First Home: Adding Value through Renovation 

 

 

Thinking about buying your first home but unsure whether to go for a new build or take on a fixer-upper?

 

Join hosts Nicola and John Kefalianos in this insightful episode as they explore the world of home renovation for first-time buyers. They discuss the potential of buying an older property, adding value through renovations, and the financial benefits that come with it.

 

John shares his extensive experience in property development, offering practical tips on how to identify renovation opportunities and navigate the financing process.

 

Whether you're considering your first home or looking to build equity, this episode is packed with valuable advice on how to make smart property decisions.

 

Tune in to learn how to turn a run-down house into your dream home while maximising your investment potential!

 

 

Check out the FinanceLab calculator here: https://www.financelab.com.au/calculators-extra-repayments/

 

Chat with John about how much you can borrow: 
[email protected]

 

Finance Lab: 
https://www.financelab.com.au/

 

 

Disclaimer: This podcast provides general information only and is not legal, financial, or professional advice. Listeners should seek personalised advice from licensed professionals for their individual circumstances. The hosts and guests are not liable for actions taken based on this content. Opinions expressed are those of the hosts and guests, not any official institution.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Your First Home in Adelaide

 

Are you curious about the best suburbs for first home buyers in Adelaide? In this episode of their podcast, hosts Nicola and John Kefalianos explore the top locations where buyers on a budget can get their foot in the property market. With a deposit as low as $42,000, they uncover three affordable suburbs that could help make homeownership a reality in 2025.

 

From the charming suburb of Kurralta Park to the up-and-coming area of Keswick, and the more spacious options in Munno Para, they provide valuable insights into what potential buyers can expect in terms of pricing and income requirements.

 

Join Nicola and John as they guide first home buyers through the possibilities of owning a home in Adelaide, making the dream of homeownership more achievable than ever.

 

Don't miss out on their expert tips and advice, and tune in to this episode!

 

 

 

Check out the FinanceLab calculator here: https://www.financelab.com.au/calculators-extra-repayments/

 

Chat with John about how much you can borrow:

[email protected]

 

Finance Lab: 
https://www.financelab.com.au/

 

 

 

 

Disclaimer: This podcast provides general information only and is not legal, financial, or professional advice. Listeners should seek personalised advice from licensed professionals for their individual circumstances. The hosts and guests are not liable for actions taken based on this content. Opinions expressed are those of the hosts and guests, not any official institution.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Buying Your First Home in Melbourne

 

Where in Melbourne can you buy your first home with a deposit as low as $21,000?

 

In this episode, Nicola and John Kefalianos explore three suburbs that could be the unexpected key to cracking the property market in 2025 — including one just 4km from the CBD. If you're a first home buyer who thought property was out of reach, this could change your perspective.

 

They break down real listings — comparing apartment versus house options — and explain the exact deposit, income and loan amounts needed to get started. From the impact of Victoria’s government guarantee scheme to bait pricing strategies, they walk you through all the essentials.

 

With clear insights, practical examples, and a positive outlook for first home buyers, Nicola and John prove it's still very possible to get on the property ladder — even in Melbourne. If you're earning over $60,000 and have saved even a modest deposit, this is a must-watch.

 

 

 

Check out the FinanceLab calculator here: https://www.financelab.com.au/calculators-extra-repayments/

 

 

Chat with John about how much you can borrow: 
[email protected]

 

Finance Lab: 
https://www.financelab.com.au/

 

 

 

Disclaimer: This podcast provides general information only and is not legal, financial, or professional advice. Listeners should seek personalised advice from licensed professionals for their individual circumstances. The hosts and guests are not liable for actions taken based on this content. Opinions expressed are those of the hosts and guests, not any official institution.

 

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Top 3 First Home in Brisbane with a $23,000 Deposit

 

 

Where in Brisbane can you buy your first home with a deposit as low as $23,000?

 

In this episode, Nicola and John Kefalianos uncover three budget-friendly suburbs where first home buyers can break into the market without breaking the bank. They explore real property examples that are well-located, move-in ready, and full of future potential.

