Your First Home Buyer Guide Podcast

Written by: Veronica Morgan & Meighan Wells
Listen for free

  • Summary

  • Your First Home Buyer Guide. Get there without missing a step.
    Show more Show less
Economics
Show more Show less
Episodes
  • Deposit Bonds: How Do They Work and Should You Use One?

    Deposit Bonds: How Do They Work and Should You Use One?
    Feb 4 2025
    When buying property, having a cash deposit ready isn’t always straightforward. Maybe you’ve found the perfect home, but your funds are tied up, or you’re waiting on financial support from family. This is where deposit bonds can make all the difference, and they’re not as complicated as they might seem. In this episode, Bella Minns from Deposit Assure joins us to explain what deposit bonds are and how they work. Think of it as a guarantee that lets you secure your property now, even if the cash deposit isn’t immediately available. Bella takes us through real-life scenarios where deposit bonds come in handy, from first home buyers to those dealing with longer settlement periods or off-the-plan purchases. We also explore the costs involved, common misconceptions, and how deposit bonds have become a practical and accepted tool in today’s market. Bella shares insights on why this approach could work for you, especially if you’re managing the timing of your finances. If you’ve ever been curious about deposit bonds or are looking for alternatives to a traditional cash deposit, this episode offers a straightforward guide to help you understand how they can work in your favour. Tune in to learn more! Episode Highlights: 00:00 - Introduction 02:14 - Who is Bella Minns? 02:44 - What is a deposit bond? 04:14 - How deposit bonds work 05:44 - Are deposit bonds suitable for everyone, or just specific buyer types? 06:51 - How much do deposit bonds cost and how are they paid for? 09:54 - How do developers respond to long-term deposit bonds, and is pushback common? 12:33 - What changes have taken place in the perception of deposit bonds over two decades? 14:19 - How do buyers secure a deposit bond, and what happens if QBE has to pay? 15:30 - Steps buyers must complete before they can receive a deposit bond 16:53 - Is there a maximum amount for coverage? 19:23 - Key benefits of using the deposit bond 19:54 - Does the one-day turnaround for a deposit bond include both application and approval? 21:10 - If you miss out on a property, can you reuse the deposit bond for another purchase? 23:03 - Potential drawbacks of using a deposit bond that buyers should be aware of 27:21 - Do buyers need to discuss deposit bonds with their broker first? 28:56 - Bella’s advice for first home buyers considering using deposit bonds 29:38 - What’s a key topic you’d like to be answered as a first home buyer? About Our Guest: Bella Minns is a recognized Business Development Manager at Deposit Assure, known for her expertise in deposit bonds and strategic property solutions. She has been acknowledged as one of the top Business Development Managers in NSW/ACT and frequently shares her knowledge through webinars and industry discussions. Bella plays a vital role in promoting innovative products like the FLEXI Deposit Bond, helping brokers, buyers, and developers navigate complex purchase scenarios with ease and confidence. Connect with Bella Minns: Website https://www.depositassure.com.au/LinkedIn https://au.linkedin.com/in/bella-minns-9b64881aa Resources: FREE MINI COURSE: How to price property like a professional https://www.homebuyeracademy.com.au/freecourseMeet our recommended mortgage brokers at Home Buyer Academy https://homebuyeracademy.com.au/brokersVisit our website https://www.homebuyeracademy.com.au/Join our Facebook Group to get access to free monthly live Q&A sessionshttps://www.facebook.com/groups/yourfirsthomebuyerguideaustraliaLearn how to buy property without making a mistake with our ultimate 10-step online course for first time home buyers https://homebuyeracademy.com.au/YFHBGIf you have any questions or would like to be featured on our show, contact us at: Your First Home Buyer Guide Podcast support@homebuyeracademy.com.auLooking for a Sydney Buyers Agent? https://www.gooddeeds.com.auWork with Veronica: https://www.veronicamorgan.com.auLooking for a Brisbane Buyers Agent? https://www.propertypursuit.com.au/Work with Meighan: https://www.linkedin.com/in/meighanwells/ 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/@YourFirstHomeBuyerGuidePodcastSubscribe 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=7c8bc4362fab421fSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
    Show more Show less
    38 mins
  • Sydney Case Study: How This Couple Turned a “Pass” Property Into Their Perfect Home

