Home Building Hub

We’ve got a home loan expert onboard to help you understand all things finance. Everything from brokers vs banks, the best ways to achieve your saving goals and government incentives explained… right through to the ultimate question - what do interest rates look like over the coming months and ultimately is now the time to buy? Don’t miss this episode as it is jam-packed with great insights.

Topic timestamps
1:47 - Introducing our expert guest - Steve Matsoukas
3:16 - Steve’s background and Loan Gallery introduction
4:20 - What are the benefits of using a broker over a bank? 
6:00 - Using a broker will save you money and cost you nothing - here’s why
11:00 - How can people best prepare themselves for savings and getting a loan?
15:55 - Start the discussion early with a broker and work with them to achieve your savings goals.
17:33 - Here’s how untitled land can get your foot in the door whilst still saving for the house.
20:35 - Get yourself a team - broker, sales consultant, land agent and conveyancer.
21:13 - Titled land vs untitled land… and the risks associated.
22:40 - The Home Guarantee Scheme is a great opportunity, but not many people know about it.
27:30 - How to qualify for Government incentives.
30:27 - What do interest rates look like over the coming months? … and ultimately is now the time to buy?
35:54 - Despite the media imposing fear, mortgage defaults have barely changed
37:45 - Stop listening to the family BBQ “expert”... take action now as new home regulations will be much more expensive than any interest rate changes.
41:02 - Understand your assessment rate, not the interest rate.
43:55 - Google: Loan Gallery and talk to their brokers now!

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Got a question, topic idea or feedback?
Head to our website and leave your comments there > homebuildinghub.com.au or send an email to [email protected]

There’s rubbish on your site pre-construction, so who is responsible for clearing it? In this episode we help you understand who is responsible for clearing a site, what is actually considered “clear” and at what point the builder takes over the responsibility of your site. Alos, stick around until the end to hear a nice little giveaway for our listeners.

Topic timestamps
5:00 - Who is responsible for clearing a site pre-construction?
6:55 - How clear is clear? Understanding contamination.
9:22 - At what point do I know my builder has “accepted” and taken over my site?10:35 - Will the Builder’s insurance cover rubbish on site? 
11:20 - Tip 1: Check your block regularly and address items right away if you see them
12:35 - TIP 2: Arrange temporary fencing yourself using the same company as your builder
14:17 - TIP 3: Don’t pick the cheapest site clean or you may be paying for them to come back again 
16:45 - TIP 4: Ask the builder if they have a preferred site cleaning company
19:33 - Special giveaway for our listeners

Join Australia’s most trusted new home education community 

• Get FREE stuff: Ultimate Home Building Guide w/ templates & checklists
• Join here > https://www.skool.com/home-building-hub-3827

Liking the show? 
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Got a question, topic idea or feedback?
Head to our website and leave your comments there > homebuildinghub.com.au or send an email to [email protected]

On the 1st Jan 2024 in Victoria, new “all-electric” regulations came into effect, meaning no more gas in newly constructed homes. In this episode, we discuss these new regulations and help you navigate through some of the more common questions around the timing, how to know if you’re impacted, the items being affected and the items that will now replace the gas items.  

Topic timestamps

4:48 - What are the changes regarding all-electric and no gas?
7:18 - When did these ew electric changes come into place?
7:30 - How can you tell if your land is subject to new ‘all-electric’ requirements?
12:57 - What common items will be affected by this change?
14:07 - What can you expect to see replace the normal gas items/appliances?
15:07 - How much will it cost to move from gas to all-electric?
16:22 - How will builders apply these new requirements during the transition period? 

Join Australia’s most trusted new home education community 

• Get FREE stuff: Ultimate Home Building Guide w/ templates & checklists
• Join here > https://www.skool.com/home-building-hub-3827

Liking the show? 
Please leave us a 5 star rating on your podcast platform and share the show with others - thank you. Please consider subscribing too.

Got a question, topic idea or feedback?
Head to our website and leave your comments there > homebuildinghub.com.au or send an email to [email protected]

Just a quick video from us to say thank you to our viewers, listeners and our guests as we wrap up the year that was 2023.

Join Australia’s most trusted new home education community 

• Get FREE stuff: Ultimate Home Building Guide w/ templates & checklists
• Join here > https://www.skool.com/home-building-hub-3827

Liking the show? 
Please leave us a 5 star rating on your podcast platform and share the show with others - thank you. Please consider subscribing too.

Got a question, topic idea or feedback?
Head to our website and leave your comments there > homebuildinghub.com.au or send an email to [email protected]

The decision has just been made to ban engineered stone benchtops in Australia. In this episode, we do our best to share what we know so far, outlining the who, what, where, when, why and how… using the information available to date. This is a MUST watch/listen for anyone looking to build or already in the process of building a new home.

Topic timestamps
1:42 - Why are stone benchtops being banned? 
2:50 - What is silicosis?
5:35 - Who has made this decision?
8:05 - When will the ban come into place?
10:23 - How will the ban be rolled out across the country?
15:55 - What are the alternatives to replace stone benchtops? 
20:30 - Let’s be realistic and put this in perspective.
23:55 - What are your chances of getting stone installed?
25:26 - Producing more stone now will be pointless, so supply will dry up.
29:20 - Some builders may choose to stop stone on all jobs immediately - here’s why.

