Most first home buyers start their journey by hunting for the lowest interest rate — but according to mortgage strategist Stuart Wemyss, that’s one of the biggest financial mistakes you can make.

In this episode, Veronica and Meighan dive deep with Stuart to unpack the part of home buying almost no one understands properly: your borrowing strategy.

Stuart explains why the way you structure your loan has far more long-term impact than shaving a few points off your rate. From borrowing capacity and offset accounts to tax effectiveness and refinancing, this conversation reveals how your first loan becomes the foundation for every property decision that follows.

You’ll learn why the “cheapest” loan can actually cost you more later, how to preserve your flexibility for future moves, and why thinking ahead to your second and third property is just as important as buying your first. Stuart also breaks down common mistakes first home buyers make — like aggressively paying down their loan, getting stuck with the wrong lender, or failing to plan for life changes — and explains how to avoid them with a smart, forward-thinking strategy.

If you want to buy well, borrow well, and set yourself up for what comes next, this is an episode you don’t want to miss.

Episode Highlights

00:00 – Introduction to Mortgage Strategy

01:20 – Understanding Borrowing Strategy

02:27 – Importance of Finance Strategy

07:37 – Common Mistakes by First Home Buyers

12:37 – Tax Implications and Offset Accounts

14:40 – Rentvesting and Its Benefits

19:41 – Tax-Free Property Sale Strategy

20:23 – Choosing the Right Lender

21:47 – The Importance of Refinancing

25:43 – Navigating Online Lenders

30:10 – The Role of Mortgage Brokers

31:55 – Advice for First Home Buyers

33:37 – Final Thoughts and Practical Tips

Mentions

• Episode 28: Substations, LMI, Rentvesting, Auctions & Strata Risks: First Home Buyer Q&A

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

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