Every media headline says you can’t buy a home nowadays. Your friends say it. Even your brain believes it. But here’s the truth: it’s still possible — if you build the right habits.

In this episode, we call out the loop of doomscrolling, lifestyle inflation, and Uber Eats blowouts that keep first home buyers stuck. We break down how your daily choices — how you spend, save, and think — can either fuel your first home dreams or quietly sabotage them. You’ll hear real talk about what it takes to build a deposit, the mindset shifts that make it doable, and why good spending habits matter more than perfect timing.

If you’ve been feeling like homeownership is out of reach, this is your reset. You’ll walk away with practical tips, renewed clarity, and the truth: buying your first home in Australia is still possible — if you stop waiting and start building.

Episode Highlights

00:00 – Introduction: The Housing Market Narrative

00:30 – Meet Your Hosts: Veronica and Meighan

02:21 – Mindset Over Headlines

03:18 – Habits That Move You Forward

04:12 – Planning, Sacrifice & Progress

06:43 – Building Long-Term Resilience

10:40 – The Influence of Social Media

16:51 – Surround Yourself with Positive Influences

18:18 – You’re Not Powerless: Taking Control of Your Home Buying Journey

18:53 – Join Our Community and Course Information

Mentions

• Ep. 235 – When the Bank of Mum and Dad Goes Horribly Wrong
• Atomic Habits by James Clear

Course Details:

• 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/@YourFirstHomeBuyerGuidePodcast
• 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

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Is Perth still a good place to buy? Are Brisbane’s grants helping or hurting buyers? Is Sunbury in Melbourne a smart move – or a big mistake? In this episode, we answer some questions from our Facebook group. We're talking about real risks, tricky choices, and what you need to know before you buy.

People often say things like “wait for the right time” or “use grants to get in.” But those tips can backfire. And while grants sound helpful, they can push you into areas that won’t grow in value. In this episode, we explain why timing the market doesn’t work and why grants sometimes lead you to bad buys.

We’ll share the kind of practical tips that make a real difference, like how to recognise the warning signs of a risky suburb, what to think about when you’re looking at homes far from the city, and how to check if a grant is actually helping or just tempting you into a bad decision. We also talk through what can go wrong when too many investors buy in one place, why some areas get popular while others don’t, and how to choose a suburb that fits your life, not just your budget.

This is about helping you feel steady and sure, instead of overwhelmed. When you know how to filter through the noise, compare your choices clearly, and trust your own judgment, you’ll be way more confident – and way less likely to make a decision you’ll regret.

Episode Highlights

00:00 – Introduction

01:47 – Answering your questions: evaluating suburbs and market timing

02:40 – Is it a good time to buy in Perth?

05:46 – Navigating first home buyer grants in Brisbane

11:39 – Considering Sunbury in Melbourne for your first home

14:51 – Is there a best time to buy a villa or townhouse in Sydney?

18:14 – Avoiding risky suburbs for apartments in Brisbane

Mentions

• Episode162 - New House and Land Packages: The Good, the Bad, and the Ugly
• QLD Government - Concessions for homes - Check your eligibility

Course Details

• 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/@YourFirstHomeBuyerGuidePodcast
• 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

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Buying your first home? Then you’ve probably felt that uneasy “something’s not right” feeling during an inspection—and that gut instinct might be your greatest tool.

In this episode, we unpack the subtle red flags and shady tactics many first-time buyers miss, from fake urgency and underquoting to poorly done renovations hiding serious issues.

We break down the key warning signs you need to watch out for, show you how to separate emotion from facts, and explain what questions to ask when things feel off. With real-life examples, insider industry tips, and a deep dive into why transparency in property deals is often optional (but shouldn’t be), this episode is designed to keep you informed, prepared, and confident.

If you want to avoid costly rookie mistakes and buy smarter, don’t miss this one. Check out our First Home Buyer Course at homebuyeracademy.com.au/yfhbg for the full step-by-step system that will help you make the right decisions from day one.