Join Australia’s most trusted new home education community 

• Get FREE stuff: Ultimate Home Building Guide w/ templates & checklists
• Join here > https://www.skool.com/home-building-hub-3827

Liking the show? 
Please leave us a 5 star rating on your podcast platform and share the show with others - thank you. Please consider subscribing too.

Got a question, topic idea or feedback?
Head to our website and leave your comments there > homebuildinghub.com.au or send an email to [email protected]

In this episode, we provide a quick guide to help you work out if a house design will fit on your block. We explain front setbacks, side setbacks and how to work out your backyard length, along with an insight into the different codes in Victoria and how different setbacks apply based on your lot size. 

Topic timestamps

3:10 - Basic requirements for blocks over 300sqm

9:55 - Basic example of how to calculate backyard length

10:55 - Basic requirements for block under 300sqm

16:00 - IMPORTANT TIP for you if buying a block under 300sqm

Join Australia’s most trusted new home education community 

• Get FREE stuff: Ultimate Home Building Guide w/ templates & checklists
• Join here > https://www.skool.com/home-building-hub-3827

Liking the show? 
Please leave us a 5 star rating on your podcast platform and share the show with others - thank you. Please consider subscribing too.

Got a question, topic idea or feedback?
Head to our website and leave your comments there > homebuildinghub.com.au or send an email to [email protected]

We get it, no one wants to be sold to… but the reality is that there are a lot of variables when it comes to buying a house and/or land package, so it’s important for every buyer to give themselves the best chance to learn, understand and obtain the best solution for their needs. In this episode, we explain the ‘to dos’ and ‘not to dos’ when enquiring with a builder to give you the best opportunity to find the right solution for your needs.

Topic timestamps

3:52 - We get it, people don’t want to be sold to
5:55 - What does a sales consultant actually do? …and why a call is better.
13:35 - Start with a discussion. Email only communication is just not practical
16:08 - Don’t leave a fake number, it’s pointless
17:43 - Don’t ignore the calls from sales consultants, just be open with them
20:05 - Don’t be a “hero” client. Focus on learning instead.
23:00 - Speak to your broker before contacting a builder
25:00 - Be open with your minimum and maximum budget range
26:10 - Provide your needs and wants to the consultant
27:24 - Provide land information such as size and location
27:53 - If comparing quotes, just let the consultant/s compare them for you

Join Australia’s most trusted new home education community 

• Get FREE stuff: Ultimate Home Building Guide w/ templates & checklists
• Join here > https://www.skool.com/home-building-hub-3827

Liking the show? 
Please leave us a 5 star rating on your podcast platform and share the show with others - thank you. Please consider subscribing too.

Got a question, topic idea or feedback?
Head to our website and leave your comments there > homebuildinghub.com.au or send an email to [email protected]

It’s common for people to spend most (if not all) of their budget on the house/land, so in this episode we outline the top 5 items that you should be budgeting for that are often outside of your building contract. 

Topic timestamps
2:48 - Fencing and gate/s as per estate requirements
6:42 - Landscaping including driveways, clothesline and letterbox
11:54 - Internal blinds
14:33 - Connections (and fees) for water, internet, gas and electricity 
15:58 - Furniture and appliances

Join Australia’s most trusted new home education community 

• Get FREE stuff: Ultimate Home Building Guide w/ templates & checklists
• Join here > https://www.skool.com/home-building-hub-3827

Liking the show? 
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Got a question, topic idea or feedback?
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Listen in as we outline 10 essential items that we have seen other buyers either miss or not understand when buying their house and/or land. This is a pivotal checklist that will save you time and money, so be sure to tune in. 

Join Australia’s most trusted new home education community 

• Get FREE stuff: Ultimate Home Building Guide w/ templates & checklists
• Join here > https://www.skool.com/home-building-hub-3827

Liking the show? 
Please leave us a 5 star rating on your podcast platform and share the show with others - thank you. Please consider subscribing too.

Got a question, topic idea or feedback?
Head to our website and leave your comments there > homebuildinghub.com.au or send an email to [email protected]

Did you know that there are new regulations coming to our industry in 2024 that will impact house designs and build prices substantially? In this episode, we explain the 7-star and livable housing changes that are coming, outlining the pros and the cons of each… and to wrap up, we finish with our opinions and reasons on whether you should or should not buy before these regulations come into effect. 

Topic timestamps
1:25 - What is 7-star and livable housing? 
3:30 - What are some of the constraints home buyers need to be aware of?
9:04 - What are some of the positives with 7-star and livable housing requirements? 11:40 - Our opinion on whether to build now or wait until later

Join Australia’s most trusted new home education community 

• Get FREE stuff: Ultimate Home Building Guide w/ templates & checklists
• Join here > https://www.skool.com/home-building-hub-3827

Liking the show? 
Please leave us a 5 star rating on your podcast platform and share the show with others - thank you. Please consider subscribing too.

Got a question, topic idea or feedback?
Head to our website and leave your comments there > homebuildinghub.com.au or send an email to [email protected]