Scary strata reports, surprise levies, and the fear of being gazumped — these are the traps that can derail a first home buyer’s journey.

In this episode, we dive into the most recent questions buyers are asking in our Facebook Group. You’ll hear how to approach a strata report without panicking, what concrete cancer and special levies actually mean for your wallet, and why some red flags are worth running from — while others can be factored into the price.

We also break down the stress of holding deposits and explain exactly when your contract is secure, and when gazumping could still catch you out. Plus, we tackle villa units — a property type that sits somewhere between an apartment and a townhouse — and show you how scarcity and land content affect their long-term value. And if you’re thinking of making an unconditional offer, we cover the must-do checks you cannot afford to skip.

If you’ve been feeling overwhelmed by defects, levies, or confusing contract terms, this conversation will give you the clarity to move forward without regret.

Episode Highlights

00:00 – Introduction

02:09 – Understanding Strata Reports

02:40 – Q1: Researching Issues in Strata Reports

05:45 – Q2: Can You Be Outbid After Signing a Contract?

09:17 – Q3: How to Evaluate Villa Units

13:25 – Q4: Making Unconditional Offers in NSW

15:06 – Q5: Defects, Levies & Price: Dealbreaker or Discount?

17:42 – Conclusion and Final Advice

Mentions

• Episode 30 - Where Do You Start with Due Diligence?
• Episode 128 - How are private treaty offers handled across Australian states?

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

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

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Buying your first home is rarely a straight line — and for Nathan and James, the road was full of detours, tough calls, and more than a few near misses. 

In this episode, we follow their journey from eager house hunters to proud Melbourne homeowners, sharing exactly how they navigated a fast-moving market without losing sight of their goals.

You’ll hear how they set up their deposit strategy (yes, including the Barefoot Investor “buckets”), tackled the confusing First Home Super Saver Scheme, and learned to filter well-meaning but unhelpful advice from family. From adjusting suburbs and rethinking their non-negotiables, to understanding the Three Ps — price, position, property — Nathan and James show how the right compromises can still lead you to the right home.

We also unpack their auction journey: the early nerves, the losses that taught them what to do differently, and the strategies that finally helped them win the bid. Along the way, they reveal how the Home Buyer Academy course and weekly Campfire calls gave them the knowledge, confidence, and resilience to keep going — even when the market felt like it was running away from them.

If you’ve been feeling stuck, second-guessing your options, or worn down by competition, this real-life case study is proof that you can buy well — even in a hot market — when you have the right tools, the right mindset, and the determination to see it through.

Episode Highlights

00:00 – Introduction

01:56 – Meet Nathan and James

02:19 – The Decision to Buy a Property

03:25 – Saving for a Deposit: Tips and Strategies

05:08 – Navigating Government Schemes and Incentives

08:14 – The Home Buying Process: Learning and Challenges

12:04 – The Search Process and Making Compromises

13:19 – Navigating Compromises in Home Buying

14:45 – The Importance of Pricing Analysis

16:19 – Learning from Auctions

17:36 – Dealing with Market Competition

19:20 – The Emotional Rollercoaster of Home Buying

22:05 – Final Thoughts and Advice for First Home Buyers

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

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

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Buyer fatigue is real — and if you’re ready to quit, this episode is your reset.

Veronica and Meighan break down why so many first home buyers lose momentum—and how to get back on track without compromising on the things that matter most. They unpack the signs of buyer burnout, how to spot when your strategy is no longer working, and what to do when the market has shifted under your feet.

You’ll learn how to reassess your expectations, decide when and where to compromise, and avoid the trap of overcorrecting just to “get something done.” They also cover real-world pivots like switching suburbs, refining your search criteria, talking to agents differently, and timing your breaks without missing opportunities.

If you’ve been stuck in the cycle of scrolling, inspecting, and still coming up short, this episode will help you recalibrate your next move with more clarity and confidence.