Episode Highlights:

Welcome [00:00]

• The Power of Gut Instinct [00:05]
• Dodgy Tactics to Watch Out For [02:13]
• Gut Check vs Emotion: How to Know the Difference [04:00]
• Agent Tricks: Fake Offers, Urgency & Underquoting [05:04]
• The Danger of Staging and Emotional Traps [07:28]
• Major Red Flags That Demand a Closer Look [08:40]
• Renovation Risks: When Pretty Doesn’t Mean Quality [10:22]
• “Lipstick on a Pig” and Missing Disclosures [13:25]
• Real Buyer Horror Stories (and Close Calls) [15:36]
• Practical Tips to Stay Safe [18:13]
• How Our Course Helps You Buy with Confidence [21:03]

Course Details:

• 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 homeowner 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

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Think that waiting for a first home buyer grant is the smart move? Think again.

In this episode of Your First Home Buyer Guide, we uncover how waiting for the “perfect” government incentive can set you back by tens of thousands of dollars. You’ll hear real examples of buyers who hesitated and ended up paying more, or missing out entirely, because they were banking on a scheme that never came… or came too late.

We dive deep into what we call the “Incentive Illusion”—the belief that waiting for grants will give you an edge. Spoiler: They often do the opposite. With demand surges, tighter eligibility criteria, and market shifts, waiting could push your dream property out of reach. More importantly, you’ll learn why true buying power doesn’t come from a government handout—it comes from being prepared, informed, and in control of your numbers.

If you're ready to ditch the hype and make smarter decisions, this one’s for you. Tune in and get clear on what to focus on, what to ignore, and how to get out of “decision limbo” for good. Head to homebuyeracademy.com.au to learn more about our step-by-step course that’s helping first home buyers across Australia move faster—and buy better.

Episode Highlights:

Welcome [00:00]

• First Home Buyer Incentives and Market Risks [00:08]
• Introduction to the PACE System [01:41]
• Impact of Incentives on Property Prices [03:19]
• Opportunity Costs and Emotional Impact [07:27]
• Alternatives to Waiting for Incentives [10:27]

Resources:

• Visit our website https://www.homebuyeracademy.com.au/
• 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

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!

See you on the inside,

Veronica & Meighan

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Is getting help from your parents really the golden ticket into the property market or could it actually be setting you up for financial trouble? In this episode, we break down the real risks of the Bank of Mum and Dad, especially for first home buyers who aren’t financially prepared to take on home ownership.

We talk about what happens when buyers skip key money lessons; like budgeting, tracking expenses, and preparing for ongoing costs, simply because they’ve had a leg-up from family. The data is sobering: first home buyers who get parental help are three times more likely to default on their loans in the first three years. That stat alone should make you think twice about rushing in.

Beyond finances, there are emotional strings and expectations that often come with family support. Whether it’s influence over what you buy or where you live, or unclear repayment terms, these dynamics can lead to stress and conflict if not handled properly. That’s why we share tips on how to approach these conversations with clarity and boundaries.

This episode is packed with practical advice to help you make smarter decisions around family support. We explore how to build financial discipline, structure repayment agreements, and use parental help as a tool, not a crutch. If you’re considering accepting help, or already have, don’t miss this honest conversation about the often-overlooked risks of the Bank of Mum and Dad and how to avoid falling into them.

Episode Highlights:

00:00 - Introduction

02:51 - BOMAD is now the fifth-largest lender

03:40 - The danger of skipping the financial learning curve

07:18 - Why parental help increases the risk of loan default

08:55 - Building financial habits before borrowing

12:27 - Hidden costs first-time buyers forget

13:26 - How family help can influence buying decisions

15:49 - A smarter way to structure parental help

19:10 - Use parental help to increase your deposit, not your budget

21:24 - Be realistic about interest rate changes

22:11 - How to make the most of a rare privilege

Course Details:

• 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

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Should I buy my forever home now, even if I’m not quite ready for it yet? That’s the question we’re unpacking in this episode. We’ve come across a few first home buyers who are in the rare position of being able to afford more than they need, and it’s worth talking about. Because while the budget might say “forever home,” the lifestyle might be saying, “not just yet.”

We talk through the big trade-offs: the costs of upgrading later, the benefits of locking in today’s prices, and the risk of buying something that doesn’t really work for you right now. We’ve seen buyers try to plan five or ten years ahead, and sometimes get it wrong. So we’re sharing the questions you need to ask yourself before making a call: should I buy my forever home if I might not live in it for years? What would future-me want? And will this decision give me more flexibility or less?

