Your First Home Buyer Guide Podcast

Hosted by Veronica Meighan

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282

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Jun 2026

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THE First Home Buyer Course. Get there without missing a step.

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June 16, 202630 min

Why Your Finance Strategy Should Start Early

Most first home buyers wait until they feel “ready” before speaking to a mortgage broker. But what if that decision is actually delaying your plans by months—or even years?In this episode, we’re joined by Jack Elliott from Alcove Mortgages to unpack one of the most common mistakes first home buyers make: coming to the finance conversation too late. We explore what a broker actually does, why the best time to get advice is often much earlier than you think, and how a simple conversation can reveal opportunities you didn’t know existed.We also discuss the latest lending and policy changes affecting first home buyers, including borrowing capacity, rentvesting strategies, guarantor options, and how recent budget announcements are already influencing buyer behaviour.If you're saving for a deposit, wondering how much you can borrow, or trying to work out when to take the next step, this episode will help you build a clearer plan and move forward with more confidence.Episode Highlights00:15 – Meet Jack: First Home Buyer Finance Expert01:38 – The Cost of Waiting Too Long for Finance Advice04:25 – The Budget Changes Every Buyer Should Know09:05 – The Rentvesting Strategy That Stopped Working12:18 – Why Earlier Finance Advice Creates More Options14:25 – The Questions a Good Broker Should Ask16:45 – Don't Buy a Home You'll Outgrow Too Soon21:14 – What Mortgage Brokers Really Do Behind the Scenes23:18 – Why Good Brokers Don't Disappear at Settlement26:25 – Lessons From Jack's First Property Purchase29:01 – Three Actions to Take Before You Buy32:19 – Final Takeaways for First Home BuyersConnect with JackBook a Get To Know You Chat with Jack 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/YFHBGIf 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/@TheFirstHomeBuyerCourseSubscribe on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/ph/podcast/your-first-home-buyer-guide-podcast/id1544701825Subscribe on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/7GyrfXoqvDxjqNRv40NVQs?si=7c8bc4362fab421f

June 9, 202621 min

What Shared Equity Means for Your Future Plans

Shared equity schemes are becoming one of the most talked-about pathways into homeownership.Lower deposits, smaller loans, and the chance to buy sooner can sound incredibly appealing—but what are you giving up in return?In this episode, Veronica and Meighan unpack how shared equity schemes actually work, who they're designed for, and the trade-offs many buyers don't fully understand until years later. They explore how government ownership stakes affect your future equity, why property selection matters more than the scheme itself, and the hidden risks that can emerge when it's time to refinance, upgrade, or sell.You'll also learn why buying sooner isn't always better, how price caps can influence your property choices, and the key questions every first home buyer should ask before signing up.If you're considering a shared equity scheme, this episode will help you understand whether it's a smart stepping stone—or a decision that could limit your future options.Episode Highlights01:42 — How Shared Equity Actually Works03:34 — The Trade-Off Most Buyers Overlook06:38 — The Price Cap Trap Explained08:29 — The Hidden Cost of Exiting the Scheme11:06 — The Fine Print That Can Cost You14:04 — When Shared Equity Can Actually Work17:26 — 7 Questions to Ask Before Signing Up19:30 — Should You Use Shared Equity?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/YFHBGIf 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/@TheFirstHomeBuyerCourseSubscribe on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/ph/podcast/your-first-home-buyer-guide-podcast/id1544701825Subscribe on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/7GyrfXoqvDxjqNRv40NVQs?si=7c8bc4362fab421f

June 2, 202620 min

Auction Day Risks First Home Buyers Must Know

You’ve found the one. The suburb works, the layout feels right, and auction day arrives. But what happens if you win… and your loan doesn’t go through?In this episode, we break down the real risks of buying at auction—especially when relying on pre-approval. From valuation shortfalls to lender restrictions and changes in your financial situation, there are several ways a deal can fall apart after you’ve already committed.We walk through what “unconditional” really means, why auction contracts carry more risk than most buyers expect, and how quickly things can escalate if your finances don't stack up. You’ll also hear practical examples of how buyers can end up needing to find large sums of money in a short timeframe—or risk losing their deposit.This episode will help you understand the risks clearly and prepare properly before auction day, so you can make confident decisions and avoid costly mistakes.Episode Highlights01:29 – Why Pre-Approval Doesn’t Guarantee Your Loan03:38 – What Unconditional Really Means at Auction05:28 – Preparation vs Risk: Why It Matters Before You Bid07:05 – The Checks You Must Do Before Auction Day09:03 – The Valuation Gap That Can Cost You Thousands13:42 – Staying Disciplined When Emotions Take Over16:26 – Key Takeaways Before You Step Into an Auction20:24 – Final Thoughts and How to Keep LearningMentionsAuction Ready by Veronica Morgan (book)How to Price a Property (Mini Course)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/YFHBGIf 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/@TheFirstHomeBuyerCourseSubscribe on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/ph/podcast/your-first-home-buyer-guide-podcast/id1544701825Subscribe on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/7GyrfXoqvDxjqNRv40NVQs?si=7c8bc4362fab421f

