Buying your first home isn’t just about securing a loan — it’s about navigating money and relationships as a team. In this episode, [Your Name] shares the top 3 money conversations for first home buyers that every couple should have before signing on the dotted line. You’ll discover: ✅ Why understanding your partner’s money mindset builds trust. ✅ How to align your shared goals to avoid future conflicts. ✅ The importance of creating a joint financial game plan for success. Whether you’re saving ...
Aug 21, 2025•5 min
The spring season in Brisbane South is one of the busiest times in the property market with more homes for sale, more buyers at open homes, and more competition for the perfect property. In this episode of The First Home Buyers Program Podcast, Maryanne Elliott from 360 Mortgage Solutions shares three simple but powerful steps you can take now to prepare for the spring rush and give yourself the best chance of securing your dream home. You’ll learn: ✅ How to work out your deposit or equity posit...
Aug 15, 2025•5 min
Episode Title: Feeling Left Behind? Here’s How to Catch Up (Even If You’re Starting from Scratch) Summary: If you're feeling like everyone else is ahead in the property game, you're not alone — and you're not too late. In this episode, Maryanne shares the five most practical ways to “catch up” as a first home buyer, without feeling overwhelmed or defeated. In This Episode You’ll Learn: Why "being behind" is just a mindset trap How to assess where you're really at (without shame) What deposit you...
Aug 07, 2025•8 min
🎧 Episode Summary: In this episode of the First Home Buyers Program Podcast, we’re breaking down one of the biggest wins for first home buyers in years. You’ll learn: ✅ Why the government’s 20% HECS indexation reduction could put thousands back in your pocket ✅ How banks are changing the way they assess HECS debt, making it easier to qualify for a loan ✅ What this means for your borrowing power and first home timeline ✅ And how to take advantage of this moment with a huge discount on the First ...
Aug 01, 2025•6 min
Podcast: The First Home Buyers Program Host: Maryanne Elliott Episode Length: 5 minutes 🔑 Episode Summary: Do you feel like everyone around you is buying homes… and you’re stuck wondering if you’ve missed your chance? You’re not alone—and you’re not behind. In this episode, Maryanne breaks down what to do right now to start your first home buying journey, even if you haven’t saved a cent yet. She shares practical tips, common mistakes to avoid, and the truth behind what most people get wrong wh...
Jul 25, 2025•6 min
📄 Show Notes: In this episode, I sit down with Les from Resi Inspections to unpack everything you need to know about building and pest inspections—why they’re essential, what to look out for, and how they can save you thousands in the long run. If you’re in the process of buying a home (or even thinking about it), this is a must-listen. Les shares his industry knowledge, real-life stories, and expert tips to help you avoid hidden surprises after settlement. 🏠 Here’s what we cover: What a build...
Jun 26, 2025•10 min
📄 Show Notes: In this episode, we’re diving into the world of property valuations—why they matter, what types there are, and how they can directly impact your home loan approval. Whether you're buying your first home, refinancing, or investing, understanding valuations is a key part of the process. Many people are surprised to learn that not all valuations are the same—and the type your bank uses can affect your borrowing power, LVR, and even whether you'll need to pay lenders mortgage insuranc...
Jun 19, 2025•5 min
Description: In this eye-opening episode of The First Home Owners Program Podcast, host Maryanne Elliott reveals the often-overlooked costs of buying your first property. Learn why your deposit is just the beginning and how working with a mortgage broker can help you budget accurately for your entire home buying journey.Key Points: The major upfront costs beyond your deposit that first home buyers frequently underestimate Post-settlement expenses that can strain your budget if not properly plann...
Jun 12, 2025•6 min
Overcoming First Home Buyer Fear: Your Guide to Taking the Property PlungeDescription: In this episode of The First Home Buyers Program, host Maryanne Elliott tackles the biggest obstacle preventing potential homeowners from entering the market – fear. Drawing on her 20+ years of experience in the finance industry, Maryanne provides practical strategies to overcome the anxiety of making your first property purchase.Key Points: The three most common fears first home buyers face and why they're ho...
Jun 05, 2025•5 min
In this episode of The First Home Buyers Program Podcast, we sit down with Les from Resi Inspections to unpack one of the most important—but often overlooked—steps in the home buying journey: the building and pest inspection. You'll learn: What a building and pest inspection actually includes Why it’s essential for every property, even brand-new builds Common issues first home buyers should look out for Real-life horror stories that show just how valuable a good inspection can be 🎧 This episode...
