The First Home Guidebook – Details, episodes & analysis

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The First Home Guidebook

Amy Lunardi

Education

Frequency: 1 episode/21d. Total Eps: 40

The First Home Guidebook is a podcast exclusively for first-home buyers, no matter what stage you're at in your property journey, brought to you by Amy Lunardi.Whether you're just starting out, saving for a deposit, searching for properties, making offers or bidding at auction, The First Home Guidebook is here to help.http://www.thefirsthomeguidebook.com.au (http://www.thefirsthomeguidebook.com.au)

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http://thepropertyguidebook.com.au/freebie
37 shares
https://thefirsthomeguidebook.com.au/freebie
30 shares
http://www.thefirsthomeguidebook.com.au/
6 shares

https://www.instagram.com/the.first.home.guidebook
30 shares
https://www.instagram.com/amy_lunardi_property
7 shares

https://podcasts.apple.com/au/podcast/10-ways-buying-a-property-is-like-online-dating/id1518510629?i=1000615640136
1 share

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Score global : 63%

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How to buy prior to auction

Episode 39

Wednesday, July 9, 2025 • Duration 14:41

In today’s episode, I'm unpacking a very common question:

Should you try to buy a property before auction – or just wait for auction day?

Many buyers assume auctions are always intense and expensive. But that’s not always the case – and in some scenarios, making a pre-auction offer can give you the edge. That said, it can also backfire if you don’t ask the right questions or understand how the process really works.

🏠 What You'll Learn:

Why auctions aren’t always competitive or scary
When a pre-auction offer can give you a major advantage
Why some vendors prefer to sell early (and when that works in your favour)
Why not every property can be sold before auction (think: deceased estates, mortgagee sales, or vendor instructions)
How a pre-auction offer differs from a regular offer – and what risks are involved for buyers and agents
What to ask the agent before making an offer
Three common offer scenarios (and which ones might trap you):
1. A brought-forward auction
2. A semi-transparent multi-buyer process
3. A sudden “best and highest” deadline
Why putting your best foot forward too soon could backfire on auction day

💡 Key Takeaway:

Pre-auction offers can be smart – but only when you’ve done the work upfront. And if the vendor’s expectations are too high or the process feels murky, sometimes auction day is actually your best bet.

LINKS:

Check out my FREE checklist 100 Things To Look Out For At Property Inspections here

Connect with Amy:

Website: www.thefirsthomeguidebook.com.au

Instagram: @the.first.home.guidebook

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Should you buy on a main road?

Episode 36

Monday, April 7, 2025 • Duration 19:17

This episode isn't just about busy roads; it focuses on factors impacting livability and capital growth, particularly location.

Many of my clients avoid busy roads, but some are open to them. It's a subjective decision, but buyers should be aware of the potential drawbacks.

In this episode I run through -

Livability Considerations:

Main Road Factors: Noise, safety, pollution (air and potentially visual), getting in and out of the property, aesthetics, tram lines, speed humps.

Different Levels of Busy Roads: Not all busy roads are the same.

Different Times of Day: Consider how busy the road is at various times.

Google Maps: Use Google Maps to understand the thickness (number of lanes) of the road.

Setback from the Busy Road: Busy road but set back in the block can mitigate some issues.

Public acquisition overlays (potential future road widening).

Proximity (a few houses back): Topography can affect noise; near a freeway, noise can carry far.

Proximity to Amenities/Disruptions:

Next to a pub/shops (noise, traffic).

Near industrial/commercial zoning (noise, traffic, potential odors).

Train line/airport (noise).

Social housing (potential for increased activity).

Transmission power lines (potential health concerns, aesthetics).

Blocks of vacant land/development sites (potential for future disruption).

Other Considerations:

You might overcapitalize by extensively renovating a property on a main road.

What to do if there's issues with your building inspection

Episode 35

Monday, March 17, 2025 • Duration 21:57

In this episode, I share my insights on what to do if you encounter issues during a building inspection. As a buyer's agent with over a decade of experience, I’ve navigated thousands of building inspections for my clients—witnessing a wide range of issues from minor defects to major deal breakers.

Why Get a Building Inspection?

Understanding the property's condition.
Identifying red flags—urgent repairs vs. long-term costs.
Building inspections as maintenance plans.

Timing of Inspections

Recommended timing based on auction vs. private sale.
Importance of getting the inspection done early.

Pre-Offer vs. Subject to Inspection

Pros and cons of obtaining an inspection before making an offer.
Strengthening your offer with a pre-inspection.

What to Do If Issues are Found?

Identifying deal breakers and understanding report classifications.
Importance of communication with building inspectors for clarity.
Possible next steps: renegotiation, involving specialists, and managing expectations with the vendor.

Negotiation Strategies

Use of inspection findings to negotiate repairs before settlement.
Proper documentation is crucial.
Risks involved with relying on verbal agreements.

Extensions and Important Considerations

Requesting extensions to building inspection clauses when necessary.
Legal implications and regional differences in building inspection clauses.

LINKS:

Check out my FREE checklist 100 Things To Look Out For At Property Inspections

The biggest misconceptions about off market properties

Episode 34

Monday, March 3, 2025 • Duration 21:46

I dive into the intriguing and often misunderstood world of off-market properties. For those first home buyers who feel lost amidst the clutter of online listings, off-market properties might be the treasure trove you never knew existed.

