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. 6D AGO

    Episode 120 : The “I’ll Buy Later” Trap: Why Waiting Could Cost You Your First Home

    In today’s episode, Maryanne Elliott from 360 Mortgage Solutions dives into one of the most common mistakes first home buyers make -  waiting too long to enter the property market. With constant headlines about interest rates, global uncertainty, and property trends, it’s easy to fall into the trap of thinking you should “wait until things settle.” But here’s the truth: there will always be a reason not to buy. So how do you know when is the right time to buy your first home? Maryanne breaks it down in a practical, no-nonsense way — helping you shift your focus from external noise to what actually matters: your readiness. 💡 What You’ll Learn in This Episode:Why trying to “time the market” can backfireReal-life lessons from buyers who delayed during COVIDThe hidden costs of waiting (it’s more than just price increases)How rising property prices can impact your lifestyle long-termThe confidence trap that keeps renters stuckA powerful mindset shift to help you take actionA simple question to determine your readiness to buy🚨 Key Takeaway: The best time to buy isn’t when the market is perfect, because it never will be. 👉 The right time to buy your first home is when:You have your pre-approvalYour deposit (or scheme eligibility) is readyYou feel personally readyYou find the right property🧠 Action Step: Ask yourself this powerful question: “What would need to be true for me to buy in the next 6–12 months?” Then reverse-engineer your plan from there. This simple exercise helps you move from feeling stuck → to taking control. 🎓 Ready to Take the Next Step? If you’re not quite ready yet, that’s okay start building your confidence and knowledge with the First Home Buyers Program 👇  👉 Full First Home Buyers Program: https://z9gpj4ioc4f1npbcb6x0.app.clientclub.net/courses/offers/6a9e25d2-5268-4d43-884d-4c233af23b5c  👉 Book a Fee-Free Strategy Session: https://360mortgagesolutions.com.au/contact-us/ 📣 Final Thoughts: Waiting might feel safe… but it could be quietly costing you more than you realise. Start preparing now so you can confidently step into the market when you’re ready — not when the headlines tell you to be.

    10 min

  2. MAR 13

    Episode 119 : The 3 Biggest Mistakes First Home Buyers Make (And How to Avoid Them)

    The First Home Buyers Program Podcast - The 3 Biggest Mistakes First Home Buyers Make (And How to Avoid Them) Episode Description Buying your first home is exciting, but it’s also easy to make mistakes that can cost you time, money, and confidence. In this episode of The First Home Buyers Program Podcast, mortgage broker Maryanne Elliott shares the 3 biggest mistakes first home buyers make and how to avoid them. You’ll learn why waiting until you “feel ready” can hold you back, why saving a deposit is only one piece of the puzzle, and why so many first home buyers think everyone else has it figured out when they actually don’t.If you’re planning to buy your first home in Australia and want to feel more confident about the process, this episode will help you take the next step with more clarity and less stress.In This Episode, You’ll Learnwhy waiting too long to speak to a broker can slow down your progresswhy focusing only on your deposit can be a mistakewhat lenders also look at besides your savingshow credit cards, personal loans, and spending habits can affect borrowing powerwhy confidence comes from getting the right guidance earlyThe 3 Biggest Mistakes First Home Buyers Make Waiting until you “feel ready - Many first home buyers delay getting advice because they assume they need to have everything sorted first. In reality, speaking to a broker early can help you understand your borrowing power, deposit goals, and what steps to take next.Focusing only on the deposit - Saving a deposit matters, but it’s not the only thing lenders assess. Your debts, living expenses, repayment history, and overall financial position also play a big role in your home loan application.Thinking everyone else knows what they’re doing - It’s easy to feel behind when friends and family are buying homes, but many buyers are learning as they go. The difference is often that they asked questions early and got support through the process. Key Takeaway You do not need to have everything perfectly figured out before starting your first home buying journey. The earlier you get advice, the sooner you can make a plan and avoid the mistakes that keep many buyers stuck.About Your HostMaryanne Elliott is a mortgage broker and founder of 360 Mortgage Solutions. After working for one of the major banks for over 13 years, she now helps first home buyers understand the lending and property process so they can buy sooner, with more confidence and less stress.Resources Book a 15-minute high-level phone chat: https://link.teamos.ai/widget/booking/7qm3GDqWiTMjczOzhMlH Learn more about The First Home Buyers Program: https://z9gpj4ioc4f1npbcb6x0.app.clientclub.net/courses/offers/6a9e25d2-5268-4d43-884d-4c233af23b5c SEO Keywords first home buyer mistakes biggest mistakes first home buyers make first home buyer tips Australia buying your first home Australia first home buyer podcast home loan tips for first home buyers how to avoid first home buyer mistakes first home buyer help Australia

    9 min

  3. MAR 5

    Episode 118: Help to Buy Scheme Australia Explained | Can It Help First Home Buyers Enter the Property Market?