 

They break down the key numbers: purchase prices, deposit amounts, income requirements, and how to maximise the benefits of Queensland’s no stamp duty policy for first home buyers. Whether you're buying solo or as a couple, they show how achievable homeownership can be with the right planning and approach.

 

If you're looking to make your move in 2025, this episode is packed with timely advice, clear insights, and encouragement to help you take that first step. Don’t miss it!

 

 

Check out the FinanceLab calculator here: https://www.financelab.com.au/calculators-extra-repayments/

 

 

Chat with John about how much you can borrow: 
[email protected]

 

Finance Lab: 
https://www.financelab.com.au/

 

 

 

Disclaimer: This podcast provides general information only and is not legal, financial, or professional advice. Listeners should seek personalised advice from licensed professionals for their individual circumstances. The hosts and guests are not liable for actions taken based on this content. Opinions expressed are those of the hosts and guests, not any official institution.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The One Trick That Could Halve Your Mortgage Term 

 

Looking for ways to pay off your mortgage faster and save thousands in interest? In this episode, Nicola and John Kefalianos explore simple yet effective strategies that can dramatically reduce your home loan term. They challenge the idea that you need major lifestyle changes to make a difference—sometimes, just an extra $50 a week can shave years off your mortgage.

 

John, a property investor and mortgage broker, explains how small, consistent additional repayments can lead to big financial wins over time. He walks through real-life scenarios, such as how a first home buyer with a $475,000 loan can significantly cut down both interest paid and loan duration by contributing an extra $50 to $265 weekly.

 

The duo also highlights why keeping repayments high when interest rates drop can be a smart move. They offer practical tips on generating extra cash, like renting out a spare room or trimming back on non-essential expenses, that can be redirected into your mortgage.

 

Ready to fast-track your journey to financial freedom? Tune in now to hear Nicola and John’s expert tips and learn how small sacrifices today can lead to big rewards tomorrow.

 

Check out the FinanceLab calculator here:

 https://www.financelab.com.au/calculators-extra-repayments/

 

Chat with John about how much you can borrow:

[email protected]

 

Finance Lab: 
https://www.financelab.com.au/

 

 

 

Disclaimer: This podcast provides general information only and is not legal, financial, or professional advice. Listeners should seek personalised advice from licensed professionals for their individual circumstances. The hosts and guests are not liable for actions taken based on this content. Opinions expressed are those of the hosts and guests, not any official institution.

 

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Breaking Down the First Home Guarantee Scheme

 

Are you holding off on buying your first home because you think you need a 20% deposit? In this enlightening episode, Nicola and John Kefalianos bust that myth and reveal how you could get into the property market with as little as a 5% deposit—thanks to the First Home Buyers Guarantee Scheme and other government incentives.

 

They break down the varying property purchase thresholds across Australia, discuss the implications of stamp duty, and provide real-life examples to illustrate how close you might be to owning your first home. Nicola shares her personal savings journey, revealing how she is just a step away from her goal.

 

Ready to take your first step toward owning a home? Tune in now and discover how acting sooner could save you money and help you get ahead in the property market.

 

Chat with John about how much you can borrow: 
[email protected]

 

Finance Lab: 
https://www.financelab.com.au/

 

 

 

Disclaimer: This podcast provides general information only and is not legal, financial, or professional advice. Listeners should seek personalised advice from licensed professionals for their individual circumstances. The hosts and guests are not liable for actions taken based on this content. Opinions expressed are those of the hosts and guests, not any official institution.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Best First Home Opportunity in Australia 


Looking to buy your first home? Join Nicola and John Kefalianos in this insightful episode as they uncover the surprising real estate opportunities emerging in Melbourne—making it an ideal time for first-time buyers to enter the market.

 

The hosts share three compelling examples of affordable properties, including a $260,000 apartment in the heart of the CBD, a stylish $400,000 loft, and a modern townhouse for $440,000. With low deposits and income requirements, Nicola and John highlight how young Australians can achieve their dream of homeownership.

