The First Home Guidebook

In today’s episode, I'm unpacking a very common question: Should you try to buy a property before auction – or just wait for auction day? Many buyers assume auctions are always intense and expensive. But that’s not always the case – and in some scenarios, making a pre-auction offer can give you the edge. That said, it can also backfire if you don’t ask the right questions or understand how the pro...

In this episode, I unpack the murky (and often maddening) world of underquoting in Victoria —what it is, why it happens, and how you can protect yourself as a buyer. With over 13 years experience as a buyer’s agent, I’ve seen just how widespread and frustrating this issue is, and I’m breaking down not just the rules, but the real-world implications, examples, and strategies you need to know. 🔍 Wh...

Having a firm grasp on the basics is super-important whether we’re talking about personal finance or property, so even if you are a complete novice in these areas, knowing where to start is half the battle, and you are in the right place! In today’s episode, Amy is joined by property beginner Joey. They cover the important property jargon and key terms whose understanding will help you build more...

This episode isn't just about busy roads; it focuses on factors impacting livability and capital growth, particularly location. Many of my clients avoid busy roads, but some are open to them. It's a subjective decision, but buyers should be aware of the potential drawbacks. In this episode I run through - Livability Considerations: Main Road Factors: Noise, safety, pollution (air and potentially v...

In this episode, I share my insights on what to do if you encounter issues during a building inspection. As a buyer's agent with over a decade of experience, I’ve navigated thousands of building inspections for my clients—witnessing a wide range of issues from minor defects to major deal breakers. Why Get a Building Inspection? Understanding the property's condition. Identifying red flags—urgent r...

I dive into the intriguing and often misunderstood world of off-market properties. For those first home buyers who feel lost amidst the clutter of online listings, off-market properties might be the treasure trove you never knew existed. Misconception #1: Rarity Thousands of off-market properties are available at any time. They offer untapped opportunities for savvy buyers. Misconception #2: Barga...

Thinking about buying your first home but not sure where to start? In this episode, I’m sharing a 10-step action plan to help you get prepared before jumping into the property market. From speaking with a mortgage broker to crafting a solid property strategy, researching the market, and accessing off-market opportunities, I’ll walk you through everything you need to know to set yourself up for suc...

Are you on the hunt for the perfect property, but find yourself missing out on the ones you love? Or perhaps you’re lacking the confidence to begin making offers in the first place.  Today, I’m taking you through the different ways you can overcome the challenges preventing you from finding success on your property buying journey.  First things first: there is no rush to buy property, an...

Can you trust real estate agents? It’s the question on many first home buyers' lips and certainly one worth discussing. Real estate agents are often put in the same mistrusted category as politicians and used car salesmen, and although many of them are genuinely good people who want to help you find your dream home, it’s important to do your due diligence when entering the real estate game. ...

You may have heard me compare finding the right property with online dating before. From deciding what qualities you’re looking for to knowing whether someone’s a good match, searching for a property can involve making equally overwhelming decisions.  So how do you know if a property is ‘the one’? Today I’ll be guiding you through some strategies you can adopt in order to begin your property...

In today’s episode, I share my own personal property story, which includes my journey to becoming a buyer’s agent and how I first entered the market while earning $45,000 a year.  I share how in my mid-twenties, I began saving to buy a property while running my own business. Although I eventually decided to leave the business and go into real estate, I managed to save $70,000 towards a deposi...

There’s no question that the idea of bidding at an auction is pretty daunting - especially for first home buyers! As a professional bidder, I often see a lot of confusion amongst buyers around how much to bid, when to stop and how to keep track of the numbers.  Today, I’m taking you through 5 mistakes to avoid at auction to ensure your experience isn’t so stressful, and to help you approach t...

The idea of renovating can be daunting for a lot of people, especially when we have shows around like The Block, which make the whole process look incredibly stressful. But this isn’t always reality, and in today’s episode, I’m sharing different ways you can approach renovating to make it much less daunting.  I often work with first home buyers who are decidedly against renovations, particula...

Navigating the journey to buying your first home can be overwhelming. The plethora of questions, from understanding property timelines to the details of a contract, can make the process seem daunting. This podcast episode takes a deep dive into three such questions, offering clarity and expert insights to first-time homebuyers. Whether you're embarking on this exciting venture or just looking for...

In today's episode, we hear from a 25-year-old single female who bought her first property in Lalor, Victoria, for $540,000 using the First Home Guarantee Scheme. While she had always dreamed of owning her own home and came to the point of feeling ready, she didn’t think she had the finances to get there. However, being a long-time saver and having attained an increased salary of $89,000, a mortga...

Should you buy a property now or wait? This is a question which I get pretty much every day, and the short answer is: it depends. More specifically, it depends on what is right for you within your own personal situation. In today's episode, I unpack the two key things that should be considered when deciding whether to buy now or wait. When it comes to thinking about buying property, a lot of peopl...

Everyone loves a good bargain. Whether it's scoring a discount on a new fridge or finding a great deal on a vacation, saving money is always satisfying. But when it comes to buying a property, a bargain becomes especially appealing when you know you’re about to spend a significant amount of money. In today’s episode, I’m talking about what would potentially define a bargain property and what to be...

Today we’re hearing from a 27 year old who bought her first home in 2021 with her partner for $606,000.00 in East Corrimal, New South Wales. They stumbled across the Government 5% first home guarantee scheme which allowed them to purchase their home with only a 5% deposit. We hear about the two-year journey she and her partner embarked on to save for a deposit. While they eventually saved a decent...

When it comes to buying a property in Australia, there are two main methods of sale: auctions and private sales. While some buyers may be hesitant to participate in auctions due to fears around emotional stress, others may be daunted by the complex process of a private sale. Ultimately, it’s important to understand the key differences between these methods so that you can better understand and wei...

I’m excited today to bring you Tash from Tash Invests to share her property story. She is 25 years old and bought her first property a few years ago in Perth for $295,000, whilst on an income of $75,000 a year. She lived in it for a little while before moving interstate, and is now a rentvestor who receives positive cashflow from that property. Tash bought her first property on her own for $295,00...

You may have heard of a buyer’s agent, but given their popularity in Australia is fairly recent, you may be wondering what they actually do. Today I’ll be running through what a buyer’s agent offers and why you should consider using one as a first home buyer. While those looking to sell their property will usually engage a real estate agent to work on their behalf, many buyers face tackling the pr...

Today we hear from a 30-year-old single female who bought a two-bedroom apartment in Elwood, Melbourne for $640,000.00. Though she was excited to be checking a property purchase off her life to-do list, she felt she rushed the decision and offers some of the wisdom she gained in hindsight. As a self-employed photographer on a fluctuating income, she understood the potential risks involved with buy...

With so many questions and uncertainties around buying your first home, it's important to seek advice and ask as many questions as possible to ensure you're making informed decisions. Today I’m answering some great questions I’ve received from listeners, to hopefully help you move through the first home buying process with much more confidence and knowledge. The first question I address is around...

Today we hear from a 28 year old who bought a one-bedroom apartment with his partner in Woolloomooloo for $975,000.00. In this episode, he talks about how building wealth was his primary motivation for buying a property, and why he chose to go down that road instead of investing in shares. He also talks about desiring the safety of owning a property, rather than dealing with the lack of security a...

There are many aspects to take into consideration when buying your first home, and knowing which questions to ask can be challenging. So what makes a good property? As a buyer’s agent, I get asked this question all the time. In today’s episode, I take you through five key elements to keep in mind when determining whether a property is the right choice for you. Ultimately, the right decision will a...