    Buying your first home can feel overwhelming, especially when saving a deposit feels like the hardest part. In this episode of The First Home Buyers Program Podcast, mortgage broker Maryanne Elliott from 360 Mortgage Solutions explains the Help to Buy Scheme in Australia and how it may help first home buyers enter the property market sooner. The Help to Buy Scheme is a shared equity program where the government contributes a percentage of the purchase price of your home. This can reduce the amount you need to borrow and lower the deposit required to buy your first property. But is it the right option for you? In this episode, we break down: • What the Help to Buy Scheme is • How the shared equity program works in Australia • How much deposit you may need • The pros and cons of the scheme • Who the program is designed to help • What first home buyers should consider before applying If you’re planning to buy your first home in the next 6–12 months, understanding government schemes like this could make a big difference in your journey. The goal of this podcast is to help first home buyers feel confident, informed and prepared before entering the property market. Want to know what your options look like? Start with a quick 15-minute chat to understand your borrowing power and the government schemes you may qualify for. Book here: https://link.teamos.ai/widget/booking/7qm3GDqWiTMjczOzhMlH About the Host Maryanne Elliott is a mortgage broker and founder of 360 Mortgage Solutions. After working for one of Australia's major banks for over 13 years, she now specialises in helping first home buyers understand the home buying process and get into the property market with confidence.  To check out the First Home Buyers Program Course head here - https://z9gpj4ioc4f1npbcb6x0.app.clientclub.net/courses/offers/6a9e25d2-5268-4d43-884d-4c233af23b5c Keywords: Help to Buy Scheme Australia, first home buyer Australia, government schemes for first home buyers, shared equity scheme Australia, buying your first home Australia, first home buyer mortgage tips, how to buy your first home, property market Australia, first home buyer assistance Australia.

    11 min

  4. FEB 27

    Episode 117: First Home Buyer Mistakes That Could Cost You Thousands (And How to Avoid Them)

    First Home Buyer Mistakes That Could Cost You Thousands (And How to Avoid Them) Buying your first home should feel exciting… not overwhelming, confusing, or financially risky. In this episode, I break down the most common first home buyer mistakes I’m seeing right now – from relying on the wrong advice to bidding at auction without finance in place (yes, that really happens 😅). If you’re planning to buy in 2026 (or sooner), this episode will help you avoid costly errors and move forward with clarity and confidence. 🚩 The Most Common First Home Buyer Mistakes 1️⃣ Only Talking to Your Bank Speaking to your bank isn’t wrong… but it can limit your options. Banks can only offer their own products. They won’t tell you about:Government schemes they don’t participate inLenders offering better pricingAlternative structures that suit your situationIn this episode, I share a real story of a client quoted tens of thousands in Lenders Mortgage Insurance (LMI) by her bank – when she may not have needed to pay it at all through another lender. Lesson: A good mortgage broker looks at the whole market, not just one slice of it. 2️⃣ Relying on AI Instead of Experts Yes… we’re talking about ChatGPT 👀 AI is helpful. I use it. You probably use it. But when it comes to finance strategy, government schemes, lending policy, or legal advice – it can get it wrong. AI “hallucinations” are real, and I’ve had clients come to me with completely incorrect information about:First Home Buyer schemesDeposit requirementsStamp dutyLoan structuresIf it’s a loan question → ask your broker. If it’s a legal question → ask your conveyancer. Experts exist for a reason. 3️⃣ Bidding at Auction Without Pre-Approval This one makes my broker heart race 😅 When the hammer falls at auction, you’ve bought the property. There’s no cooling-off period. I share a story about clients who successfully bid at auction… before we had formal pre-approval in place. Thankfully it worked out. But it could have gone very differently. Before bidding at auction, you must:Have pre-approvalUnderstand your finance positionSpeak to your conveyancerKnow the risksAuctions are not the place to “hope for the best.” 4️⃣ Borrowing Your Maximum Capacity Just because the bank says you can borrow it… doesn’t mean you should. One of the biggest first home buyer mistakes is shopping at your maximum borrowing capacity instead of focusing on comfortable repayments. When interest rates move (and they do), stress increases quickly if you’re stretched. Instead:Look at repayments firstDecide what feels comfortableBuild buffer into your lifestyleConsider options like fixing if certainty helps you sleep at nightYour goal isn’t just to buy a home. Your goal is to enjoy living in it. 💡 My Two Biggest Pieces of Advice If 2026 is your year to enter the property market: ✅ 1. Get Educated Early Join the First Home Buyers Program and learn the steps before you’re under pressure to sign a contract. 👉 Full First Home Buyers Program: Enroll Here:https://z9gpj4ioc4f1npbcb6x0.app.clientclub.net/courses/offers/6a9e25d2-5268-4d43-884d-4c233af23b5c This program walks you through:Borrowing capacityGovernment schemesDepositsContractsPre-approvalsAuctionsSettlementSo you feel confident at every stage. ✅ 2. Focus on the Step in Front of You Don’t stress about settlement when you haven’t even spoken to a broker yet. Don’t stress about loan structure when you’re still saving your deposit. Property is a step-by-step journey. Incremental progress = long-term success. 🎧 Also Mentioned in This Episode I’ve launched a brand-new podcast with Bec Watson called Dollars & Distractions. If you want broader finance conversations (beyond just first home buying), go check it out and expand your financial confidence 💰 📢 Loved This Episode? If this episode helped you avoid costly first home buyer mistakes, please:Share it with a friendLeave a reviewSend it to someone who’s thinking about buying in 2026And if you're ready to take action… 📅 Book a Fee-Free Meeting with the 360 Mortgage Solutions Team: https://360mortgagesolutions.com.au/contact-us/ Let’s make your first home journey strategic, confident, and stress-free. Meta Description (SEO Optimised) Avoid costly first home buyer mistakes with expert advice on borrowing capacity, auctions, government schemes, and working with the right mortgage broker.

