Young Australians are priced out — but the real story is far more empowering. They’re not stepping back from the market; they’re stepping in with strategy, curiosity, and better tools than ever. From rentvesting to financial education on TikTok, buyers today are finding new ways to enter the market on their own terms. 

Today’s first home buyers are strategic, curious, and using platforms like TikTok to learn about rentvesting, borrowing, and smart property decisions.

In this episode, Meighan and Veronica chat with Ray White economists Nerida Conisbee and Atom Go Tian about their research into what first home buyers are actually doing. From trending TikTok finance topics to the rise of rentvesting and the impact of the 5% deposit scheme, the data shows buyers are taking action — not giving up.

We break down why younger buyers trust social media over traditional media, how financial literacy is growing fast, and why many are choosing strategy over “dream homes.”

00:00 — Introduction: First Home Buyers Are Getting Smarter

00:23 — Meet the Hosts and Their Mission

01:04 —Debunking the Media Narrative

01:39 — Strategies of Modern First Home Buyers

02:27 — The Role of Social Media in Property Education

03:32 — Rentvesting: A Popular Strategy

04:23 — Challenges and Misconceptions

07:19 — Engagement Patterns on TikTok

09:46 — Financial Literacy and Social Media

22:12 — The Importance of Location-Specific Research

31:03 — Advice for First Home Buyers

32:57 — Conclusion and Final Thoughts

• 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

If you enjoyed today’s podcast, don’t forget to subscribe, rate, and share the show! There’s more to come, so we hope to have you along with us on this journey!

• Subscribe on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@TheFirstHomeBuyerCourse
• Subscribe on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/ph/podcast/your-first-home-buyer-guide-podcast/id1544701825

Subscribe on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/7GyrfXoqvDxjqNRv40NVQs?si=7c8bc4362fab421f

Is your first home a good investment — or just a place to live? In this episode, Meighan and Veronica unpack the fundamentals of property investing that every first home buyer needs to understand, whether you’re buying to live in it or planning to rent-vest.

You’ll learn why thinking like an investor from day one can set you up for long-term financial success — and why not all “investment properties” are created equal. The duo break down the difference between investment-grade properties and investor stock, and reveal the simple rule that could save you from buying a shiny new dud: If it’s easy to buy, it’s probably hard to sell.

They also dig into the biggest wealth-building mistake first home buyers make — chasing yield instead of capital growth — and explain why land value matters more than the building on it. You’ll hear how local knowledge, scarcity, and buyer competition drive capital growth, and why “the fundamentals” look different in every suburb.

If you’ve ever wondered how to tell a great investment from a risky one, or what truly drives long-term growth, this episode is your blueprint.

Listen now and learn how to make your first home a smart investment — not just a purchase.

00:00 — Introduction to Property Investment

01:16 — Understanding the PACE System

03:29 — Investment Grade vs. Investment Stock

06:24 — The Importance of Capital Growth

09:16 — Land Value vs. Building Value

14:26 — Red Flags in Property Investment

16:21 — Key Factors for Assessing Property

18:27 — Evaluating Homes and Local Traffic Challenges

19:56 — Understanding Demographics and Socioeconomic Factors

21:29 — Rentability and Property Potential

23:49 — Supply and Scarcity in Real Estate

25:42 — Affordability and Investment Fundamentals

30:50 — The True Cost of Property Ownership

32:37 — Final Thoughts and Advice for Home Buyers

• 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

If you enjoyed today’s podcast, don’t forget to subscribe, rate, and share the show! There’s more to come, so we hope to have you along with us on this journey!

• Subscribe on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@TheFirstHomeBuyerCourse
• Subscribe on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/ph/podcast/your-first-home-buyer-guide-podcast/id1544701825
• Subscribe on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/7GyrfXoqvDxjqNRv40NVQs?si=7c8bc4362fab421f

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.

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

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

• 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

If you enjoyed today’s podcast, don’t forget to subscribe, rate, and share the show! There’s more to come, so we hope to have you along with us on this journey!

• Subscribe on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@TheFirstHomeBuyerCourse
• Subscribe on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/ph/podcast/your-first-home-buyer-guide-podcast/id1544701825
• Subscribe on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/7GyrfXoqvDxjqNRv40NVQs?si=7c8bc4362fab421f

If you’ve been spending your nights scrolling realestate.com.au or Domain, convincing yourself it counts as research — this episode is your wake-up call.

