🎧 Episode 1: How to Buy Your First Home in Australia – Step-by-Step

Buying your first home is a huge milestone—but it can also be confusing, stressful, and overwhelming if you don't have a clear plan. In this first episode of the Home Buyer Academy podcast, Veronica and Meighan—two seasoned buyer's agents with nearly 50 years of combined experience—introduce the PACE system, their proven 10-step method to help Australian first home buyers succeed without costly missteps.

 

Here's what you'll learn in this episode—and why it matters:

✅ Why the Order of Steps Matters
Most first home buyers get the order wrong—starting with property searches or bank visits before laying the groundwork. This episode explains how skipping or reordering steps can lead to rushed decisions, missed opportunities, and financial setbacks. You'll learn why structure is key and how following the right sequence keeps your home buying journey smooth and stress-free.

🧰 The PACE System: A Clear Framework to Follow
Veronica and Meighan introduce their proprietary PACE System—Preparation, Action, Commitment, Execution—designed to take you from dreaming about a home to confidently owning one. The system breaks your journey into 10 strategic steps, making the complex process feel achievable and less overwhelming.

👥 Building Your Support Crew Early
A key mistake many first home buyers make is waiting too long to assemble their team. This episode explains who should be in your corner—think mortgage brokers, conveyancers, and inspectors—and when to engage them. You'll also hear why having the right people matters more than simply having someone.

💸 Understanding Government Incentives & Finance Basics
Don't let myths or misinformation derail your financial planning. You'll learn how to assess what government schemes are available to you, the hidden costs of buying, and how your financial behaviour impacts your borrowing power. Meighan and Veronica explain how to strengthen your loan application and avoid common money traps.

📍Creating a Realistic Wishlist and Plan
Before you scroll through listings, you need to get honest about your needs, lifestyle, and future. The episode walks you through how to balance dreams with reality, how to identify deal-breakers, and why understanding your long-term goals helps you choose a property that grows with you.

🏘️ Navigating Inspections and Agents with Confidence
Dealing with real estate agents can be intimidating—but it doesn't have to be. Learn how to read between the lines, ask smart questions, and assess properties effectively at inspections. Veronica and Meighan offer practical tips to help you avoid red flags and make informed decisions.

🛑 Why You Need a "Revise and Correct" Phase
Midway through your journey, it's essential to stop, reflect, and reassess. This step helps you recalibrate your goals based on what you've learned and avoid chasing the wrong property. You'll hear why this pause can be the smartest move in your buying journey.

📄 Demystifying the Contract and Settlement Process
Buying a home involves more than handing over a deposit. The hosts break down what's in a contract of sale, how state laws differ, and what buyers often miss. You'll understand what questions to ask your solicitor or conveyancer and what to do between exchange and settlement.

💬 How to Negotiate or Bid at Auction Like a Pro
Whether you're making a private offer or bidding at auction, strategy is everything. You'll learn how to tailor your approach based on the method of sale, when to be cautious, and how to avoid emotional overspending. The right negotiation techniques could save you tens of thousands of dollars.

🗝️ The Final Step: Settlement and Beyond
Even after your offer is accepted, the journey isn't over. Discover the final actions you need to take to ensure a smooth handover of your new home. From final inspections to insurance, this phase prepares you to take the keys with confidence.

🎯 By the end of this episode, you'll walk away with a solid understanding of the full home buying process, clarity on what to do (and when), and insider advice to avoid the traps most first home buyers fall into.

👉 Ready to get started? Check out THE First Home Buyer Course.

• The P.A.C.E. system: the systematic process of buying your new home [02:23]
• First phase: preparation [02:50]
• Let's talk about money: saving up and government incentives [06:13]
• Plan, develop and evaluate a wish list [07:29]
• Second phase: taking action [09:33]
• Step back, slow down, and recalibrate [12:49]
• Know the different methods of sale and how they differ from one another [15:42]
• Understanding the contract of sale [20:58]
• Never rush negotiations [24:34]
• Third phase: committing to the purchase [27:39]
• Making offers at the wrong moments pose huge risks [29:21]
• Other mistakes that buyers make when buying property [30:30]
• The value in learning from other people's mistakes [33:28]

• Home Buyer Academy Website (https://www.homebuyeracademy.com.au/)


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