May 26, 202632 min

What the 2026 Budget Means for First Home Buyers

You’ve probably seen the headlines—negative gearing changes, big shifts for investors, and talk of housing becoming more affordable.But what does the 2026 budget actually mean for first home buyers?In this episode, we break down the key property-related changes, including negative gearing, capital gains tax, and investor behaviour. While these policies are being framed as a win for buyers, the reality is more complex—and in many cases, the expected impact on property prices may be far smaller than people assume.We also explore how these changes could shift demand across different parts of the market, including the growing pressure on new builds and the potential reduction in rental supply. Along the way, we unpack the risks of relying on headlines when making long-term decisions.If you’re trying to decide whether to buy now or wait, this episode will help you understand what’s really changing—and what actually matters when planning your next step.Episode Highlights01:28 – What’s Actually in the 2026 Budget05:48 – Will Property Prices Really Fall?07:37 – Rents, Supply, and Why Location Matters09:05 – Investor Demand vs Supply: What’s Changing11:46 – The New Build Trap First Buyers Should Know15:23 – Why New Builds Could Become More Expensive17:49 – The Risks of Buying Off-the-Plan19:29 – Small Wins for Buyers, Bigger Pressure on Rent25:33 – What First Home Buyers Should Do Next29:05 – Key Takeaways from the Budget Changes31:47 – Final Thoughts and What to Do From HereCourse 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/YFHBGIf 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/@TheFirstHomeBuyerCourseSubscribe on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/ph/podcast/your-first-home-buyer-guide-podcast/id1544701825Subscribe on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/7GyrfXoqvDxjqNRv40NVQs?si=7c8bc4362fab421f

May 19, 202629 min

The Hardest Part of Buying a Home Isn’t the Deposit (Case Study)

Buying your first home isn’t just about saving a deposit — it’s about learning how to make confident decisions in a market filled with noise, pressure, and conflicting advice.In this episode, we sit down with Home Buyer Academy graduate Kate Howes to hear the real story behind her first home journey, from major life setbacks and uncertainty to finally buying a home she genuinely loves.Kate shares what it felt like to search through endless listings, inspect properties that looked completely different in real life, and wrestle with the emotional side of compromise, budgeting, and decision-making.We also unpack the rookie mistakes many first home buyers make, including relying too heavily on portal prices, over-researching without a strategy, and listening to too many opinions from people who don’t understand the market.This episode explores the confidence that comes from education, why understanding the buying process changes everything, and how first home buyers can stop guessing and start making smarter decisions with clarity.Whether you’re buying solo, feeling overwhelmed by the process, or wondering if home ownership is still possible, this conversation will help you feel more grounded and far less alone.Episode Highlights01:07 Kate’s Story: From Setbacks to Starting the Journey04:29 When Buying Became Real: Getting Clear on a Plan07:07 Letting Go of Myths and Learning the Process10:51 Market Reality: Expectations vs What You Can Afford13:01 Blue Mountains Property: Why She Walked Away17:59 Finding the Right Home Without Rushing the Decision23:18 Moving In: Settling, Changes and First Improvements25:12 How It Feels to Finally Own Your First Home29:38 Final Thoughts: Lessons and Advice for BuyersMentionsHow to Price a Property (Mini Course)Where should I buy my home? (Workshop)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/YFHBGIf 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/@TheFirstHomeBuyerCourseSubscribe on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/ph/podcast/your-first-home-buyer-guide-podcast/id1544701825Subscribe on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/7GyrfXoqvDxjqNRv40NVQs?si=7c8bc4362fab421f

May 12, 202633 min

Should You Still Buy If There’s a Recession Coming?