    12 min

  5. FEB 6

    Episode 116: The Truth About Buying Your First Home (And the Mistakes No One Warns You About)

    Buying your first home can feel overwhelming — confusing advice, bank jargon, and fear of making the wrong decision often stop first home buyers from taking action. In this episode of The First Home Buyers Program Podcast, we break down the most common mistakes first home buyers make and explain how the right education and strategy can save you thousands (and a whole lot of stress). If you’re thinking about buying your first home now or in the future, this episode will help you feel clearer, calmer, and more confident about your next steps. 🏡 What You’ll Learn in This Episode: ✔ Why first home buyers often feel stuck and overwhelmed ✔ The biggest mistake people make by going straight to a bank ✔ The truth about deposits (and why you don’t always need 20%) ✔ Common government grants and incentives first home buyers miss ✔ How emotions can cost you money when choosing a property ✔ Why your first home doesn’t need to be your forever home ✔ How a structured first home buyers program puts you back in control 🎧 Who This Episode Is Perfect For: First home buyers who don’t know where to startRenters wondering if buying is actually possibleCouples saving for a deposit but unsure how much they needAnyone feeling overwhelmed by conflicting property advice🚀 Ready to Take the Next Step? If this episode helped you and you’re ready for clarity, support, and a step-by-step plan — here’s how you can get started: 👉 FREE First Home Buyer Mini Course Learn the basics, understand your options, and stop guessing. 🔗 Join here: https://maryanne-elliott.mykajabi.com/joinus?_gl=1%2Aqgg7th%2A_gcl_au%2AMTgyMjgxODA5NC4xNzM1Nzk3NDIx 👉 The Full First Home Buyers Program A complete roadmap from “Can I buy?” to “I’ve got the keys.” 🔗 Enrol here: https://maryanne-elliott.mykajabi.com/the-first-home-buyers-sales-page?_gl=1%2A1a93lwq%2A_gcl_au%2AMTgyMjgxODA5NC4xNzM1Nzk3NDIx 👉 Book a Fee-Free Strategy Session Chat one-on-one with the 360 Mortgage Solutions team. 🔗 Book here: https://360mortgagesolutions.com.au/contact-us/ 🎙️ Don’t Forget If you enjoyed this episode: ⭐ Subscribe to the podcast ⭐ Share it with a friend thinking about buying their first home ⭐ Tune in for more episodes designed specifically for first home buyers

    6 min

  6. 11/28/2025

    Episode 115 - Refinancing for First Home Buyers – What You Need to Know in 2026

    Just bought your first home and wondering if refinancing is worth it? In this episode, we break down what first home buyers need to know about refinancing in 2026. 🏡 Episode Summary: You’ve got your first home loan—amazing! But now you’re hearing about refinancing, interest rate changes, and equity… and wondering if you should be doing something with your mortgage. In this episode, I break down refinancing for first home buyers in simple terms—what it means, when it makes sense, and what you need to watch out for in 2026. Whether your fixed rate is ending soon or you’re just curious about your options, this episode will help you make informed, confident decisions about your home loan future. 🔍 What We Cover in This Episode:What refinancing actually means for first home buyersCommon myths (and truths) about refinancingSigns it might be time to look at a new loanWhat to be mindful of—like equity, timing, and feesWhy 2026 could be a smart time to refinanceHow to know if you’re getting a good deal💬 Quote of the Episode: “Your first home loan doesn’t have to be your forever loan.” ✅ Take the Next Step: 🎓 Want to learn more about home loans and refinancing? 👉 Join our FREE First Home Buyer Mini Course 📲 Ready to review your current loan or explore refinancing options? 👉 Book a fee-free meeting with 360 Mortgage Solutions 📢 Stay Connected: If you enjoyed this episode, don’t forget to subscribe, leave a review, and share it with a fellow first home buyer who might need to hear this!