 

Tune in to discover why 2025 could be the perfect year to buy a property in Melbourne—and take the first step towards securing your future today!

 

 

Chat with John about how much you can borrow: 
[email protected]

 

Finance Lab: 
https://www.financelab.com.au/

 

 

 

Disclaimer: This podcast provides general information only and is not legal, financial, or professional advice. Listeners should seek personalised advice from licensed professionals for their individual circumstances. The hosts and guests are not liable for actions taken based on this content. Opinions expressed are those of the hosts and guests, not any official institution.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

How Renting a Room Can Boost Your Home Loan Capacity

 

 

Thinking about buying your first home but not sure how recent changes might affect you?

 

In this episode of their podcast, Nicola and John Kefalianos discuss exciting new policies from the Commonwealth Bank aimed at helping first home buyers enter the property market.

 

They explain how renting out a spare room can significantly increase borrowing capacity, allowing individuals to borrow an additional $50,000 by simply renting a room for $150 a week.

 

John elaborates on the benefits of HECS debt management and how to reduce the buffer rate from 3% to 1%, leading to a substantial increase in borrowing potential. They also touch on the recent government promise to reduce HECS debts by 20%, further aiding first home buyers.

 

Watch this episode for practical advice and the latest financial strategies to help you succeed in today’s property market.

 

 

Chat with John about how much you can borrow: 
[email protected]

 

Finance Lab: 
https://www.financelab.com.au/

 

 

 

Disclaimer: This podcast provides general information only and is not legal, financial, or professional advice. Listeners should seek personalised advice from licensed professionals for their individual circumstances. The hosts and guests are not liable for actions taken based on this content. Opinions expressed are those of the hosts and guests, not any official institution.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

How to Find Properties Below $500k

 

 

Are there still properties under $500k? How can you easily find them?

 

Nicola and John Kefalianos guide listeners through the often-daunting process of finding properties under $500,000 in Australia. They reveal effective search techniques on realestate.com, encouraging viewers to expand their search beyond specific suburbs to uncover hidden opportunities.

 

With practical tips for filtering properties by state, price, and type, John demonstrates how to utilise map views to identify potential homes in desirable areas. The episode features searches in South Australia, Victoria, and New South Wales, showcasing how to navigate the platform with ease.

 

Listeners will discover how to save their favourite properties and set up notifications for new listings, making their property search more efficient and focused. Whether you're a first-time homebuyer or just exploring the market, this episode is packed with valuable insights to help you on your journey to homeownership.

 

Click on this episode now and learn how to transform your property search!

 

 

Chat with John about how much you can borrow: 
[email protected]

Finance Lab:
https://www.financelab.com.au/

 

 

 

Disclaimer: This podcast provides general information only and is not legal, financial, or professional advice. Listeners should seek personalised advice from licensed professionals for their individual circumstances. The hosts and guests are not liable for actions taken based on this content. Opinions expressed are those of the hosts and guests, not any official institution.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Open Home Checklist: Inspection Tips

 

 

What are the things that you should look out for when going through an open home to minimise future liabilities?

 

Join Nicola and John Kefalianos in this informative episode, where they unveil a straightforward, open home checklist for first-time buyers. Discover essential tips on what to inspect during an open home, from checking for structural integrity to ensuring appliances are in working order.

 

John shares valuable insights on how to identify potential issues and the importance of asking the right questions to real estate agents. These empower listeners to approach their next open home with confidence.

 

Don't miss out on these simple yet effective steps to safeguard against unexpected expenses when buying your first home—click on this episode now!

 

 

Chat with John about how much you can borrow: 
[email protected]

 

Finance Lab: 
https://www.financelab.com.au/

 

 

 

Disclaimer: This podcast provides general information only and is not legal, financial, or professional advice. Listeners should seek personalised advice from licensed professionals for their individual circumstances. The hosts and guests are not liable for actions taken based on this content. Opinions expressed are those of the hosts and guests, not any official institution.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.