In this week’s episode, Veronica and Meighan reveal the truth about why endless scrolling isn't a strategy, and how to build a first home buying plan that actually works. You’ll learn how to move from chaos to clarity using their three key pillars — your goals, your finances, and your property plan — so you can stop ping-ponging between suburbs and start making real progress.

They unpack why most first home buyers get the order wrong, the emotional traps that derail your search, and how a clear “why” behind your purchase will guide every decision you make. You’ll also hear real stories of buyers who wasted years in research mode until they built a strategy — and how one simple mindset shift helped them buy within six weeks.

If you’re ready to stop reacting to listings and start leading your property journey with confidence, this episode is your blueprint for smarter, calmer, and more strategic buying.

Listen now and learn how to build your first home strategy — the right way.

00:00 – Introduction and Misconceptions

00:12 – The Importance of Strategy

01:45 – Why Scrolling Isn't a Strategy

03:04 – Common Pitfalls and Misconceptions

05:38 – The Three Ps of Home Buying

07:18 – The Importance of Knowing Your Why

11:10 – Avoiding Common Mistakes

13:29 – Filtering Information Overload

14:07 – Financial Reality and Pre-Approval

15:06 – Making Trade-Offs and Prioritizing

16:31 – Case Study: Sarah's Journey

19:00 – Building Your First Home Strategy

23:44 – The Value of a Personalized Roadmap

25:48 – Conclusion and Community Invitation

• 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

If you enjoyed today’s podcast, don’t forget to subscribe, rate, and share the show! There’s more to come, so we hope to have you along with us on this journey!

• Subscribe on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@TheFirstHomeBuyerCourse
• Subscribe on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/ph/podcast/your-first-home-buyer-guide-podcast/id1544701825
• Subscribe on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/7GyrfXoqvDxjqNRv40NVQs?si=7c8bc4362fab421f

There’s a lot that goes into buying your first home, both practical and personal. You picture your furniture in the living room, your dog in the backyard, and before you know it, your heart’s saying yes while your gut is whispering no.

In this episode, Meighan and Veronica unpack one of the hardest lessons in home buying: knowing when to walk away. They break down the difference between healthy compromise and costly mistakes, showing you how to spot the red flags that make a property wrong for you.

They also explore the psychology behind buyer’s remorse, how intuition plays a role, and why walking away doesn’t mean starting over; it means getting smarter.

If you’ve ever stood in a property wondering, “Am I being too picky?” — this episode will help you answer that question with confidence.

Listen now and learn how to protect your goals, trust your gut, and say no to the wrong home, so you can say yes to the right one.

00:00 – Buying Smarter: Why Walking Away Can Be a Win

04:04 – How Emotions Blind You to Property Red Flags

06:50 – The Red Flags That Say: This Isn’t the One

13:05 – Trust Your Gut — But Back It with Data

16:54 – Real Buyers, Real Lessons: When ‘No’ Saved Them Thousands

23:14 – How Saying No Leads to Your Perfect Yes

• Episode 252 - Are You Being Too Picky For Your Own Good?

• 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

If you enjoyed today’s podcast, don’t forget to subscribe, rate, and share the show! There’s more to come, so we hope to have you along with us on this journey!

• Subscribe on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@TheFirstHomeBuyerCourse
• Subscribe on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/ph/podcast/your-first-home-buyer-guide-podcast/id1544701825
• Subscribe on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/7GyrfXoqvDxjqNRv40NVQs?si=7c8bc4362fab421f

Property decisions often start with the data — suburb reports, growth charts, AI predictions. But while those numbers give you a useful baseline, they can’t tell you everything that matters.

In this episode, Veronica and Meighan explore where big data helps… and where it doesn’t — and why those numbers don’t always paint the full picture when buying your first home. They look at where big data can guide you, where it can mislead you, and how local knowledge, context, and on-the-ground experience still play a crucial role in choosing the right property.

They also talk about what gets lost when buyers depend too heavily on automated tools and averages — and why some of the most important details about a home or suburb never show up in the stats.

By the end of this episode, you’ll understand how to gather the right kind of data — combining the big-picture insights with what you can only learn from being there yourself. It’s not about ignoring the numbers. It’s about knowing what they miss.