Rising grocery bills. Higher interest rates. Constant headlines about economic uncertainty. Friends telling you to wait. Parents warning you not to buy yet.For many first home buyers, it feels like the economy is sending one clear message right now: don’t make a big move. But what if waiting comes with risks too?In this episode, Veronica and Meighan unpack the fear surrounding recessions, uncertain markets, and property buying during difficult economic periods. Drawing from Australia’s last major recession in the late 1980s and early 1990s, they explore what actually happened to property prices, why confidence disappears during uncertain times, and how some buyers benefited simply because they were prepared while everyone else stood still.You’ll learn why waiting for “certainty” often doesn’t work in property, how fear and media negativity influence buyer behaviour, and what separates smart caution from complete paralysis. They also explain when waiting genuinely makes sense, the hidden costs of delaying your plans for too long, and why buying quality property with strong fundamentals matters even more during softer markets.From recession lessons and market psychology to practical guidance around readiness, risk and long-term thinking, this episode will help first home buyers approach uncertain times with more clarity, confidence and perspective.Episode Highlights01:37 — Why Buyers Feel So Nervous Right Now03:13 — Why Waiting for Certainty Doesn’t Work04:51 — What the 1980s Recession Taught Buyers10:01 — Media Fear vs Property Market Reality15:18 — The Hidden Cost of Waiting to Buy18:12 — Why Some Buyers Benefit During Recessions20:28 — The Early Signs a Market Is Turning24:34 — What Always Stays True in Property26:51 — When Waiting Might Actually Make Sense29:10 — How to Know If You’re Ready to BuyCourse 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/YFHBGIf 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/@TheFirstHomeBuyerCourseSubscribe on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/ph/podcast/your-first-home-buyer-guide-podcast/id1544701825Subscribe on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/7GyrfXoqvDxjqNRv40NVQs?si=7c8bc4362fab421f

May 5, 202640 min

What Causes Conflict When Couples Buy Property

Buying your first home is a high-pressure decision filled with emotion, uncertainty, and conflicting advice. And most of the time, you’re not actually arguing about the property—you’re dealing with fear, different risk tolerances, and a lack of clear direction.In this episode, we break down why couples struggle to agree during the buying process, from clashing money beliefs to outside opinions from agents, parents, and friends. More importantly, we explain how to move from opinion vs opinion to a structured approach that helps you make confident decisions together.If you’re buying as a couple and feeling stuck, this episode will help you understand what’s really going on—and what to do next.Episode Highlights01:41 — Why Buying Together Often Leads to Conflict04:39 — How Fear and Money Beliefs Shape Decisions06:20 — What Couples Are Really Arguing About11:02 — How Parents Influence Property Decisions13:19 — Why Parents’ Advice Can Be Outdated15:56 — Different Decision Styles That Create Tension18:23 — When One Partner Disengages From the Process20:47 — Why Couples Need a Neutral Decision Framework22:21 — Too Many Opinions Create Confusion24:11 — Why Defining Roles Early Matters26:26 — Setting Realistic Non-Negotiables28:49 — Separating Emotion From Property Criteria30:16 — How a Pricing Framework Reduces Conflict31:59 — Why Winning the Argument Backfires35:07 — When It’s Time to Get Expert Help37:03 — Building Shared Knowledge and Confidence37:28 — Why Structure Leads to Better Decisions39:56 — Final Thoughts and Next StepsCourse 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/YFHBGIf 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/@TheFirstHomeBuyerCourseSubscribe on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/ph/podcast/your-first-home-buyer-guide-podcast/id1544701825Subscribe on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/7GyrfXoqvDxjqNRv40NVQs?si=7c8bc4362fab421f

April 28, 202626 min

Stop Guessing: How to Know What a Property Is Worth

Setting your offer price sounds simple — but knowing what a property is actually worth is where most buyers get stuck.In this episode, Veronica and Meighan break down how to properly assess property value so you can make confident, informed decisions before you make an offer.They explain why relying on price guides, emotions, or outdated sales data can lead to overpaying or repeatedly missing out, and how professionals actually calculate value using comparable sales, market behaviour, and on-the-ground insights.You’ll learn how to analyse properties more objectively, adjust for key differences, and decide your walkaway price with evidence—not guesswork —so you can move forward with clarity and avoid costly mistakes.Episode Highlights03:52 — Why Buyers Misjudge Property Value05:42 — Price Guides vs Underquoting Explained07:41 — How to Use Comparable Sales Properly10:26 — Adjusting Property Value for Key Differences13:38 — How Market Conditions Affect Property Value14:25 — Reading Buyer Behaviour and Competition17:10 — Common Property Pricing Mistakes to Avoid19:18 — The Hidden Cost of Pricing a Property Wrong22:31 — Why Learning to Price Property Changes Everything25:58 — Final Thoughts and Next StepsCourse 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/YFHBGIf 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/@TheFirstHomeBuyerCourseSubscribe on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/ph/podcast/your-first-home-buyer-guide-podcast/id1544701825Subscribe on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/7GyrfXoqvDxjqNRv40NVQs?si=7c8bc4362fab421f

April 21, 202635 min

Where Should You Buy When Rentvesting?