May 30, 2025•12 min
📝 Show Notes – Episode 2: Rentvesting with Janet from Capstone Property Solutions In this episode, I sit down with Janet from Capstone Property Solutions, who shares her knowledge around one of the most flexible and creative strategies for first home buyers—rentvesting. We cover: What rentvesting is and how it works Who it’s best suited for (and who it’s not right for) The financial pros and cons to consider before jumping in Real examples of how first home buyers are using this strategy to bui...
May 23, 2025•7 min
In this episode, I walk you through the essentials every first home buyer should understand before they jump into the market. Whether you're months away from buying or just getting started with saving a deposit, this is your foundation. You'll learn: What the home buying journey really looks like (step-by-step) Why getting loan-ready before you fall in love with a property is a game changer The most common mistakes first home buyers make—and how to avoid them Where grants, schemes, and your depo...
May 16, 2025•15 min
We’re back with Part 2 of our conversation with Chris Liu from Chris Liu Real Estate, and this episode is all about strategy for first home buyers. In this follow-up chat, we go deeper into the practical side of buying your first home—from making a strong offer to dealing with real estate agents and knowing what happens after your offer is accepted. If you’re serious about buying property and want to go in prepared, this episode is packed with must-know tips that can make the whole process smoot...
May 08, 2025•12 min
In this episode of The First Home Buyer Program Podcast, we sit down with Chris Liu from Chris Liu Real Estate to talk all things property—specifically through the lens of first home buyers. Chris shares his expert insights into the current Australian property market, what first home buyers should be paying attention to, and how to spot a good opportunity when it comes your way. We also unpack some of the most common myths and misconceptions holding buyers back. Whether you're just starting out ...
May 01, 2025•11 min
Description: What if the biggest thing holding you back from saving for your first home… wasn’t your income or your expenses, but your mindset? In this episode, Maryanne dives into the powerful connection between your thoughts and your bank account. You’ll learn how the way you think about money directly influences your ability to save—and how a few simple shifts can help you build momentum, stay motivated, and move toward your first home faster than you thought possible. What You’ll Learn: The ...
Apr 25, 2025•5 min
You’ve finally created a budget that makes sense… and then life throws you a curveball. A birthday dinner, a surprise bill, a weekend away—sound familiar? In this episode, Maryanne dives into why sticking to a budget is one of the trickiest parts of saving for a home, and how you can stay on track without giving up everything you love. What You’ll Learn: Why budgets often go out the window (and it’s not your fault!) The #1 thing most people forget to include in their budget Simple strategies to ...
Apr 18, 2025•7 min
Description: Let’s be honest—budgeting has a bit of a bad reputation. But what if it didn’t have to feel restrictive, overwhelming, or just plain boring? In this episode, Maryanne shares a practical and super simple way to create a budget that actually works for your life (and doesn’t make you want to give up after week one). Whether you’ve tried budgeting before or you’re starting from scratch, this episode will help you build a plan that feels doable—and still leaves room for the things you lo...
Apr 11, 2025•9 min
🎙 Episode 1: Why Saving Feels So Hard (And How to Change That) The First Home Buyers Program Podcast – with Maryanne Elliott Description: Saving for your first home deposit can feel impossible—especially when life keeps throwing expenses your way and your social feed is filled with everyone else’s holidays, dinners, and purchases. In this episode, Maryanne breaks down the real reasons saving feels so hard (hint: it's not just about money), and how you can start shifting your mindset to make sav...
Apr 04, 2025•11 min
This week we cover off on something that wont seem important now but trust me when I say, future you will be so glad you listen to this.... 👉 Not sure how much you should be repaying? No problem! Jump onto the Loan Repayment Calculator at 360 Mortgage Solutions . It’ll show you what your repayments should be so that you don’t accidentally end up paying a fortune in extra interest.[Wrap-Up]Refinancing can be a great way to save money, but only if you do it right! Remember to check your loan term...
Mar 28, 2025•3 min
Buying your first home is one of the biggest financial decisions you’ll ever make. With so much information (and misinformation) out there, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed. That’s why in our latest two-part podcast series, we sat down with Fern Walcott from Exclusive Property Buyers to break down the entire process and help first home buyers navigate their journey with confidence. Meet Fern Walcott – Your Expert Buyer’s Agent Fern is a dedicated buyer’s agent with a passion for helping buyers make...
Mar 21, 2025•7 min
Buying your first home is one of the biggest financial decisions you’ll ever make. With so much information (and misinformation) out there, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed. That’s why in our latest two-part podcast series, we sat down with Fern Walcott from Exclusive Property Buyers to break down the entire process and help first home buyers navigate their journey with confidence. Meet Fern Walcott – Your Expert Buyer’s Agent Fern is a dedicated buyer’s agent with a passion for helping buyers make...
