Your First Home Buyer Guide Podcast

Veronica Meighan

THE First Home Buyer Course. Get there without missing a step.

  1. 3d ago

    Buy Now or Wait? A First Home Buyer's Guide

    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. Episode Highlights01:35 – 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 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/@TheFirstHomeBuyerCourseSubscribe on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/ph/podcast/your-first-home-buyer-guide-podcast/id1544701825Subscribe on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/7GyrfXoqvDxjqNRv40NVQs?si=7c8bc4362fab421f

    Buy Now or Wait? A First Home Buyer's Guide
  2. Aug 11

    Buying New? Here's What Every First Home Buyer Should Know

    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. Episode Highlights01:22 - 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 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/@TheFirstHomeBuyerCourseSubscribe on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/ph/podcast/your-first-home-buyer-guide-podcast/id1544701825Subscribe on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/7GyrfXoqvDxjqNRv40NVQs?si=7c8bc4362fab421f

    Buying New? Here's What Every First Home Buyer Should Know
  3. Aug 4

    The Home Loan Basics Most Buyers Never Learn

    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. Episode Highlights01:46 – 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 Connect with JackBook a Get To Know You Chat with Jack Website | First Home Unlocked 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/@TheFirstHomeBuyerCourseSubscribe on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/ph/podcast/your-first-home-buyer-guide-podcast/id1544701825Subscribe on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/7GyrfXoqvDxjqNRv40NVQs?si=7c8bc4362fab421f

    The Home Loan Basics Most Buyers Never Learn
  4. Jul 28

    Is Rentvesting Still Worth It After the Tax Changes?

    Many first home buyers have been told rentvesting is one of the smartest ways to get into the property market. But with the Federal Government proposing major changes to negative gearing and capital gains tax, does that strategy still stack up? In this episode, Veronica and Meighan unpack what the proposed tax reforms could mean for first home buyers, whether rentvesting is still worth considering, and why buying the right property matters more than ever. They explain why tax benefits should never be the main reason to invest, the risks of chasing new builds purely for incentives, and how to identify investment-grade properties that can support long-term wealth. Whether you're planning to buy your first home, considering rentvesting, or trying to understand how the changing tax landscape could affect your decisions, this episode will help you separate headlines from practical strategy. Episode Highlights01:33 – The Tax Changes Reshaping Property Investment 02:31 – Rentvesting Explained: Does It Still Work? 06:28 – What Losing the CGT Discount Means for Investors 08:42 – Is Rentvesting Still a Smart Strategy? 10:51 – The Hidden Risks of Buying New Builds 16:42 – How to Adapt Your Property Strategy 20:24 – Build the Right Team Before You Invest 25:14 – Who Wins and Loses Under the New Rules? 27:21 – Your Next Steps After the Tax Changes 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/@TheFirstHomeBuyerCourseSubscribe on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/ph/podcast/your-first-home-buyer-guide-podcast/id1544701825Subscribe on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/7GyrfXoqvDxjqNRv40NVQs?si=7c8bc4362fab421f

    Is Rentvesting Still Worth It After the Tax Changes?
  5. Jul 21

    What Banks Look At Before Approving Your Home Loan

    You've done the maths. You know your income, you've been saving, and you have a rough idea of what you can borrow. Then the bank gives you a completely different number. In this episode, mortgage broker Jack Elliott returns to explain how lenders really assess borrowing capacity. From income, genuine savings and credit cards to HECS, Afterpay, bank statements and even the property you're buying, you'll learn why two lenders can reach very different outcomes for the same borrower. Whether you're planning to buy your first home soon or simply want to understand how banks make lending decisions, this episode will help you prepare with confidence and make smarter choices before you apply for a home loan. Episode Highlights03:25 – How Banks Assess Your Income 09:38 – What Banks Look For in Your Savings 12:19 – How Debts Affect Your Borrowing Capacity 17:16 – How Banks Assess Your Spending Habits 21:08 – What Banks See in Your Credit History 25:26 – Why the Property Matters to Your Home Loan 30:12 – Just Because You Can Borrow More Doesn't Mean You Should 33:30 – When to Speak to a Mortgage Broker Connect with JackBook a Get To Know You Chat with Jack Website | First Home Unlocked 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/@TheFirstHomeBuyerCourseSubscribe on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/ph/podcast/your-first-home-buyer-guide-podcast/id1544701825Subscribe on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/7GyrfXoqvDxjqNRv40NVQs?si=7c8bc4362fab421f

    What Banks Look At Before Approving Your Home Loan
  6. Jul 14

    From Priced Out to First Home Owner (Case Study)