If you’re planning to rentvest, the hardest part isn’t the strategy — it’s choosing where to buy.You might understand how rentvesting works. You’ve weighed up the pros and cons. But when it comes to picking a suburb, things can quickly feel unclear.In this episode, we break down why location isn’t just one part of the decision — it’s the foundation of your investment. Many buyers focus on price, familiarity, or rental yield, but those factors alone don’t build long-term wealth. We explain what actually drives capital growth, why cheap doesn’t always mean better, and how the wrong suburb can quietly hold you back for years.You’ll learn how to assess locations properly, what fundamentals to look for, and why “hotspot” advice can be risky. We also walk through key considerations like buying locally vs interstate, houses vs units, and how to balance tenant demand with long-term growth potential.If you’re considering rentvesting—or you’re stuck trying to choose where to buy—this episode will give you a clearer framework so you can move forward with confidence.Episode Highlights01:50 - Why Location Matters More Than You Think02:38 - Rentvesting Explained Simply05:01 - The Biggest Location Mistakes Buyers Make06:29 - Why Cheap Property Can Cost You More09:06 - Why There’s No “Hotspot” Answer11:06 - What Drives Long-Term Property Growth15:54 - Tenant Demand vs Growth: Getting the Balance Right18:31 - Should You Buy Local or Interstate22:00 - How to Do Due Diligence Anywhere23:27 - Houses vs Units: What Actually Matters26:21 - The New Build Trap Explained27:17 - Timing the Market vs Choosing Location28:16 - How to Choose a Location Step by Step30:27 - Who Rentvesting Is Right For31:59 - Risks, Buffers, and Long-Term Thinking35:07 - Final Thoughts and Next StepsCourse 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/YFHBGIf 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/@TheFirstHomeBuyerCourseSubscribe on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/ph/podcast/your-first-home-buyer-guide-podcast/id1544701825Subscribe on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/7GyrfXoqvDxjqNRv40NVQs?si=7c8bc4362fab421f

April 14, 202620 min

The Stepping Stone Strategy Every First Home Buyer Should Know

Many buyers wait for their dream home, but if you’re thinking about future options and long-term growth, sometimes the smarter move is choosing a property that can act as a stepping stone and move you forward.In this episode, we unpack the stepping stone strategy and explain how first home buyers can use their first purchase to build equity, create flexibility, and open up more opportunities over time.We talk about why waiting for the perfect property can keep buyers stuck, especially when prices are moving faster than savings. You’ll hear why your first property should be strategic, not perfect, and what to focus on if your goal is to upgrade in the future.We also break down what a smart stepping stone purchase actually looks like, from choosing a location with solid fundamentals to avoiding oversupplied stock, keeping financial buffers in place, and thinking through your exit strategy before you buy.If you’ve been feeling stuck because your dream suburb or forever home is out of reach right now, this episode will help you reframe what a smart first step can look like. It’s about making thoughtful trade-offs, buying with a plan, and choosing a property that gives you flexibility for what comes next.Your first home doesn’t need to be your dream home — it can be your stepping stone to something better.Episode Highlights01:02 - The Stepping Stone Strategy Explained Simply01:53 - The Trade-Offs Every Buyer Has to Make03:06 - Should You Wait or Buy Your First Property Now?05:17 - What a Smart Stepping Stone Strategy Looks Like06:46 - Why This Strategy Matters in Today’s Market10:03 - How to Choose the Right Stepping Stone Property14:03 - Costly Stepping Stone Mistakes to Avoid16:15 - Is This Strategy Right for Your Situation?18:08 - How to Get Started with Your First Property Plan20:37 - Final Thoughts and Join the CommunityMentionsEpisode 275 – Where to Buy: How to Get Clear on Your OptionsCourse 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/YFHBGIf 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/@TheFirstHomeBuyerCourseSubscribe on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/ph/podcast/your-first-home-buyer-guide-podcast/id1544701825Subscribe on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/7GyrfXoqvDxjqNRv40NVQs?si=7c8bc4362fab421f