Step 1: Build Your Support Crew
Your home buying journey shouldn't be a solo climb. Step one is all about assembling the right team—your "support crew"—early on. Veronica and Meighan explain why having a trusted mortgage broker, solicitor, conveyancer, and even a buyer's agent can make or break your success. They also warn against taking advice from well-meaning but misinformed friends or family and offer tips on how to identify professionals who genuinely know their stuff.

Step 2: Understand Your Money
Buying a property requires more than just a deposit. In this step, the hosts dive into often-overlooked costs like stamp duty, bank fees, legal fees, inspections, and strata reports. They share advice on how to financially prepare and explain why speaking to a mortgage broker early can accelerate your timeline—or reveal important life factors (like job changes or further study) that could impact your ability to borrow.

Step 3: Plan Your Property Journey
The third step is all about aligning your goals and values. Are you buying solo or with a partner? How long do you plan to stay in the property? Is it a stepping stone or a long-term home? The hosts help listeners develop a realistic wish list and provide a practical framework for determining what and where to buy. Rather than relying on generic "top suburbs" lists, this step encourages self-awareness and strategic planning based on your unique circumstances.

Step 4: Search and Inspect Like a Pro
Now the action begins—but only after proper preparation. Veronica and Meighan caution against jumping into open homes too early. They cover the differences between online browsing and in-person inspections, reveal why agent relationships matter, and teach you how to read between the lines of property listings and conversations. This step is about searching with purpose and recognising red flags in real time.

Step 5: Revise and Correct
This often-missed but vital step is your chance to pause, reflect, and recalibrate. The hosts explain how first-time buyers often evolve during the process—what you thought you wanted may change once you've seen enough properties. Step five ensures you're not wasting time or heading in the wrong direction. It's about making smart mid-course corrections to get you closer to the right home, not just any home.

Step 6: Understand Methods of Sale
Auction or private treaty? This step breaks down the two main ways properties are sold in Australia and how each impacts your due diligence and negotiation strategy. The hosts highlight how sale method differences vary not just by state, but by suburb and even by individual agent. Knowing how to ask the right questions—and when—is critical here.

Step 7: Property Evaluation
Arguably one of the most important steps, this is where you learn to assess whether a property is truly worth its asking price. Veronica and Meighan explain why generic property reports aren't enough and walk you through how to identify pros and cons, interpret market data, and compare sales effectively. Evaluation also includes crucial due diligence to avoid post-purchase disasters—like unknowingly buying in a flood zone.

Step 8: Master the Contract
The contract of sale can vary drastically between states and agents. In this step, the hosts demystify what should be in a contract, what to look for, and how to work with your solicitor or conveyancer to ensure nothing slips through the cracks. You'll learn why it's critical to involve your legal team before making an offer—not after—and how to supply them with the right information for better protection.

Step 9: Negotiate with Confidence
Negotiation is not just about throwing out a number. It's a nuanced process that needs to be informed by thorough evaluation, contract knowledge, and understanding of the sales method. The hosts share common missteps—like making an offer too early—and equip you with strategies for private treaty and auction scenarios. You'll also learn how to protect yourself with the right contract conditions.

Step 10: Settlement and Celebration
You've signed the contract—now what? Step ten covers the crucial phase between signing and settlement. It's a time of paperwork, payments, insurance, and legal obligations. Veronica and Meighan explain what your solicitor, broker, and bank will need from you, and why understanding your responsibilities during this phase is key to avoiding late settlements (and potential penalties). Get this right, and you'll not only celebrate, but feel confident you've done everything properly.

Final Thoughts: Education Is Empowerment
The episode wraps up with a passionate reminder: education is your greatest protection. Veronica and Meighan have created this 10-step system so you don't have to learn the hard way—or pay thousands in avoidable mistakes. From identifying the right suburb to negotiating like a pro, every step builds your confidence and control.

For those who want deeper guidance, the hosts recommend their comprehensive online course, THE First Home Buyer Course, which expands on each step with structured lessons and access to mentoring support.

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

➼ Your First Home Buyer Guide Podcast Episode #164: 10 Things We Wish We Knew as First-time Home Buyers https://homebuyeracademy.com.au/podcasts/164