Episode Highlights

00:00 – Introduction

01:45 – Staying Motivated in Your Home Buying Journey

02:22 – Dealing with Market Realities

05:03 – Recognizing Buyer Fatigue

06:56 – Adjusting to Market Changes

08:40 – Making Smart Compromises

15:24 – Balancing Emotion and Logic

15:51 – Avoiding Overcorrection

18:50 – Staying Resilient and Strategic

 

Mentions

• Episode w/ Dayna – Perth Case Study: What It Takes to Buy Your Dream Home in a Red-hot Market

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

 

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

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Can you rent out your first home without losing your grant? How does the six-year exemption for capital gains tax really work? How much deposit is actually enough? And can you even use the 5% scheme to buy hectares of land?

In this episode, we answer your biggest money questions straight from our Facebook group. We unpack rentvesting requirements and grants, break down how capital gains tax applies when you move out or sell, bust the 20% deposit myth, and explain how brokers really get paid. Plus, we tackle whether the 5% deposit scheme can be used to buy land — and what to know if you’re eyeing a bigger block.

You’ll also hear what to do once you’ve saved your deposit, when to speak to a broker, and why understanding grants and concessions is critical to avoiding costly mistakes.

Listen now to get clear on rentvesting, tax implications, deposits, brokers, land questions, and low-deposit schemes — and leave knowing exactly how to move forward with confidence on your first home journey.

Episode Highlights

00:00 – Introduction and Podcast Overview

01:46 – Deposits and Government Schemes Explained

03:11 – How Much Deposit Do You Really Need?

05:11 – What to Do After Saving Your Deposit

08:46 – Rentvesting and First Home Buyer Grants

11:35 – Capital Gains Tax: How Long Can You Own or Rent Before Paying?

15:14 – Buying Land with the 5% Deposit Scheme

17:05 – When Should You Meet a Mortgage Broker?

Mentions

• Australian Taxation Office Website
• Episode 001 – What is Your First Home Buyer Guide?
• Episode 056 – Proper Due Diligence for Buying Strata Properties (with Nicole Johnston)
• Episode 201 – Uncover the Options for Buying a Home Without a Full 20% Deposit

• Episode 205 – Rentvesting: What You Need to Know Before Taking the Leap

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

 

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

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Every media headline says you can’t buy a home nowadays. Your friends say it. Even your brain believes it. But here’s the truth: it’s still possible — if you build the right habits.

 

In this episode, we call out the loop of doomscrolling, lifestyle inflation, and Uber Eats blowouts that keep first home buyers stuck. We break down how your daily choices — how you spend, save, and think — can either fuel your first home dreams or quietly sabotage them. You’ll hear real talk about what it takes to build a deposit, the mindset shifts that make it doable, and why good spending habits matter more than perfect timing.

If you’ve been feeling like homeownership is out of reach, this is your reset. You’ll walk away with practical tips, renewed clarity, and the truth: buying your first home in Australia is still possible — if you stop waiting and start building.

Episode Highlights

00:00 – Introduction: The Housing Market Narrative

00:30 – Meet Your Hosts: Veronica and Meighan

02:21 – Mindset Over Headlines

03:18 – Habits That Move You Forward

04:12 – Planning, Sacrifice & Progress

06:43 – Building Long-Term Resilience

10:40 – The Influence of Social Media

16:51 – Surround Yourself with Positive Influences

18:18 – You’re Not Powerless: Taking Control of Your Home Buying Journey

18:53 – Join Our Community and Course Information

Mentions

• Ep. 235 – When the Bank of Mum and Dad Goes Horribly Wrong
• Atomic Habits by James Clear

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

 

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

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Is Perth still a good place to buy? Are Brisbane’s grants helping or hurting buyers? Is Sunbury in Melbourne a smart move – or a big mistake? In this episode, we answer some questions from our Facebook group. We're talking about real risks, tricky choices, and what you need to know before you buy.

