The First Home Buyers Program

Maryanne Elliott

If you're a First home buyer and have no idea where to start, or perhaps you've got a Home loan already but you've never taken notes on how loans work and how you can save yourself thousands. Either way this podcast is for you. I will be sharing all things Home loans and Finance to educate you so you know how to make your money work for you.

  1. 2d ago

    Episode 132 - Should You Pay Off Your Debt Before Buying Your First Home?

    You've saved up a deposit, but you've still got a car loan, credit card or personal loan. Should you use your savings to clear those debts, or keep your money and get into the property market sooner? It's one of the most common questions Maryanne gets asked by first home buyers, and unfortunately, there's no simple yes or no answer!In this episode of the First Home Buyer Program Podcast, Maryanne from 360 Mortgage Solutions talks through the three options she explores with her clients. We look at why paying off high-interest debt first can make financial sense, but also why waiting years to rebuild your deposit might not suit everyone's home ownership goals.Maryanne also explains how guarantors, government schemes and low-deposit home loan options could help some first home buyers pay down debt while still working towards purchasing their first property.The biggest takeaway? There's no right or wrong answer for everyone. It's about understanding your options and making a decision that works for your financial situation and your future goals. 🎓 Want to feel more confident about buying your first home? Explore our First Home Buyer Program, an online course covering everything from deposits and government schemes to home loans and the buying process - Check it out here  🏡 Not sure what the best option is for you?Book a fee-free chat with Maryanne or Bec at 360 Mortgage Solutions. We'll help you understand your options before you make any big decisions, Book Here 360 Mortgage Solutions, helping first home buyers across Australia make informed property decisions.Disclaimer: This podcast provides general information only and does not take into account your individual financial circumstances or objectives. Lending options and government schemes are subject to eligibility and approval.

  2. Sep 3

    Episode 131 - Could Building Your First Home Unlock More Government Help? 🏡

    What if buying a brand-new home could give you access to more government assistance than buying an established property? In this episode of The First Home Buyers Program Podcast, Maryanne breaks down a strategy that many first-home buyers may not have considered: combining the Australian Government Help to Buy Scheme with the potential benefits available when buying or building a new home in Queensland. Under Help to Buy, eligible buyers may be able to purchase with as little as a 2% deposit, with the Australian Government contributing up to 30% towards an existing home or 40% towards a new home. And if you're an eligible Queensland first-home buyer purchasing or building a new home, you may also qualify for the Queensland First Home Owner Grant. That can make the conversation around building very different from simply asking, “How much can the bank lend me?”In this episode, we cover:🏡 How the Help to Buy shared-equity scheme works💰 Why the government contribution can be higher when buying new🔑 The difference between the 30% and 40% government contribution🏗️ Why house-and-land packages could be worth exploring💵 How the Queensland First Home Owner Grant may fit into the picture📊 Why you should work out your finance and budget before choosing land or a builder🤝 How a house-and-land specialist can help source land and match buyers with a suitable builder⚠️ Why Help to Buy isn't “free money” and what shared equity actually means🏠 Why building won't be right for everyone  but is definitely an option worth understandingThe biggest takeaway? Don't start with the house. Start with your numbers. Before falling in love with a block of land, walking through display homes or signing a building contract, find out what you can comfortably afford and which government schemes you may actually qualify for. Once you know your numbers, you can start looking at whether buying established, buying new or building your first home makes the most sense for you. 🔗 Helpful LinksAustralian Government Help to Buy Scheme https://firsthomebuyers.gov.au/australian-government-help-buy-scheme Queensland First Home Owner Grant https://qro.qld.gov.au/property-concessions-grants/first-home-grant/ 📞 Want to know what YOU could buy? If you're a first-home buyer and you're wondering whether Help to Buy, the First Home Owner Grant or a house-and-land package could work for you, let's run the numbers.You don't need to have it all figured out before you speak to a broker that's what we're here for.Book a chat with Maryanne and Bec at 360 Mortgage Solutions: https://app.teamos.ai/v2/preview/VnIGaMOE64W6aAlEHG9o?notrack=true 🎧 The First Home Buyers Program Podcast Helping first-home buyers understand the process, their options and how to get into the property market without all the confusing finance jargon. Disclaimer: This information is general in nature and does not take into account your individual objectives, financial situation or needs. Government scheme, grant and lender eligibility criteria apply and can change. Always confirm your individual eligibility before entering into a property contract.

  3. Aug 21

    Episode 130 - Help to Buy Scheme: Buy Now or Wait 10 Years to Buy Your First Home?