00:00 – Introduction

01:09 – Why Blanket “Rules” Don’t Always Hold True

02:07 – The Appeal and Pitfalls of Big Data

02:41 – The Unseen Nuances: From Street Position to Lifestyle Fit

05:35 – Macro Data vs. Micro Reality

11:54 – When Personal Needs Outweigh the Numbers

16:48 – How to Use Data Wisely Without Getting Stuck Chasing “Perfect”

17:46 – Real-Life Lessons from Buyers

20:54 – Final Takeaways

• Episode 252 – Are You Being Too Picky For Your Own Good

• 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

If you enjoyed today’s podcast, don’t forget to subscribe, rate, and share the show! There’s more to come, so we hope to have you along with us on this journey!

• Subscribe on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@TheFirstHomeBuyerCourse
• Subscribe on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/ph/podcast/your-first-home-buyer-guide-podcast/id1544701825
• Subscribe on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/7GyrfXoqvDxjqNRv40NVQs?si=7c8bc4362fab421f

A sunlit living room that opens onto a leafy backyard. A renovated kitchen with space for Sunday brunch. Walking distance to cafés, good schools, and a train station. For many Australians, that’s the dream first home — the one that feels like it was made just for you.

But here’s the truth: waiting for perfect could be the reason you’re still searching.

In this episode, Veronica and Meighan unpack the fine line between being discerning and being too picky. They explain how overanalyzing can lead to buyer paralysis, why even A-grade properties have imperfections, and how rising prices can outpace perfectionist decision-making.

You’ll learn how to tell a red flag from a simple compromise (hint: unapproved renovations = run, but dated kitchens = fine), how to prioritise your non-negotiables without overstuffing your list, and how to think long-term about what really matters — comfort, potential, and growth.

From real examples inside the First Home Buyer Course to smart compromise strategies, this episode will help you reframe what “good enough” actually means — and give you the clarity to move from stuck to smart.

00:00 – Introduction

01:01 – The Art of Compromise in Home Buying

01:40 – Why We Get Picky and When It Starts Holding You Back

03:08 – How Overthinking Can Cost You the Right Property

07:25 – Real Stories: Turning Imperfect Homes into Smart Buys

11:29 – 6 Signs You’re Being Too Picky in Your Home Search

22:14 – How to Stop Overanalyzing and Start Buying with Confidence

• Episode 40: How Can You Identify A, B, and C Grade Properties? #40

• 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

If you enjoyed today’s podcast, don’t forget to subscribe, rate, and share the show! There’s more to come, so we hope to have you along with us on this journey!

• Subscribe on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@TheFirstHomeBuyerCourse
• Subscribe on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/ph/podcast/your-first-home-buyer-guide-podcast/id1544701825
• Subscribe on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/7GyrfXoqvDxjqNRv40NVQs?si=7c8bc4362fab421f

Losing out on your first property offer hurts — but it’s not the failure you think it is.

In fact, it’s a powerful training ground.

In this episode, Veronica and Meighan unpack why most first offers don’t win and why that’s actually a good thing. You’ll learn how rejection sharpens your instincts, builds negotiation skills, and helps you understand the market like a pro — from reading agent tactics to spotting real value versus hype.

They also reveal the biggest traps buyers fall into after losing — from emotional rebounding and overpaying to blaming the “rigged” market — and how to stay strategic instead of desperate. Through real client stories and decades of experience, they’ll show you how every missed offer brings you one step closer to landing the right home at the right price.

So if you’ve just had your first “no,” don’t panic — you’re learning the ropes.

By the end of this episode, you’ll see rejection for what it really is: preparation for success.

Listen now and learn how to turn setbacks into strategy — and why persistence always pays off.

00:00 – Introduction

01:33 – Inside the Negotiation Game: What Buyers Often Miss

02:04 – From Rejection to Strategy: Lessons from a “No”

03:59 – Rookie Mistakes That Can Cost You Your First Home

05:47 – How to Build Resilience After Missing Out

07:33 – Bouncing Back Smarter After a Lost Offer

14:27 – Desperation Is Dangerous: Stay Strategic, Not Scared

20:47 – Persistence Pays Off: Keep Showing Up

24:12 – Join Our First Home Buyer Community

• EP 244 - Avoiding Auction Regret: Lessons from a Victoria Buyer’s $43K Loss

• 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

If you enjoyed today’s podcast, don’t forget to subscribe, rate, and share the show! There’s more to come, so we hope to have you along with us on this journey!