People often say things like “wait for the right time” or “use grants to get in.” But those tips can backfire. And while grants sound helpful, they can push you into areas that won’t grow in value. In this episode, we explain why timing the market doesn’t work and why grants sometimes lead you to bad buys.

We’ll share the kind of practical tips that make a real difference, like how to recognise the warning signs of a risky suburb, what to think about when you’re looking at homes far from the city, and how to check if a grant is actually helping or just tempting you into a bad decision. We also talk through what can go wrong when too many investors buy in one place, why some areas get popular while others don’t, and how to choose a suburb that fits your life, not just your budget.

This is about helping you feel steady and sure, instead of overwhelmed. When you know how to filter through the noise, compare your choices clearly, and trust your own judgment, you’ll be way more confident – and way less likely to make a decision you’ll regret.

Episode Highlights

00:00 – Introduction

01:47 – Answering your questions: evaluating suburbs and market timing

02:40 – Is it a good time to buy in Perth?

05:46 – Navigating first home buyer grants in Brisbane

11:39 – Considering Sunbury in Melbourne for your first home

14:51 – Is there a best time to buy a villa or townhouse in Sydney?

18:14 – Avoiding risky suburbs for apartments in Brisbane

Mentions

• Episode162 - New House and Land Packages: The Good, the Bad, and the Ugly
• QLD Government - Concessions for homes - Check your eligibility

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

 

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

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Buying your first home? Then you’ve probably felt that uneasy “something’s not right” feeling during an inspection—and that gut instinct might be your greatest tool.

In this episode, we unpack the subtle red flags and shady tactics many first-time buyers miss, from fake urgency and underquoting to poorly done renovations hiding serious issues.

We break down the key warning signs you need to watch out for, show you how to separate emotion from facts, and explain what questions to ask when things feel off. With real-life examples, insider industry tips, and a deep dive into why transparency in property deals is often optional (but shouldn’t be), this episode is designed to keep you informed, prepared, and confident.

If you want to avoid costly rookie mistakes and buy smarter, don’t miss this one. Check out our First Home Buyer Course at homebuyeracademy.com.au/yfhbg for the full step-by-step system that will help you make the right decisions from day one.

 

Episode Highlights:

Welcome [00:00]

• The Power of Gut Instinct [00:05]
• Dodgy Tactics to Watch Out For [02:13]
• Gut Check vs Emotion: How to Know the Difference [04:00]
• Agent Tricks: Fake Offers, Urgency & Underquoting [05:04]
• The Danger of Staging and Emotional Traps [07:28]
• Major Red Flags That Demand a Closer Look [08:40]
• Renovation Risks: When Pretty Doesn’t Mean Quality [10:22]
• “Lipstick on a Pig” and Missing Disclosures [13:25]
• Real Buyer Horror Stories (and Close Calls) [15:36]
• Practical Tips to Stay Safe [18:13]
• How Our Course Helps You Buy with Confidence [21:03]

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 homeowner 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

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Think that waiting for a first home buyer grant is the smart move? Think again.

In this episode of Your First Home Buyer Guide, we uncover how waiting for the “perfect” government incentive can set you back by tens of thousands of dollars. You’ll hear real examples of buyers who hesitated and ended up paying more, or missing out entirely, because they were banking on a scheme that never came… or came too late.

We dive deep into what we call the “Incentive Illusion”—the belief that waiting for grants will give you an edge. Spoiler: They often do the opposite. With demand surges, tighter eligibility criteria, and market shifts, waiting could push your dream property out of reach. More importantly, you’ll learn why true buying power doesn’t come from a government handout—it comes from being prepared, informed, and in control of your numbers.

If you're ready to ditch the hype and make smarter decisions, this one’s for you. Tune in and get clear on what to focus on, what to ignore, and how to get out of “decision limbo” for good. Head to homebuyeracademy.com.au to learn more about our step-by-step course that’s helping first home buyers across Australia move faster—and buy better.

