1. Where Should I Buy?
This is hands down the most common question—and also one of the most misunderstood. Rather than relying on hot lists or well-meaning advice from family and friends, Veronica and Meighan explain why this decision must be driven by your own lifestyle, goals, budget, and future plans. The process of choosing a location is more about strategy than opinion. It's also about getting real about your budget and property requirements. Their advice? Reframe the question to: Where should I buy, given my personal needs and long-term goals?

2. What Should I Buy: House or Apartment?
The answer is not as simple as "one is better than the other." This choice depends on your budget, desired location, and whether you're buying for lifestyle or long-term capital growth. The hosts warn against the shiny lure of new apartments, especially in oversupplied areas, and explain how to identify properties with scarcity value. This segment also touches on the importance of stepping stone strategies for those who can't afford their dream home just yet.

3. How Much Can I Afford?
Forget online calculators—while they can give a rough guide, they're often misleading. Instead, Veronica and Meighan stress the importance of speaking to an expert mortgage broker who can assess your full financial picture and explain the impact of borrowing strategies, grants, lender's mortgage insurance (LMI), and more. A tailored borrowing strategy, not guesswork, should guide your purchase.

4. I've Found a Property I Like. What Do I Do Next?
Many buyers leap into the commitment phase without adequate preparation. This section introduces the P.A.C.E. system (Preparation, Action, Commitment, Execution) and highlights the importance of completing key due diligence before making an offer. Veronica and Meighan explain how understanding the process can replace panic with confident, informed decision-making.

5. What Should I Pay?
Pricing a property is not about your budget or what the agent suggests—it's about analysing comparable sales and market data. The hosts break down common mistakes, such as asking your mortgage broker for pricing advice or relying on automated valuation models (AVMs). They explain the process you need to go through to build your own market knowledge about prices.

6. How Much Deposit Do I Need?
This question has multiple answers, depending on whether you're asking about the deposit to secure a loan or the deposit paid to the seller. The episode explains how these differ and what's required in different states. Veronica and Meighan also clarify how auction deposits differ from private treaty sales and what buyers need to be prepared for on settlement day.

7. Do I Really Need a Solicitor or Conveyancer?
A resounding yes. The hosts stress the importance of engaging an experienced conveyancer or solicitor early in the process—not just before signing the contract. They also discuss the risks of choosing cut-price providers and outline what can go wrong if contracts aren't reviewed in time. Episode 23 is recommended for a deeper dive on this topic with conveyancer Jenny Tonner.

8. Do I Need a Building and Pest Inspection?
Absolutely. The episode outlines why you should never skip this step—even if the seller already provides a report. Not all reports are created equal, and buyers need to understand the limitations of pre-sale inspections. The hosts also reveal what to look for in a reliable inspector and what key questions to ask (including their go-to: "Would you let your daughter buy this?"). Episode 14 with Peter Masia provides further insight into this critical area.

9. I Hate Auctions—Do I Really Have to Buy That Way?
It's a common fear, but avoiding auctions could mean missing out on the best properties. Veronica and Meighan explain how auctions work, why they prefer the transparency of auction over private treaty, and how fear stems mostly from inexperience. For those considering a pre-auction offer or wanting to better understand the process, they recommend listening to Episode 24 and reading Veronica's book on auctions.

Final Thoughts: Knowledge is Power
This episode is packed with foundational insights every Australian first home buyer needs. Veronica and Meighan don't just answer questions—they teach you how to ask the right ones. Their advice is practical, empowering, and built on nearly five decades of combined experience helping everyday Aussies buy property with confidence.

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