    Sydney Case Study: How This Couple Turned a “Pass” Property Into Their Perfect Home
    Jan 28 2025
    What does it take to turn a property you initially overlooked into the perfect home? In this episode, we talk about the journey of these first home buyers in Sydney who transformed their approach to property hunting and made an unexpected purchase of their dream home. From passing on a property they weren’t sure about to seeing its true potential months later, their story is full of lessons for anyone feeling stuck or overwhelmed in their search. We’ll hear about what it’s like to buy a home in Sydney’s competitive market, especially when starting with limited knowledge. From saving for a deposit to tackling new challenges like auctions and market research, this couple’s journey highlights the importance of preparation and staying flexible. They took the time to learn the process, refine their approach, and stick to their plan, no matter the pressure. What’s most inspiring is how they adjusted their expectations as they went. From rethinking non-negotiables to uncovering the hidden potential in a property others had overlooked, they learned that sometimes the best decisions come from seeing the bigger picture—and a fresh coat of paint doesn’t hurt either. If you’re starting your property search or feeling stuck along the way, this episode is a must-listen. It’s a reminder that with preparation, persistence, and a willingness to adapt, you can make smart, confident decisions and find the home that’s right for you. Episode Highlights: 00:00 - Introduction 04:05 - When they first decided they wanted to buy a property 05:00 - How long have they been in Australia, and how quickly did they save for a deposit? 09:15 - What drove them to learn and figure out the property-buying process? 10:48 - Did they take the home buyer course together or separately? 11:12 - How did their property search evolve after they started looking? 20:06 - Biggest ‘aha’ moments or key insights they had during their property-buying journey 22:23 - Handling the pressure during auctions and ensuring they stayed within their budget 27:18 - How they ultimately found and secured the property they purchased 30:42 - How did they take advantage of spring’s property market opportunities? 34:40 - How they feel now that they have a mortgage 36:56 - Advice they'd give to someone considering taking the home buyer guide course Resources: FREE MINI COURSE: How to price property like a professional https://www.homebuyeracademy.com.au/freecourseMeet our recommended mortgage brokers at Home Buyer Academy https://homebuyeracademy.com.au/brokersVisit our website https://www.homebuyeracademy.com.au/Join our Facebook Group to get access to free monthly live Q&A sessionshttps://www.facebook.com/groups/yourfirsthomebuyerguideaustraliaLearn how to buy property without making a mistake with our ultimate 10-step online course for first time home buyers https://homebuyeracademy.com.au/YFHBGIf you have any questions or would like to be featured on our show, contact us at: Your First Home Buyer Guide Podcast support@homebuyeracademy.com.auLooking for a Sydney Buyers Agent? https://www.gooddeeds.com.auWork with Veronica: https://www.veronicamorgan.com.auLooking for a Brisbane Buyers Agent? https://www.propertypursuit.com.au/Work with Meighan: https://www.linkedin.com/in/meighanwells/ 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/@YourFirstHomeBuyerGuidePodcastSubscribe 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=7c8bc4362fab421fSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
    Show more Show less
    41 mins
  • What Happens When Due Diligence Isn’t Enough?