    Would you rather own 70% of a home today and work towards owning 100%, or wait another 10 years until you can afford to buy without government assistance? In this episode of The First Home Buyers Program Podcast, Maryanne Elliott breaks down Australia's Help to Buy Scheme using two hypothetical first home buyers with very different approaches. One buyer doesn't like the idea of the government having a share in their property, so they decide to keep renting and saving until they can buy completely on their own. The other buyer uses the Help to Buy shared equity scheme to enter the property market sooner, with a long-term strategy to progressively buy back the government's share. So, who could potentially be better off in 5, 10 or even 20 years?In this episode, we cover:How the Help to Buy Scheme works for first home buyersBuying a home with as little as a 2% depositHow the government's 30% or 40% shared equity contribution worksWhy Help to Buy doesn't mean the government has to own part of your home foreverHow buying back the government's equity can work over timeWhat buying the government out in 5% increments could look likeWhy future property values matter when buying back equityThe potential cost of waiting 5 or 10 years to enter the property marketProperty growth and how it can affect both strategiesPaying down your mortgage while your property potentially increases in valueWhat can happen if your income increases after purchasing through Help to BuyThe pros and cons of using shared equity to buy your first homeWhy the lowest deposit isn't always automatically the best strategyThe big question for first home buyersIt's easy to hear the words "government shared equity" and immediately decide the Help to Buy Scheme isn't for you. But before ruling it out, it's worth comparing the alternatives. What could the property you want cost in another 5 or 10 years? How much rent could you pay while you're waiting? How much could you potentially pay off a mortgage during that same period? And could Help to Buy simply be the stepping stone that gets you into your first home sooner? Help to Buy won't be right for every first home buyer. But understanding how it works and comparing the long-term numbers can help you make a much more informed decision. 🎧 Listen now to find out whether buying sooner with Help to Buy or waiting to buy independently could make more sense for you. Need help working out your options?If you're thinking about buying your first home but aren't sure whether Help to Buy, the Australian Government 5% Deposit Scheme, a guarantor, or saving a larger deposit is the best pathway, reach out to 360 Mortgage Solutions. We can look at your individual situation, borrowing capacity and deposit and help you understand the different pathways that may be available to you. Book a free meeting with us here - https://360mortgagesolutions.com.au/ SEO Keywords: Help to Buy Scheme Australia, Help to Buy Scheme 2026, first home buyer Australia, first home buyer Queensland, shared equity scheme Australia, 2% deposit home loan, government shared equity scheme, first home buyer schemes, buying first home with 2% deposit, government home buying assistance, first home buyer mortgage broker, first home buyer home loan, buying your first home Australia, Help to Buy eligibility, first home buyer deposit.This podcast provides general information and education only and does not take into account your individual objectives, financial situation or needs. Eligibility criteria, property price caps and other conditions apply to government schemes.

  4. Aug 17

    Episode 129 - Help to Buy Scheme: Been Told You're Not Ready to Buy? Watch This First

    Have you been told you need to save a bigger deposit before you can buy a home? 🏡Before you assume you need to wait another 6 or 12 months, there's something you need to know.Australia's Help to Buy Scheme could provide another pathway into home ownership for eligible buyers.But here's the catch…Not every lender participates in Help to Buy, and not every mortgage broker necessarily has access to the participating lenders. So if Help to Buy hasn't been considered, you might not be seeing the full picture.In this episode of The First Home Buyers Program Podcast, we talk about why who you speak to matters when you're trying to buy your first home. We cover: 🏡 What the Help to Buy Scheme is 💰 How shared equity can potentially help eligible home buyers 🤔 Why being told "you're not ready yet" isn't always the end of the conversation 🏦 Why different mortgage brokers may have access to different lenders and options 💡 Other options that could be worth considering if you don't have a 20% deposit 📋 Questions to ask if you've been told to keep saving 🎯 Why every first home buyer should walk away with a plan, even if they aren't ready to purchase today Been told you're not ready? Don't automatically assume buying a home is years away. You might genuinely need some more time, but before spending another year saving, make sure you've explored the options that could be available to you.At 360 Mortgage Solutions, we help first home buyers understand where they stand, what options may be available and what they need to work towards next. 👉 Want to find out where you stand?Book a quick chat with our team here:https://link.teamos.ai/widget/booking/7qm3GDqWiTMjczOzhMlH Listen to The First Home Buyers Program PodcastIf you're planning to buy your first home, subscribe for simple, easy to understand conversations about deposits, borrowing capacity, government schemes, home loans and the home buying process. Subscribe so you don't miss the next episode. Help to Buy Scheme Australia, Help to Buy Scheme 2026, Help to Buy first home buyers, Help to Buy shared equity, Australian Government Help to Buy Scheme, first home buyer Australia, first home buyer schemes Australia, shared equity scheme Australia, first home buyer mortgage broker, low deposit home loan Australia, how much deposit do I need to buy a house, first home buyer podcastSuggested Hashtags#HelpToBuy #FirstHomeBuyer #FirstHomeBuyers #FirstHomeBuyerAustralia #HomeBuying #MortgageBroker #HomeLoan #SharedEquity #PropertyAustralia #360MortgageSolutions General information only. Eligibility criteria, lending criteria, property price limits and other conditions apply. Your individual circumstances should be assessed before deciding whether Help to Buy or another home buying option is appropriate.