• Subscribe on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@YourFirstHomeBuyerGuidePodcast
• Subscribe on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/ph/podcast/your-first-home-buyer-guide-podcast/id1544701825
• Subscribe on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/7GyrfXoqvDxjqNRv40NVQs?si=7c8bc4362fab421f

Making an offer on your first home can feel like stepping into a high-stakes guessing game. Agents hint at “other buyers,” deadlines appear out of nowhere, and emotions run high. It’s no wonder so many first-timers overpay — or miss out entirely.

In this episode, Veronica and Meighan pull back the curtain on the offer process so you can stop second-guessing yourself. They explain the different methods of sale across Australia, why understanding state rules is crucial, and how real estate agents use negotiation tactics to push buyers beyond their limits.

You’ll learn the role of research in setting your walk-away price, the importance of timing your offer, and why auctions — though intimidating — can sometimes protect you from paying too much. The hosts also share red flags to watch out for, including false urgency, “best and final” traps, and emotional bidding that blows budgets.

If you’ve ever felt lost, pressured, or outplayed during negotiations, this episode will give you the clarity and structure you need. By the end, you’ll know how to make confident offers, avoid costly rookie mistakes, and approach the process with the same toolkit used by buyer’s agents.

👉 Ready to master the offer stage? Listen now and take one more step toward buying smarter.

00:00 — Introduction

01:57 — What the Offer Process Really Looks Like

02:45 — Different States, Different Rules to Know

04:19 — Real Estate Agents: Whose Side Are They On?

05:13 — Research & Timing: Keys to a Smart Offer

07:00 — Auctions vs. Private Treaty: Which Is Safer?

08:14 — Negotiation Strategies That Give You Power

09:15 — Red Flags in the Offer Process to Watch For

10:36 — Emotional Bidding: The #1 Budget Killer

12:17 — Preparation Beats Panic in the Offer Stage

12:55 — Next Steps: Getting Support to Buy Smarter

• The “Other Buyer” Tactic: Real Threat or Agent Bluff?
• Melbourne Case Study: When Preparation Meets Opportunity

• 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

If you enjoyed today’s podcast, don’t forget to subscribe, rate, and share the show! There’s more to come, so we hope to have you along with us on this journey!

• Subscribe on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@TheFirstHomeBuyerCourse
• Subscribe on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/ph/podcast/your-first-home-buyer-guide-podcast/id1544701825
• Subscribe on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/7GyrfXoqvDxjqNRv40NVQs?si=7c8bc4362fab421f

You’ve saved, sacrificed, and finally built up your deposit. But here’s the catch: your deposit is only part of the story. Buying your first home comes with a stack of hidden costs that can completely blindside you if you’re not prepared.

In this episode, Veronica and Meighan pull back the curtain on the sneaky expenses that first home buyers often forget. From stamp duty surprises and loan fees to building inspections, strata reports, and conveyancing costs, they explain what you really need to budget for before signing a contract. You’ll also hear why skipping inspections to “save money” can end up costing you tens of thousands — and the simple steps to avoid those rookie mistakes.

But the costs don’t stop once you’ve bought the home. We unpack the ongoing expenses — council rates, strata levies, water bills, insurance, maintenance, and even moving costs — that can quietly eat away at your cash flow. Plus, we share real stories of unexpected repairs (like underground plumbing disasters and broken air cons) that prove why every buyer needs a buffer.

If you’ve been focused only on your deposit, this episode is your wake-up call. The good news? With the right planning, you can step into homeownership without fear of budget blowouts or nasty surprises.

00:00 – Introduction

01:19 – Hidden Costs Buyers Overlook

02:01 – Understanding Stamp Duty

02:40 – Loan Fees & LMI Costs

03:27 – Legal & Inspection Must-Haves

05:43 – Rates, Levies & Ongoing Bills

08:17 – The Importance of a Financial Buffer

10:44 – Planning and Budgeting for Success

• 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

If you enjoyed today’s podcast, don’t forget to subscribe, rate, and share the show! There’s more to come, so we hope to have you along with us on this journey!

• Subscribe on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@YourFirstHomeBuyerGuidePodcast
• Subscribe on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/ph/podcast/your-first-home-buyer-guide-podcast/id1544701825
• Subscribe on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/7GyrfXoqvDxjqNRv40NVQs?si=7c8bc4362fab421f