First Home Unlocked

Saving for a deposit is one of the biggest challenges for first home buyers. The First Home Super Saver Scheme is designed to help, but the rules can feel confusing.

In this episode, Jack Elliott and Chris Bates explain how the scheme works, who’s eligible, and the steps to contribute and withdraw. They also cover the potential tax benefits, timing traps to watch out for, and common mistakes first home buyers should avoid.

By the end, you’ll have a clear understanding of the key benefits and risks and whether the scheme could play a part in your deposit strategy.

In this episode:

🔑 What the First Home Super Saver is and how it works

🔑 Eligibility criteria and contribution limits

🔑 How to withdraw your savings and what to expect at tax time

🔑 The benefits and risks of using super to save for your deposit

🔑 Why timing matters before making contributions

Timestamps

00:00 – Introduction: Talking all things First Home Super Saver

01:53 – What the First Home Super Saver is and how it works

02:54 – Key benefits and trade-offs of the scheme

04:32 – Eligibility rules: who can use the scheme

07:06 – Step 1: Making contributions

12:28 – Step 2: Releasing funds

13:37 – Withdrawal process: requesting a determination and release

16:25 – Common mistakes to avoid (timing, contributions, contracts)

18:49 – What’s next in the Grants & Schemes series

🎧 Listen now to understand how the Super Saver Scheme could support your deposit goals.

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ATO First Home Super Saver Website

First Home Super Saver Calculator

First Home Super Saver Scheme Resource

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You’ve made your offer, it’s been accepted, and the contracts are signed, now what?

In this episode, Jack Elliott and Chris Bates walk you through the final stage of the buying process, from formal loan approval to collecting your keys on settlement day. They explain the role of your broker and conveyancer, how valuations work, and what to expect at each step so you can finish the process feeling calm and confident.

You’ll also hear a real case study comparing a preapproved buyer with one who skipped this step, and how it changed their experience.

Wherever you are in your buying journey, this episode will help you get settlement-ready.

In this episode:

🔑 What happens after your offer is accepted

🔑 How valuations work

🔑 The broker and conveyancer’s role in getting to settlement

🔑 Key steps between formal approval and settlement day

🔑 Real case study: preapproved vs no preapproval

Timestamps

00:00 – Introduction and what we’ll cover

02:24 – What happens once your offer is accepted

03:25 – Two types of valuations: desktop vs in-person

09:08 – Formal approval: what it is and why it matters

09:47 – Pre-approved vs no pre-approval: how the process changes

14:16 – What happens after formal approval? Steps to settlement

15:56 – How to ensure a smooth settlement process

17:26 – What actually happens on settlement day

19:13 – Getting prepared early (and how your broker should help)

19:51 – Key takeaways and what’s next for First Home Unlocked

🎧 Listen now to feel prepared and confident when it’s time to settle on your first home.

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Get Your Settlement Ready Guide

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Making an offer on your first home can feel overwhelming, especially when every agent handles things differently, and there are no standard rules.

In this episode, Jack Elliott and Chris Bates break down exactly how to approach the offer process with clarity and confidence. They explain the different types of sales (private sale vs auction), how to structure a strong offer, and the key questions to ask the agent before putting pen to paper.

You’ll learn what conditions can protect you, what happens once your offer is accepted, and how to avoid common traps that catch first home buyers out.

Whether you're weeks away from making an offer or just starting to look, this episode gives you the tools to make a smart move when the time comes.

In this episode:

🔑 What to ask the agent before making an offer

🔑 The difference between private sales and auctions

🔑 How to assess what a property is really worth (price guides are just a guide)

🔑 How to structure a strong offer (it’s not always about price)

🔑 Conditions that protect you and when to use them

00:00 – Every agent handles offers differently

02:08 – Why you should engage your conveyancer early

04:47 – Understanding sale types: private sale vs auction

09:02 – Biggest mistakes buyers make at auction

11:56 – What is the property actually worth?

15:43 – What’s included in a written offer?

17:09 – When do you actually pay your deposit?

19:20 – Conditions that protect you: finance, cooling-off, building & pest

24:45 – Finalising contracts: what to confirm before signing

26:01 – Key takeaways and what’s coming next

🎧 Listen now to feel prepared and confident when it’s time to make your first offer.

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Get Your Making An Offer Resource:

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Buying your first home isn’t just about getting into the market, it’s about making a smart choice that supports your goals now and sets you up for what comes next.

In this episode, Jack Elliott and Chris Bates break down what makes a property high-quality and why the right home should work for you today and hold value for the future.

They walk you through a clear, top-down approach to evaluating asset quality, starting at the macro level with location, supply, and demand, then zooming in to the street, the home itself, layout, and land.

You’ll learn what to avoid (like new development areas or off-the-plan apartments), how to identify rare or high-demand homes, and how to balance lifestyle with long-term value.