    What Happens When Due Diligence Isn’t Enough?
    Jan 21 2025
    When purchasing a property, due diligence is critical, but what happens when it isn’t enough? What happens when due diligence doesn’t uncover everything? In this episode, we tackle situations where hidden risks and undetected issues surface after the deal is done. From illegal building works to encroachments and zoning complications, we explore how title insurance steps in to protect homeowners from the unexpected. Paul Watkins from Stewart Title Insurance joins us to explain what title insurance is and why it’s so important. Unlike the usual home and contents insurance, title insurance covers issues with your property’s title—things like unapproved structures, council building notices, or disputes about boundaries. Paul walks us through how these risks work and shares some examples of how they’ve caused major headaches for property buyers. We also talk about what happens when councils issue building notices, often for things the new owners didn’t even know about, like an unapproved retaining wall or a deck. We talk about the steps you might have to take—like showing cause or applying for retrospective approvals—and why it’s often not as straightforward as you’d hope. And the kicker? These issues don’t just disappear because you weren’t the one who caused them. If you’ve ever wondered about the risks you take on when buying a property—or if you’ve already come across something unexpected—this is one conversation you don’t want to miss. Understanding title insurance could be the difference between a smooth experience and a costly, time-consuming mess. Episode Highlights: 00:00 - Introduction 02:22 - Meighan’s special house of the week 03:21 - Who is Paul Watkins? 03:34 - What is title insurance? 06:21 - Does title insurance cover injuries caused by unapproved structural failures? 08:16 - What buyers should know about building notices on purchased properties 13:40 - Rules of title insurance on unapproved or illegally built structures 14:32 - What is a GIPA? 18:01 - Does title insurance cover issues like missing certifications? 26:46 - How title insurance can address gaps in the due diligence process 40:05 - Does title insurance apply to strata property owners? 47:11 - Does title insurance cover unapproved flooring in strata apartments? 49:24 - How much does title insurance typically cost? 51:59 - Why title insurance is valuable, even for experienced property buyers 55:12 - What steps should buyers take to secure title insurance? 57:14 - What Paul wishes he knew as a first home buyer About Our Guest: Paul Watkins oversees the Underwriting and Legal Departments at Stewart Title, managing policy development, regulatory compliance, claims, and corporate legal matters. With a focus on building a knowledgeable and responsive team, he ensures efficient and ethical handling of title insurance and claims. Before joining Stewart in 2004, Paul gained extensive experience in insurance, property conveyancing, and development through private practice. He frequently presents on real estate topics and has contributed to Australian legal publications on title insurance. A finalist for “Insurance Lawyer of the Year” in 2019, Paul holds degrees in Law (Hons) and Social Sciences from the University of Canberra and is admitted as a solicitor in multiple Australian jurisdictions. Connect with Paul Watkins: Stewart Title Insurance Australia https://www.stewartau.com/LinkedIn https://au.linkedin.com/in/paul-watkins-39223936 Resources: FREE MINI COURSE: How to price property like a professional https://www.homebuyeracademy.com.au/freecourseMeet our recommended mortgage brokers at Home Buyer Academy https://homebuyeracademy.com.au/brokersVisit our website https://www.homebuyeracademy.com.au/Join our Facebook Group to get access to free monthly live Q&A sessionshttps://www.facebook.com/groups/yourfirsthomebuyerguideaustraliaLearn how to buy property without making a mistake with our ultimate 10-step online course for first time home buyers https://homebuyeracademy.com.au/YFHBGIf you have any questions or would like to be featured on our show, contact us at: Your First Home Buyer Guide Podcast support@homebuyeracademy.com.auLooking for a Sydney Buyers Agent? https://www.gooddeeds.com.auWork with Veronica: https://www.veronicamorgan.com.auLooking for a Brisbane Buyers Agent? https://www.propertypursuit.com.au/Work with Meighan: https://www.linkedin.com/in/meighanwells/ 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/@YourFirstHomeBuyerGuidePodcastSubscribe 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=7c8bc4362fab421fSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
    Show more Show less
    1 hr and 2 mins

What listeners say about Your First Home Buyer Guide Podcast

Average Customer Ratings

Reviews - Please select the tabs below to change the source of reviews.

Audible.ca reviews

Amazon Reviews
No reviews are available