Mar 13, 2025•8 min
🎙 Episode Summary: Welcome back to Part 2 of our conversation with Phillip Knowles, where we continue unpacking everything self-employed first home buyers need to know!In this episode, we go beyond the basics and dive into the practical strategies that can make your home loan application stronger, plus some alternative lending options for those who don’t meet traditional requirements. ✅ How to structure your finances to make borrowing easier ✅ Why keeping business and personal finances separate...
Mar 06, 2025•12 min
🎙 Episode Summary: Are you self-employed and wondering if buying your first home is even possible? In this special two-part episode of The First Home Buyer Program Podcast, I sit down with [Guest’s Name], a finance broker who specializes in commercial lending for self-employed clients.We dive into the biggest challenges self-employed first home buyers face, how lenders assess business income, and what you can do NOW to set yourself up for home loan success. ✅ What lenders look for when assessin...
Feb 27, 2025•13 min
📌 Episode Summary: Buying your first home? You might be wondering how much deposit you actually need to get started. In this episode, we break down the deposit requirements, how lenders assess your savings, and the different government schemes that can help you buy with as little as 5%. Key Takeaways: The difference between a 20%, 10%, and 5% deposit How Lenders Mortgage Insurance (LMI) impacts your deposit Government schemes that help reduce your upfront costs Hidden expenses you should budget...
Feb 21, 2025•5 min
Celebrate love this Valentine’s Day without breaking the bank! Discover budget-friendly ideas to enjoy the day while staying on track to buy your first home. Links: Join the First Home Buyer Mini Course: https://maryanne-elliott.mykajabi.com/joinus?_gl=1%2Aqgg7th%2A_gcl_au%2AMTgyMjgxODA5NC4xNzM1Nzk3NDIx Explore The First Home Buyers Program: https://maryanne-elliott.mykajabi.com/the-first-home-buyers-sales-page?_gl=1%2A1a93lwq%2A_gcl_au%2AMTgyMjgxODA5NC4xNzM1Nzk3NDIx Book a fee-free meeting with...
Feb 14, 2025•4 min
Understanding Lenders Mortgage Insurance (LMI) – A Must-Know for First Home Buyers Description: Lenders Mortgage Insurance (LMI) is often misunderstood by first home buyers. In this episode, we explain what LMI is, how much it costs, ways to avoid or reduce it, and whether it’s worth paying. If you’re looking to buy your first home, understanding LMI is crucial! What we'll cover: – Introduction to Lenders Mortgage Insurance (LMI) – What is LMI and why do lenders require it? – How much does LMI c...
Feb 06, 2025•5 min
Buying your first home is an exciting milestone, but without the right preparation, it can quickly become a stressful experience. In this episode of The First Home Buyers Program Podcast, we dive into why a fully assessed pre-approval is essential before making an offer on a property. Join Me, as we break down real-life examples of first home buyers who faced unexpected delays due to incomplete pre-approvals—and how you can avoid making the same mistakes. What You'll Learn in This Episode: ✅ The...
Jan 31, 2025•5 min
In this episode of The First Home Buyers Program Podcast, we’re breaking down the two fundamental aspects of every home loan: servicing and security. If you’ve ever felt overwhelmed by the jargon or unsure how lenders assess your loan application, this episode is for you! We’ll explore: • Servicing: What it is, why it matters, and how your income and expenses play a crucial role. • Security: Why the property you’re buying is just as important as your financial situation. • How lenders balance th...
Jan 23, 2025•5 min
Feeling overwhelmed by the home loan process? In this episode, I break down three simple steps to help first home buyers eliminate stress and confusion: 1️⃣ Know how much deposit or equity you need. 2️⃣ Speak to a mortgage broker early to plan your next steps. 3️⃣ Get a fully assessed pre-approval to approach house hunting with confidence. 💡 Join the waitlist for the FREE First Home Buyer Mini Course, launching this December, and get an exclusive bonus when it goes live! 🔗 Waitlist Link: https...
Jan 16, 2025•2 min
In this episode of The First Home Buyers Program Podcast, we cover the Top 5 Mistakes First Home Buyers Make and How to Avoid Them. Learn why getting a fully assessed pre-approval is crucial, why going direct to your bank isn’t always the best option, and how to avoid underestimating the costs of buying your first home. Plus, we’ll explore the importance of researching government grants and getting professional advice. Don’t let these common mistakes hold you back from buying your first home. Wh...
Jan 10, 2025•4 min
