First Home Foundations

How is it possible to own multiple properties before 30? In this episode, we sit down with Amy McKellin, who signed her first build at just 18 years old in Armstrong Creek. She had no experience, a nervous family telling her to stop, and real moments where she was eating tuna and rice to cover her mortgages. Today, she holds 6 investment properties and works for one of Australia's oldest builders....

Jonathan Hind has spent over 10 years in theproperty industry, building investor portfolios and now guiding first home buyers into their dream homes. In this episode we unpack: the Help to Buyscheme and how it's reshaping market demand, the biggest finance mistakes first home buyers make, why the LMI waiver might be more valuable than the First Home Owner Grant, and what it really takes to get...

Most first home buyers don’t fail because of income, they struggle because they don’t fully understand their money. Spending habits, lifestyle creep, and lack of financial clarity can quietly hold you back. In this episode, we break down the  First Home Foundation: Affordability,  and how to take control of your finances so you can move forward with confidence. We talk about: How to assess what yo...

For many first home buyers, it’s not just about money; it’s fear, doubt, and big life decisions. “Am I ready?” “Can I afford it?” “What if I get it wrong?” These thoughts stop many people before they even start. In this episode, we break down the  real challenges of first home buying  in Victoria and how to move past them. We talk about: Investing in yourself as the first step to owning a home Why...

The Melbourne property market is shifting, and many first home buyers are unsure what to do next. Prices are changing, competition is rising, and government schemes are updating. It can feel confusing, but it doesn’t have to be. In this episode, we break down the Melbourne property market, the basics of first home buying, and the real opportunities available right now. You’ll learn: What’s happeni...

Feeling Overwhelmed by the First Home Buying Process? You’re Not Alone.  🏡💭 The property market keeps rising, your savings feel like they’ll never catch up, and the dream of owning your first home feels more distant than ever. The deposit seems impossible, your job doesn't match the rising prices, and every step forward feels like a challenge. Here’s the truth:  you don’t have to wait for th...

Buying your first home can feel like one big decision after another, and the toughest one is often: "Should I buy now, or should I wait?" 🏠 It’s easy to get caught up in the idea that the market is going to crash, and that waiting for the "perfect time" will save you money. But here’s the hard truth: historical data shows there’s no sign of a market crash anytime soon. In fact...

Buying your first home can feel overwhelming – it’s often harder than buying your second. First Home Buyers are left wondering where to start, struggling to find support, and feeling like they’re in the dark about what to do next. With so much confusion and few willing to guide them, where do they turn? In this episode, Michael and Sarah share their personal journey of becoming first-time homebuye...

Are homes becoming less affordable? In this episode, Tom Egan and Leigh dive deep into the ongoing land shortage crisis in Australia and how it’s impacting the property market – from buyers and builders to developers. With prices skyrocketing and homes becoming less affordable, it’s important to understand what’s really happening behind the scenes. How is the land shortage affecting  you  as a fir...

It has been said many times that the road to financial freedom is in investing. We often hear about the wins but not everyone talks about the bumps along the road—the risks, the losses, and the tough lessons learned.  In this episode, Leigh sits down with Dominic McKenna, a business owner and investor, to explore the highs and lows of the investing journey, and how similar it is to the journey of...

When it comes to buying your first home, there's one big question that everyone asks:  "Can I afford it?"  🤔If you’ve ever found yourself wondering how to get your finances in order for a home, this episode is for YOU. Leigh sits down with Jason Robinson, a Certified Practicing Accountant and member of the CPA Australia Committee, to help you understand the  "numbers"  to...

Buying your first home can feel like a huge decision, with so many questions swirling in your mind.  It’s overwhelming, but it doesn’t have to be!   In this episode of First Home Foundations, Leigh and Clint Rowlings take you on a reflective journey through their own first-home buying experiences. They’ll walk you through the tough decisions they made and the lessons they learned, so you don’t hav...

Buying your first home is one of the biggest purchases you will make, which makes it one of the most important financial decisions in your life. Sitting with Leigh in this episode is Jeff Noble, a managing director of Integra Wealth Solutions. Together, they break down the fundamentals of saving and investment, the importance of financial literacy, and the relationship between finance and real est...

Everybody wants a secure future, but not everybody knows how to do it. 🌟 In this week's episode, Leigh and James Fitzgerald, the managing director of Queensland's largest land developers - JLF Group of Companies, dive into important aspects of financial literacy, the fundamentals of saving and investing, and how your first home paves the way for security and stability. 🏡💰   This episode discuss...

Will property prices keep going up? 🤔 This is a question we've all asked more than once. In this episode of First Home Foundations, we dive deep into the land and development market to uncover the truth. 🔍 Learn how COVID-19 has impacted prices, understand the latest trends shaping the home buying landscape, and discover expert tips for navigating the process. 🏡   This episode will explore:...

Despite its massive landmass, Australia is grappling with a land supply shortage that's impacting home buyers nationwide. Why is this happening? In this eye-opening episode of First Home Foundations, Leigh sits down with Mitchell Scale, a National Acquisitions Manager, to break down the land development scene. This episode talks about the following topics: The root causes of the land supply is...

Buying your first home is more than just a financial decision—it’s a major relationship milestone. Bella and Sam discovered this first-hand when they embarked on their home-buying journey. In this episode, Leigh dives deep into their experience, exploring the challenges they faced, the compromises they made, and how they overcame doubts to secure their dream home. Throughout the episode, you'l...

In this episode Queensland’s 8th largest builder, Tom Egan of Avia Homes joins the podcast.   Tom shares industry insider secrets that every First Home Buyer should know, the biggest mistakes to avoid as well as a candid look at how he rose from humble beginnings to become a one of the biggest builders in Queensland.   If you are a First Home Buyer considering building a new home this episode is a...

In this episode of the First Home Foundations Podcast, Leigh sits down with Tim Reed, former Ironman 70.3 World Champion, as he shares his journey to homeownership. Discover the common challenges faced by first home buyers, from securing a home loan to navigating the housing market. Gain valuable insights from Tim's experience transitioning from first home buyer to owner, and learn how your fi...

Embark on a transformative journey with our latest episode as Leigh and Darryl Bright explores a myriad of topics ranging from the Australian housing crisis to the intricacies of self-improvement and overcoming challenges. Gain valuable insights as they dissect the complexities of the housing landscape and shed light on the Commission Housing system in Australia and Ireland's housing history. Join...

In the third episode of the First Home Foundations Podcast, Leigh sits down with Alex Quirke from Avia Homes, Queensland’s 8th largest builder.   Together, they discuss the inner workings of the property market, what happens in the background when you build a home, and the current landscape of real estate in Australia and how COVID has affected it. They also provide expert tips on how you can get...

In this episode of the First Home Foundations podcast, Leigh interviews previous clients, Matt and Katie, and talks with them about their journey to homeownership. Discover how they tackled financial hurdles, navigated the housing market, and turned their dream of owning their first home into reality with support and guidance.

In the pilot episode of First Home Foundations, Lucas and Leigh discuss the intricacies of buying a first home, emphasizing the importance of expert advice and overcoming common misconceptions. They share personal experiences and reflections, highlighting the emotional journey and sense of fulfillment that comes with homeownership.