Whether you're buying to stay long-term or planning to upgrade in a few years, this episode will help you avoid emotional buying and make a smart, strategic decision.

In this episode:

🔑 What asset quality really means (and why it matters)

🔑 Why you should zoom out before falling in love with a property

🔑 How to assess location, supply and demand

🔑 What to look for in a suburb, street, and specific home

🔑 The difference between land value and building value

🔑 Key red flags and signs of long-term value

Timestamps:

00:00 – Why asset quality is so important for first home buyers

04:18 – Start by zooming out. Don’t get emotionally attached too early

08:18 – Macro-level: Understanding supply and demand

14:39 – Buying with future buyers in mind

17:19 – Zooming into suburb and location quality

19:00 – What important factors to look for on the street?

26:47 – What about the property itself? What to look for at inspections?

32:58 – The importance of Asset Quality for First Home Buyers

34:19 – The importance of land vs the building

35:02 – Key takeaways

🎧 Listen now and learn how to buy with confidence, not just convenience.

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Download your Asset Quality Checklist

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Getting pre-approved isn’t just about ticking a box, it's about buying with clarity, confidence, and control.

In this episode, Jack Elliott and Chris Bates unpack what a fully assessed pre-approval actually is, why it matters, and how it puts you in a stronger position when it’s time to make an offer.

They break down the difference between a computer-generated approval and one that’s properly reviewed by a credit assessor, and how that impacts your ability to move quickly when the right property comes up.

You’ll learn how pre-approval fits into your buying timeline, how it can help uncover roadblocks early (like credit issues or complex income), and why starting the process 6–12 months out can make all the difference.

Whether you’re just starting to explore the idea of buying, or ready to get serious, this episode gives you the tools to move forward with more confidence and clarity.

In this episode:

🔑 What a pre-approval actually is

🔑 Fully assessed vs online pre-approvals

🔑 How pre-approval helps you avoid costly delays

🔑 Why your broker’s process makes a big difference

🔑 Ideal timing for getting pre-approved

Timestamps:

00:00 – What’s in store for this episode?

01:41 – What is a pre-approval, and why does it matter?

04:30 – The process to get a pre-approval

05:29 – Fully assessed vs computer-generated: what’s the difference?

08:40 – Ideal timing for pre-approval

09:01 – How long does a pre-approval last, and what happens if it expires?

09:25 – How pre-approval speeds up the formal approval process

10:34 – Your broker’s role: strategy, not just paperwork

12:50 – Top tips for a strong pre-approval

13:48 – The value of going through the pre-approval process

15:38 – What’s to come on next week's episode?

🎧 Listen now and learn how to take control of your buying journey.

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Get Your Power of Pre-Approval Guide

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One of the biggest myths in home buying is that you need a 20% deposit. While it can help avoid some costs, it’s not a requirement, and focusing only on that number could be holding you back.

In this episode, Jack Elliott and Chris Bates break down the real deposit options available for first home buyers, including how much you actually need, how to avoid unnecessary delays, and what smarter alternatives exist if a 20% deposit feels out of reach.

You’ll explore practical ways to think about saving, understand options like the First Home Guarantee Scheme and family guarantor loans, and hear simple tips to build momentum, even if you’re just getting started.

Whether you’re early in your savings journey or already close to your goal, this episode will help you move forward with more clarity and confidence.

In this episode:

🔑 Do you really need a 20% deposit?

🔑 Deposit options from 2% to 20%, including the First Home Guarantee and family guarantor loans

🔑 Why buffers matter and how to set up your savings

🔑 Smart tips to build habits and practice future mortgage repayments

Timestamps:

00:00 – Do you really need a 20% deposit?

02:45 – Why 20% is such a common myth

05:08 – Your options with a 5%–10% deposit

07:37 – When it makes sense to pay LMI (and when to avoid it)

09:13 – What is the Family Home Guarantee Scheme?

09:46 – Other low-deposit options and what to consider

11:14 – How much do you really need to save?

11:50 – Client story: Buying with 5% instead of saving 15%

12:54 – Building a clear savings approach

🎧 Listen now and take the guesswork out of your deposit strategy.

Key Links from This Episode

First Home Guarantee Scheme

Family Home Guarantee Scheme

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Get your Unlocking Your Deposit Resource

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When people think about the cost of buying their first home, they usually focus on the deposit.

But the true cost includes a range of extra expenses, and if you're not prepared, they can catch you off guard.

In this episode, Jack Elliott and Chris Bates share a full breakdown of the real costs involved in buying your first home, from government charges and lender fees to legal costs, building and pest inspections, moving expenses, and more.

Whether you’re early in your planning or getting close to buying, this episode will help you build a clear, realistic budget so you’re prepared at every step.

You’ll walk away knowing exactly what to expect, what to plan for, and how to move forward with confidence.

In this episode:

🔑 A full breakdown of government, legal, lender, and moving costs

🔑 A real NSW case study: $900K purchase example

🔑 Why a building and pest inspection is essential

🔑 Why having a cash buffer is key for peace of mind

Timestamps:

00:00 – What are the real costs to consider?