    7 min

  7. 11/14/2025

    Episode 114 - 3 Real Client Scenarios: How We Helped Buyers Get Approved With Low Borrowing Capacity

    In today’s episode, Maryanne shares three real-life stories from the last few weeks where clients were struggling with low borrowing capacity — and how strategic planning, smart restructuring, and thinking outside the box helped them move from “I don’t think I can buy yet” to “We’re officially homeowners!” If you’ve been told your borrowing capacity isn’t enough, this episode will help you see that you still have options — and that the dream might be closer than you think. ⭐ What You’ll Learn in This Episode: 1. How clearing debt can completely change borrowing capacity Maryanne walks through a recent scenario where a client had a decent deposit but high credit card and personal loan balances holding them back. You’ll hear: Why lenders heavily penalise debt in servicing calculationsHow using a portion of your deposit to clear debt can increase your borrowing capacityThe surprising before-and-after difference for this client2. How property share/co-buying helped two siblings get into the market sooner Buying alone wasn’t possible — but buying together was. In this story, Maryanne shares: How combining borrowing power opened up more optionsWhy co-buying can be a smart stepping stone to your long-term goalsHow the pair structured the loan and made the purchase work for both incomes and lifestyles3. How investing instead of buying to live in unlocked a realistic entry point Some clients can’t afford the suburb they want right now, but that doesn’t mean they can’t start building wealth. In this scenario, you’ll learn: How “rent where you want, buy where you can afford” changed everythingHow purchasing a more affordable investment property created a strategic entry into the marketThe longer-term plan we set up so they can upgrade into a home they love later💡 The Big Takeaway Low borrowing capacity doesn’t mean your dream is over — it simply means we need the right strategy. There’s almost always a path forward when you understand how lenders think and what levers can be pulled. 📌 Episode Highlights The ONE thing lenders care about most when calculating how much you can borrowWhy reducing debt can improve borrowing more than increasing your incomeWhen co-buying makes sense — and when it doesn’tWhy investing first is sometimes the smarter, faster moveThe mindset shift that helps buyers get into the market soonerReal results from real clients (no theory, no fluff)🎧 Listen Now This episode is perfect for: First home buyersSelf-employed buyersAnyone who’s been told “you can’t borrow enough right now”People feeling stuck or overwhelmed by lending rules🔗 Links & Resources Book an appointment with Maryanne: https://calendly.com/360mortgagesolutionsFollow along on Instagram & Facebook for tips🙌 If You Enjoyed This Episode… Please follow, subscribe, and leave a review — it helps more first home buyers find the guidance they need.

    7 min

  8. 11/06/2025

    Episode 113 - What Really Happens on Settlement Day: A First Home Buyer’s Guide

    📄 Show Notes: Settlement day can be one of the most exciting—and nerve-wracking—parts of the home buying journey, especially for first home buyers who have no idea what to expect. In this episode, Marianne Elliott from 360 Mortgage Solutions breaks down what actually happens on settlement day, what you really need to do (spoiler alert: it’s less than you think), and how to avoid common mistakes that can cause unnecessary delays or stress. Whether you're days away from settlement or just starting your property journey, this episode is packed with helpful, real-world advice that will give you peace of mind and a clear plan of action. 💡 In this episode, you'll learn: What actually happens on settlement day.Why taking the day off work might not be necessary.The key tasks you must complete in the lead-up to settlement.What can delay settlement—and how to create a contingency plan.Pro tips for picking up your keys, moving in, and planning renovations.Real-life stories from first home buyers (and what you can learn from them).🛠️ Resources & Links: 🏡 Full First Home Buyers Program – Take control of your journey from pre-approval to settlement: 👉 Enroll Here💬 Book a Free, Fee-Free Chat with the 360 Mortgage Solutions team: 👉 Book Here🙌 Connect with Marianne: Website: 360 Mortgage SolutionsInstagram: @360mortgagesolutionsFacebook: 360 Mortgage Solutions🔑 Primary Keyword: Settlement Day for First Home Buyers 📣 Call to Action: 💥 Loved this episode? Share it with a friend who’s buying their first home, and don’t forget to subscribe for more first home tips every week!

    8 min
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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.

Information

  • Creator
    Maryanne Elliott
  • Years Active
    2019 - 2026
  • Episodes
    120
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © Copyright Maryanne Elliott
  • Show Website
    The First Home Buyers Program

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