  5. Aug 6

    Episode 128 - Do You Really Need a 20% Deposit to Buy Your First Home? Think you need a

    Think you need a 20% deposit before you can buy your first home? Think again. With property prices where they are today, saving a 20% deposit can feel almost impossible. On a $1 million property, that's $200,000 before you even factor in the other costs of buying! In this episode of The First Home Buyers Program Podcast, Maryanne Elliott from 360 Mortgage Solutions breaks down the different deposit options that may be available to first home buyers, and why not having 20% saved doesn't necessarily mean you have to put your property plans on hold.We cover: • Why a 20% deposit isn't always necessary • Buying with a smaller deposit and Lenders Mortgage Insurance, LMI • How a family guarantor may help you get into the market sooner • Government schemes that may allow eligible first home buyers to purchase with a 5% deposit without paying LMI • How the Help to Buy scheme works with as little as a 2% deposit for eligible buyers • What it means when the government takes an equity share in your property • How you may be able to buy the government's share back over time • Why the right option depends on your individual circumstances, borrowing capacity and long term plansThe big takeaway? Don't assume you can't buy simply because you haven't saved a 20% deposit. There may be more options available than you realise. The important part is understanding the different schemes, grants and lending options you may qualify for, then working out which one makes sense for your circumstances.If buying your first home feels out of reach, speak with a mortgage broker who understands first home buyers and can help you work out what's actually possible. 🎧 Listen now and find out how much deposit you might really need to buy your first home.The information in this podcast is general in nature and doesn't take into account your individual objectives, financial situation or needs. Eligibility criteria, lending policies and government scheme requirements apply and can change.

  6. Jul 24

    Episode 127 - First Home Buyer Property Investment: Why You Should Understand Commercial Property

    Buying your first home is an exciting milestone, but it's also the start of your long-term property journey. In this episode of the First Home Buyers Program Podcast, Maryanne explores why every first home buyer should understand commercial property even if buying commercial real estate isn't something you're considering today. Most Australians grow up believing the property journey looks the same: buy your first home, then maybe an investment property, and eventually build a residential portfolio. But there are other pathways to building wealth, and understanding them early can help you make more informed decisions in the future. This episode isn't about convincing first home buyers to purchase commercial property. Instead, it's about broadening your knowledge so you know what opportunities may exist as your financial position changes. Whether you're saving your deposit, preparing for your first home loan, or planning your long-term financial future, this conversation will help you think beyond your very first purchase. In this episode you'll learn:Why commercial property is rarely discussed with first home buyers.The biggest myths surrounding commercial property investing.Whether you need millions of dollars to buy commercial property.How commercial property differs from residential investment.The advantages and disadvantages of commercial property ownership.Why commercial tenants often have longer leases.How commercial property may fit into a future wealth-building strategy.Why buying your first home is only the beginning of your property journey.The importance of surrounding yourself with the right finance, legal and accounting professionals.Why staying curious about property investing can create more opportunities over time.Key Takeaways Your first home doesn't have to be your forever financial strategy. As your income grows, your equity increases and your goals change, new opportunities may become available. Understanding commercial property now doesn't mean you need to invest in it today—it simply means you'll be better equipped to make informed decisions when the time is right. Knowledge creates options, and the more you learn early in your property journey, the more confident you'll become as you continue building wealth. Resources MentionedFirst Home Buyer EducationProperty Investment StrategiesCommercial Property InvestingResidential vs Commercial PropertyMortgage BrokersProperty FinanceLong-term Wealth BuildingReady to Buy Your First Home? If you're preparing to purchase your first home, we'd love to help you understand your borrowing capacity, navigate the home loan process, and create a strategy that supports both your immediate goals and your future plans. Visit 360 Mortgage Solutions to learn more or book an appointment with our team. Suggested Internal Links For SEO, I'd add links to:First Home Buyer Pre Approval GuideHow Much Deposit Do I Need?Family Home Guarantee SchemeWhat Is Borrowing Capacity?Investment Home LoansBook a Free AppointmentSEO Keywords Naturally IncludedFirst Home Buyer Property InvestmentFirst Home BuyerCommercial PropertyCommercial Property InvestingProperty Investment AustraliaResidential PropertyFirst Home LoanBuilding Wealth Through PropertyProperty JourneyMortgage Broker Australia