    Buying your first home rarely goes exactly to plan. You might have your deposit saved, your dream suburb picked out, and a clear picture of the property you want—only to discover the market has other ideas. In this episode, Home Buyer Academy graduate Tim shares the real story behind his first home purchase. From saving his deposit and researching the market to being priced out of his preferred property type, Tim explains how staying flexible and trusting a structured buying process helped him achieve his goal. Together with Veronica and Meighan, they unpack the lessons learned along the way, including dealing with underquoting, adapting to changing market conditions, navigating auctions, and making confident decisions without letting emotions take over. If you're preparing to buy your first home, this episode offers practical insights into what the journey really looks like—and why having the right knowledge and mindset can make all the difference. Episode Highlights 01:03 – Meet Tim and His First Home Buying Journey 03:46 – The Saving Habits That Fast-Tracked Tim's Deposit 07:03 – Why Investing in Education Paid Off 10:42 – The Market Reality Every First Home Buyer Faces 16:44 – What Every Property Inspection Taught Tim 20:39 – How Flexibility Helped Tim Find the Right Home 27:41 – The Budget Twist That Changed Everything 33:04 – Life After Buying: What's Next for Tim? 37:01 – Tim's Biggest Advice for First Home Buyers 39:50 – Why Community Makes the Journey Easier 42:33 – Final Thoughts and Episode Wrap-Up 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/@TheFirstHomeBuyerCourseSubscribe on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/ph/podcast/your-first-home-buyer-guide-podcast/id1544701825Subscribe on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/7GyrfXoqvDxjqNRv40NVQs?si=7c8bc4362fab421f

    From Priced Out to First Home Owner (Case Study)
  7. Jul 7

    5% Deposit, 95% Loan: What Buyers Need to Know

    Buying your first home with just a 5% deposit sounds like the shortcut many buyers have been waiting for. But while the scheme can help you enter the market sooner, borrowing 95% of a property's value also comes with risks that every first home buyer needs to understand. In this episode, Veronica and Meighan are joined by Jack Elliott from Alcove Mortgages to unpack how the 5% Deposit Scheme really works, who can access it following the latest rule changes, and why buying under a government scheme doesn't automatically mean you're making a good property decision. You'll learn why price caps matter, how Lenders Mortgage Insurance (LMI) fits into the picture, what upfront costs many buyers overlook, and why having cash buffers and a long-term plan can be just as important as saving your deposit. If you're considering buying with a 5% deposit, this episode will help you understand the opportunities, the risks, and how to decide whether this pathway is the right fit for your situation. Episode Highlights01:48 – Why the 5% Deposit Scheme Is So Popular 05:16 – Why Banks Charge Lenders Mortgage Insurance 08:06 – Who Can Use the 5% Deposit Scheme? 12:45 – Which Lenders Offer the 5% Deposit Scheme? 16:28 – How to Protect Yourself With a 95% Home Loan 21:24 – Is the 5% Deposit Scheme Right for You? 24:26 – Join Our First Home Buyer Community Connect with JackBook a Get To Know You Chat with Jack 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/@TheFirstHomeBuyerCourseSubscribe on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/ph/podcast/your-first-home-buyer-guide-podcast/id1544701825Subscribe on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/7GyrfXoqvDxjqNRv40NVQs?si=7c8bc4362fab421f

    5% Deposit, 95% Loan: What Buyers Need to Know
  8. Jun 30

    First Home Buyer Grants Explained Without the Hype

    First home buyer grants, stamp duty concessions, shared equity schemes, 5% deposit pathways–there’s more support available than ever before. But are these incentives actually helping you make better property decisions? In this episode, mortgage broker Jack Elliott returns to break down the grants, concessions, and buyer schemes available across Australia. We cover how stamp duty relief works in each state, who qualifies for the First Home Owner Grant, and what buyers need to know about shared equity programs and low-deposit pathways. More importantly, we unpack one of the biggest mistakes first home buyers make: allowing incentives to drive their property decisions. While grants and concessions can reduce upfront costs, they can also tempt buyers into compromising on location, property quality, or long-term growth potential. If you're trying to understand what support is available and how to use it wisely, this episode will help you cut through the noise, avoid common traps, and make decisions that support your long-term goals—not just your short-term savings. Episode Highlights01:44 – Meet Jack: Understanding Buyer Incentives 04:41 – The Stamp Duty Trap First Buyers Miss 09:42 – First Home Owner Grant Explained 18:26 – Low Deposit Pathways Explained 23:28 – Shared Equity: The Trade-Offs to Know 28:46 – Choosing the Right Scheme for Your Goals 30:24 – How to Use Incentives the Right Way 32:49 – Join the Community & Keep Learning Connect with JackBook a Get To Know You Chat with Jack 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/@TheFirstHomeBuyerCourseSubscribe on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/ph/podcast/your-first-home-buyer-guide-podcast/id1544701825Subscribe on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/7GyrfXoqvDxjqNRv40NVQs?si=7c8bc4362fab421f

    First Home Buyer Grants Explained Without the Hype

About

THE First Home Buyer Course. Get there without missing a step.

You Might Also Like