01:48 – Government fees explained

03:23 – NSW case study: $900K purchase example

04:08 – Stamp duty breakdown

06:33 – Legal fees: What a conveyancer does and why it matters

09:28 – Lender fees and LMI: what to watch for

13:28 – Why you need a building & pest inspection

15:56 – Planning for moving, setup, and furniture

16:49 – Hidden costs and the value of a cash buffer

🎧 Listen now and get clear on exactly what to budget for.

At the time of filming, we were in the 2024/25 financial year. Since then, NSW mortgage registration and transfer fees have increased slightly from $171.70 to $175.70 each in the 2025/26 financial year.

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Get your Unlocking the Costs to Purchase Your First Home Resource

Download your State by State Stamp Duty Guide for First Home Buyers

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When’s the right time to speak to a mortgage broker? Most first home buyers think it’s once they’ve saved the full deposit or found the perfect property, but waiting can cost you time, money, and confidence.

In this episode, Jack Elliott and Chris Bates explain why engaging a broker early (6–12 months out) can be a game-changer. You’ll learn how brokers help you plan strategically, ask the right questions, and align your situation with the right loan strategy, structure, and lender.

If you have a goal to buy, now’s the time to start the conversation.

In this episode:

🔑 The biggest timing mistakes first home buyers make

🔑 A real self-employed client story: balancing business tax and mortgage goals

🔑 What brokers actually do (beyond comparing rates)

🔑 Why loan strategy matters more than interest rates

🔑 Your timeline: what to do 6–12 months and 3–4 months out

00:00 – When is the best time to speak with a broker?

02:42 – Real story: self-employed client & tax return timing

03:45 – The value of working with a broker early

05:30 – Why use a broker? Policy-matching vs rate-hunting: what actually matters

08:45 – Brokers as sounding boards for life decisions

10:20 – What to expect 6–12 months out from buying using a broker

11:35 – What to expect 3– 4 months out from buying, the action step

13:00 – Pre-approval, lender selection, and getting ready to buy

🎧 Listen now to build confidence and start your journey with the right strategy in place.

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The first step in buying your home isn’t finance, it’s getting clear on your goals and vision.

In this episode, Jack Elliott and Chris Bates talk about considering your future before property and why the best buying decisions start with understanding where you’re heading.

Whether you're single, in a couple, planning a family, or wanting a balanced lifestyle, this conversation is about putting you at the centre of your property strategy.

Everyone’s journey is different. This episode helps you shape a plan that reflects your goals, values, and vision so your first home fits into your life plan, not the other way around.

In this episode:

🔑 Why the first step isn’t finance, it’s vision

🔑 Real questions to ask yourself about family, lifestyle, and work

🔑 Why property should support your life, not shape it

🔑 The risk of skipping this step and buying in reaction to pressure

🔑 How to avoid short-term thinking and costly mistakes

Timestamps:

00:00 – Why we start with the goals and vision conversation

03:10 – The big question to ask yourself

04:52 – Family planning: questions to consider

06:02 – Stepping stone strategies and the cost of moving too soon

07:22 – Lifestyle considerations: city vs regional, work, commute, and hobbies

10:05 – Planning to avoid short-term thinking and costly mistakes

12:00 – Why not all properties grow equally

12:58 – The risk of skipping this step and outside pressure

14:22 – Key takeaways from the episode

🎧 Listen now to get clear on your vision before beginning your journey.

Unlock your Free Resources

Download your free Goals & Vision Workbook

Check out the report Chris mentioned: Core Logic Pain & Gain Report

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Feeling overwhelmed by the process of buying your first home? You’re not alone, and you're in the right place. 🔑🏠

In this debut episode of First Home Unlocked, hosts Jack Elliott and Chris Bates share why this podcast exists, who it’s for, and the kind of grounded support you can expect moving forward.

If you're confused by all the information out there, this show is here to bring all the information you need in one place to help you find clarity.

Whether you're 12 months out or ready to buy now, Jack and Chris will guide you through each step of the home buying journey.

In this episode:

🔑 Why buying your first home can feel so confusing, and how to simplify it together

🔑 Jack and Chris’s paths into mortgage broking, and why they’re passionate about supporting first home buyers

🔑 What to expect from future episodes: smart strategies, buyer stories, and step-by-step support through the whole process

Timestamps:

00:12 - Meet Your Guides: Jack and Chris

01:33 - Chris Bates: A Journey in Mortgage Broking from Financial Planning

02:38 - Jack Elliott: From Teaching to Mortgage Broking

04:34 - Why We Created This Podcast

05:58 - What to Expect from Future Episodes

🎧 Listen now, and let’s unlock your first home together.

Unlock your Free Resources

Download by visiting www.firsthomeunlocked.com.au

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www.firsthomeunlocked.com.au