We also cover rentvesting, tax considerations, and the emotional side of home buying, because let’s face it, excitement and FOMO can be sneaky decision drivers. This episode isn’t about telling you what to do, it’s about helping you think it through properly, with a bit of strategy and some guidance from people who’ve seen it all before.

If you’ve been wondering, should I buy my forever home now, this one’s for you. There’s no one-size-fits-all answer but there is a smarter way to figure it out.

Episode Highlights:

00:00 - Introduction

02:00 - Defining the “forever home” vs. “first home” mindset

04:10 - Buying now for a future lifestyle: projecting 5 to 10 years ahead

05:30 - Weighing the cost of upgrading later

07:50 - Capital growth and locking in today’s prices

10:00 - The rentvesting alternative

13:10 - Risks of lifestyle misalignment

16:30 - Tax and insurance considerations for rentvesting

18:20 - Emotional vs. strategic buying

20:00 - Why you need a strategic plan and expert advice

21:30 - Questions to ask before buying your forever home early

Course Details:

• 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

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

If you’re planning to buy in an area where auctions are common, then you need to understand how to win a property auction. Too many buyers show up on the day without a game plan, and we’ve seen it all. From people freezing up, bidding too late, or walking away from a property they actually wanted, just because they didn’t know how to handle the pressure.

In this episode, we’re sharing the do’s and don’ts of auction day. We talk about the psychology behind the bidding process, what makes people lose control, and why staying calm and knowing your walk-away price is non-negotiable. There’s strategy involved, and if you don’t know it, you could end up making an expensive mistake.

We’ll also walk you through how to win a property auction by showing you what prep actually looks like, beyond just getting your finances sorted. We cover how to read the auctioneer, spot bait pricing, and avoid getting psyched out by other bidders. It’s all about being ready before the auction even begins.

At the end of the day, buying at auction doesn’t have to be terrifying. When you know how to win a property auction and you understand the rules, the pace, and the tactics; you’re not just crossing your fingers and hoping. You’re in control.

Episode Highlights:

00:00 - Introduction

04:08 - Why do auctions freak people out?

07:15 - Auction DOs

10:15 - Auction DON’Ts

Course Details:

• 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

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Building and pest reports are one of those things that can completely spook a first home buyer, and we’ve seen it happen time and time again. You get the report back, and suddenly it feels like everything’s falling apart. But here’s what we’ve learned after decades in the business: red flags in property inspections are only red flags if you don’t know how to interpret them.

In this episode, we walk you through ten of the most common issues that pop up in these reports; moisture readings, termite activity, cracking walls, dodgy drainage, even tree roots, and explain what they actually mean. We’re not here to downplay serious problems, but we are here to help you sort out what’s a real concern and what just sounds scary.

We’ve seen a lot over the years, and we share examples from properties we’ve inspected ourselves, like the time a simple ag drain fixed what sounded like a major issue, or when a historic termite note turned out to be nothing worth losing sleep over. The point is, red flags in property inspections can be valuable if you know how to read them properly.

If you’re feeling overwhelmed, you’re not alone, but you also don’t have to panic. This episode will give you the tools to ask the right questions, have better conversations with your inspector, and make smart, confident decisions about your future home. Red flags in property inspections? We’ve got you covered.

Episode Highlights:

00:00 - Introduction

02:00 - Where building & pest fits into the buying process

03:14 - Red Flag #1: High moisture readings

04:30 - Red Flag #2: Evidence of termite activity

06:31 - Red Flag #3: Cracking in walls

08:46 - Red Flag #4: Displaced or damaged roof tiles

09:51 - Red Flag #5: Inadequate drainage

11:18 - Red Flag #6: Subfloor ventilation problems

12:49 - Red Flag #7: Dampness in bathrooms

13:59 - Red Flag #8: Tree roots near the structure

15:24 - Red Flag #9: Timber decay or fungal growth

16:09 - Red Flag #10: Safety hazards or non-compliant structures

Course Details:

• 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

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.