 

Episode Highlights:

Welcome [00:00]

• First Home Buyer Incentives and Market Risks [00:08]
• Introduction to the PACE System [01:41]
• Impact of Incentives on Property Prices [03:19]
• Opportunity Costs and Emotional Impact [07:27]
• Alternatives to Waiting for Incentives [10:27]

 

Resources:

• Visit our website https://www.homebuyeracademy.com.au/ 
• 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 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!

 

See you on the inside,

Veronica & Meighan

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Is getting help from your parents really the golden ticket into the property market or could it actually be setting you up for financial trouble? In this episode, we break down the real risks of the Bank of Mum and Dad, especially for first home buyers who aren’t financially prepared to take on home ownership.

We talk about what happens when buyers skip key money lessons; like budgeting, tracking expenses, and preparing for ongoing costs, simply because they’ve had a leg-up from family. The data is sobering: first home buyers who get parental help are three times more likely to default on their loans in the first three years. That stat alone should make you think twice about rushing in.

Beyond finances, there are emotional strings and expectations that often come with family support. Whether it’s influence over what you buy or where you live, or unclear repayment terms, these dynamics can lead to stress and conflict if not handled properly. That’s why we share tips on how to approach these conversations with clarity and boundaries.

This episode is packed with practical advice to help you make smarter decisions around family support. We explore how to build financial discipline, structure repayment agreements, and use parental help as a tool, not a crutch. If you’re considering accepting help, or already have, don’t miss this honest conversation about the often-overlooked risks of the Bank of Mum and Dad and how to avoid falling into them.

Episode Highlights:

00:00 - Introduction

02:51 - BOMAD is now the fifth-largest lender

03:40 - The danger of skipping the financial learning curve

07:18 - Why parental help increases the risk of loan default

08:55 - Building financial habits before borrowing

12:27 - Hidden costs first-time buyers forget

13:26 - How family help can influence buying decisions

15:49 - A smarter way to structure parental help

19:10 - Use parental help to increase your deposit, not your budget

21:24 - Be realistic about interest rate changes

22:11 - How to make the most of a rare privilege

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

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

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Should I buy my forever home now, even if I’m not quite ready for it yet? That’s the question we’re unpacking in this episode. We’ve come across a few first home buyers who are in the rare position of being able to afford more than they need, and it’s worth talking about. Because while the budget might say “forever home,” the lifestyle might be saying, “not just yet.”

We talk through the big trade-offs: the costs of upgrading later, the benefits of locking in today’s prices, and the risk of buying something that doesn’t really work for you right now. We’ve seen buyers try to plan five or ten years ahead, and sometimes get it wrong. So we’re sharing the questions you need to ask yourself before making a call: should I buy my forever home if I might not live in it for years? What would future-me want? And will this decision give me more flexibility or less?

We also cover rentvesting, tax considerations, and the emotional side of home buying, because let’s face it, excitement and FOMO can be sneaky decision drivers. This episode isn’t about telling you what to do, it’s about helping you think it through properly, with a bit of strategy and some guidance from people who’ve seen it all before.

If you’ve been wondering, should I buy my forever home now, this one’s for you. There’s no one-size-fits-all answer but there is a smarter way to figure it out.

Episode Highlights:

00:00 - Introduction

02:00 - Defining the “forever home” vs. “first home” mindset

04:10 - Buying now for a future lifestyle: projecting 5 to 10 years ahead

05:30 - Weighing the cost of upgrading later

07:50 - Capital growth and locking in today’s prices

10:00 - The rentvesting alternative

13:10 - Risks of lifestyle misalignment

16:30 - Tax and insurance considerations for rentvesting

18:20 - Emotional vs. strategic buying

20:00 - Why you need a strategic plan and expert advice

21:30 - Questions to ask before buying your forever home early

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

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

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.