 — The Final Decision: Choosing the Right Property

22:11 — Joel's Advice and Reflections

28:14 — Conclusion: Join the Community

1. 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!

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