Lesson 1: Where to Start as a First-Time Home Buyer

This foundational lesson cuts through the confusion and gives you a clear, actionable roadmap to start your path to homeownership. Instead of spending months researching and second-guessing yourself, you'll walk away with a concrete plan and the confidence to take your first real steps.

What You'll Learn:

The 4 essential steps every successful first-time buyer follows

How to set realistic goals with achievable timelines

The truth about deposit requirements (spoiler: you don't need 20%)

Why getting pre-approved first can save you months of heartache

Which government grants and concessions you might be missing out on

Who This Is For: Perfect for Australian first-time buyers who are tired of feeling confused and ready to take action. Whether you've been "thinking about buying" for years or just starting to consider homeownership, this lesson provides the clarity you need.

Lesson Overview

The Problem Most First-Time Buyers Face

The biggest challenge isn't saving money or finding properties – it's knowing where to actually start. Most people get stuck in analysis paralysis, overwhelmed by conflicting advice, outdated information, and well-meaning but unhelpful suggestions from friends and family.

Our Proven 4-Step Framework

Step 1: Begin with Your Goal in Mind Move beyond vague wishes like "I want to buy a house someday" to create specific, measurable targets. Learn how to set realistic timelines and define exactly what success looks like for your situation. We'll show you why some buyers achieve their goals in months while others spend years stuck in the planning phase.

Step 2: Take a Personal Financial Audit Get crystal clear on your current financial position with tools designed specifically for Australian buyers. This isn't about judging your spending – it's about understanding exactly where you stand so you can make informed decisions. You'll learn how to assess your income, create a realistic budget, and identify opportunities to strengthen your financial position.

Step 3: Consult a Mortgage Professional Discover why getting your borrowing capacity sorted before house hunting is the secret weapon of successful buyers. We'll explain how pre-approval works, what lenders actually look for, and how to position yourself as an attractive borrower – even if your financial situation isn't perfect.

Step 4: Get Educated on Your Options Uncover the government grants, concessions, and assistance programs available to first-time buyers. Many of these can save you thousands of dollars, but they're not automatic – you need to know they exist and how to access them.

What Makes This Different

Real-World Experience: This isn't theoretical advice from someone who's never arranged a mortgage. Catherine Jones is a licensed mortgage broker who helps first-time buyers navigate this process every single day.

Australian-Focused: Every example, program, and strategy is specifically relevant to the Australian property market and current lending environment.

Action-Oriented: You won't just learn concepts – you'll get practical tools, templates, and resources you can use immediately.

Myth-Busting: We'll challenge common misconceptions that keep people stuck, like the belief that you need a 20% deposit or years of preparation.

What You'll Walk Away With

By the end of this lesson, you'll have:

• A clear understanding of your next steps
• Realistic expectations about timelines and requirements
• Access to budgeting tools designed for Australian first-time buyers
• Confidence to move forward with your home buying journey
• Knowledge of assistance programs you might qualify for
• The Investment in Your Future

This lesson represents the foundation of your home buying education. The strategies and insights you'll gain can save you thousands of dollars and months of confusion. More importantly, you'll develop the confidence and clarity needed to make one of life's biggest financial decisions successfully.

Ready to stop wondering and start planning?

About Your Instructor

Catherine Jones is a licensed mortgage broker with LendAu who specializes in helping first-time buyers navigate the Australian property market. With access to over 40 lenders and years of experience, Catherine has guided hundreds of clients from their first consultation to settlement day and beyond.

Her approach is educational and transparent – she believes informed buyers make better decisions and achieve better outcomes. Catherine stays current with market conditions, government programs, and lending criteria changes to ensure her clients always have access to the most current and relevant advice.

Start Your Journey Today

Every successful home buyer started exactly where you are now – with questions, concerns, and uncertainty about the process. The difference between those who achieve their goals and those who remain stuck is taking that first step toward education and preparation.

This lesson is that first step.