  7. Jul 18

    Episode 126 - First Home Buyer Pre Approval: The Biggest Mistake Buyers Make Before House Hunting

    Description Should you start scrolling through realestate.com.au before speaking to a mortgage broker? In this episode of the First Home Buyer Program Podcast, Maryanne Elliott explains why getting a First Home Buyer Pre Approval should be your very first step before attending open homes or making an offer.Many first home buyers fall in love with a property before they know exactly what they can borrow. Unfortunately, this often leads to disappointment when the numbers don't stack up.Maryanne breaks down how lenders assess your borrowing capacity, why two people earning the same income can have very different borrowing limits, and why there's a big difference between the maximum you can borrow and what you should borrow. She also explains why a fully assessed First Home Buyer Pre Approval can give you greater confidence when you're ready to make an offer.Whether you're just starting your home ownership journey or already searching for your dream home, this episode will help you avoid one of the most common and costly mistakes first home buyers make. In This Episode You'll Learn Why a First Home Buyer Pre Approval should come before house hunting.What banks really look at when assessing your borrowing capacity.Why your borrowing power is about more than just your income.The difference between the maximum you can borrow and what's comfortable to repay.Why a fully assessed pre-approval provides greater confidence when buying your first home.Resources Mentioned Read our blog: First Home Buyer Pre Approval: Avoid This Common MistakeLearn more about the First Home Buyer ProgramBook a free strategy session with 360 Mortgage SolutionsConnect with 360 Mortgage SolutionsBuying your first home doesn't have to be overwhelming. At 360 Mortgage Solutions, we help first home buyers understand the process, compare lenders and secure the right home loan with confidence. Visit our website to access free resources, educational guides and information about the First Home Buyer Program.If you're ready to understand your borrowing power, we'd love to help. Keywords - First Home Buyer Pre Approval, Home Loan Pre Approval, First Home Buyer Australia, Borrowing Capacity, Mortgage Broker, First Home Buyer Tips, Home Loan Process, Buying Your First Home, First Home Buyer Podcast, Fully Assessed Pre Approval.

  8. Jul 3

    Episode 125 - Family Guarantee or Buying Together? How Family Support Could Help You Buy Your First Home

    What if the biggest thing standing between you and your first home isn't your income... it's simply not knowing your options? In this episode, Maryanne shares two of the most common ways families are helping first home buyers enter the property market sooner. Whether it's using a Family Guarantee, buying a property together with parents, or exploring other family support strategies, there are often more possibilities available than people realise. In this episode you'll learn:  🏡 What a Family Guarantee is and how it works 💰 How parents may be able to help without giving you cash 👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 When buying with family could make sense ⚖️ Why legal advice is essential before purchasing together 📈 How family support can increase your buying power  💡 Why speaking to a mortgage broker early can uncover options you didn't know existed No two families are the same, which means there's no one size fits all solution. The best place to start is with a conversation. If you're wondering whether family support could help you buy sooner, we'd love to help you explore your options. 📅 Book a strategy session: https://link.teamos.ai/preview/HnVm7sq0QukREw7fQIB5 🌐 Learn more: https://www.360mortgagesolutions.com.au Disclaimer: This podcast contains general information only and does not take into account your personal objectives, financial situation or needs. Please seek personalised financial and legal advice before making any financial decisions. ::: SEO Keywords Family Guarantee home loanFamily Guarantee AustraliaBank of Mum and DadBuying a house with parentsBuying property with familyFirst Home Buyer AustraliaGuarantor home loanMortgage Broker QueenslandHome loan help for first home buyersMulti generational livingProperty buying tipsFirst home buyer podcast

About

If you're a First home buyer and have no idea where to start, or perhaps you've got a Home loan already but you've never taken notes on how loans work and how you can save yourself thousands. Either way this podcast is for you. I will be sharing all things Home loans and Finance to educate you so you know how to make your money work for you.

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