Misconception #1: Rarity

Thousands of off-market properties are available at any time.
They offer untapped opportunities for savvy buyers.

Misconception #2: Bargain Myth

Off-market doesn't always mean cheaper.
Understand how the broader market influences prices.

Misconception #3: Quality Concerns

Off-market properties are not inherently flawed.
Many are sold discreetly or due to seller preferences.

Misconception #4: Agent Outreach

Proactiveness is key; don’t rely on agents to contact you.
Build and maintain strong relationships with agents.

Misconception #5: Ease of Purchase

Off-market purchases can be complex and require due diligence.
Navigating unclear pricing and motivations can be challenging.

Misconception #6: The Ultimate Solution

Treat off-market properties as an additional tool, not a catch-all solution.
Consider the holistic approach of involving a buyer’s agent.

If you’re not exploring off-market options, you might be missing out on your dream home. This week, start building your agent contact list and reach out for hidden opportunities.

LINKS:

Check out my FREE checklist 100 Things To Look Out For At Property Inspections

How to buy in 2025: your 10 step action plan

Episode 33

Monday, February 17, 2025 • Duration 24:06

Thinking about buying your first home but not sure where to start? In this episode, I’m sharing a 10-step action plan to help you get prepared before jumping into the property market. From speaking with a mortgage broker to crafting a solid property strategy, researching the market, and accessing off-market opportunities, I’ll walk you through everything you need to know to set yourself up for success.

What You’ll Learn:

✅ Why speaking to a mortgage broker should be your first step

✅ How the First Home Super Saver Scheme can help boost your deposit

✅ The importance of “pretending” to have a mortgage before you buy

✅ Why a binding financial agreement is crucial if you’re buying with someone else

✅ How to develop a strong property strategy (your why, when, what & how)

✅ The best ways to research the market and stress-test your property brief

✅ The value of inspecting as many properties as possible before buying

✅ Why a buyer’s advocate can help you make a smarter purchase

✅ How to access off-market properties and connect with local real estate agents

✅ Why having the right team—conveyancer, mortgage broker, and property experts—makes all the difference

LINKS:

Check out my FREE checklist 100 Things To Look Out For At Property Inspections here

Connect with Amy:

Website: www.thefirsthomeguidebook.com.au

What to do if you keep missing out

Episode 32

Tuesday, October 3, 2023 • Duration 14:19

Are you on the hunt for the perfect property, but find yourself missing out on the ones you love? Or perhaps you’re lacking the confidence to begin making offers in the first place.

Today, I’m taking you through the different ways you can overcome the challenges preventing you from finding success on your property buying journey.

First things first: there is no rush to buy property, and certainly no rule saying you must buy within a certain timeframe. However, if you've been at it for over a year or even longer without much progress, it may be time to rethink your approach.

So how do you change your strategy when it comes to searching for your first home? I discuss the importance of identifying the issues that are keeping you stuck in no man’s land, and encourage you to ask yourself questions in order to get to the bottom of things.

Is your property brief clear and achievable? Are you adjusting your expectations and budget as the market changes? Are you being as proactive in researching or attending inspections as you possibly can be?

While there are elements in the property market that are outside of your control, I take you through the different ways of thinking that will help you readjust and make the best of what you can control. I discuss the average timeframe for successfully buying a property, and guide you on what you can do to close the gap so that you’re not left wandering the market indefinitely.

Cracking the property market isn’t impossible, but it does require a strategy, adaptability and a good amount of preparation. There are many free resources out there to provide you with the knowledge you need, and will give you the confidence to make better decisions that lead to better results. And remember, buyers advocates like myself are just a phone call away, if professional guidance is what you’re really after!

LINKS:

Check out my FREE checklist 100 Things To Look Out For At Property Inspections

Can you trust real estate agents?

Episode 31

Tuesday, September 26, 2023 • Duration 12:53

Can you trust real estate agents? It’s the question on many first home buyers' lips and certainly one worth discussing. Real estate agents are often put in the same mistrusted category as politicians and used car salesmen, and although many of them are genuinely good people who want to help you find your dream home, it’s important to do your due diligence when entering the real estate game.

The catch lies in the commission-based nature of the industry, where some agents may resort to questionable tactics to secure a sale. So in this episode, I’m highlighting the need for caution and self-reliance in your property search and uncovering some valuable insights that every homebuyer and property investor should know.

Real estate agents deal with property transactions daily and possess valuable insights. In contrast, first-time homebuyers often lack the knowledge and experience to match. This information gap can breed mistrust, especially when things don't go as planned during property transactions. It's crucial to remember that clarity in communication and asking the right questions can bridge this gap and set clear expectations.

If an agent misleads or makes a mistake, the consequences might only surface after you've missed out on a property. So to make sure you’re protected, it's essential to educate yourself from the beginning and ask probing questions to avoid such situations.

When it comes to knowing if you can trust real estate agents, the answer is nuanced. While you can rely on agents for information related to the selling process, such as offer timing, vendor expectations, and contract details, the responsibility for due diligence ultimately falls on your shoulders. That’s why it’s so important to get an independent contract review, research property value, check council restrictions, and consult with your financial advisor for a comprehensive understanding on what you’re about to enter into. Real estate agents can provide valuable insights, but never solely rely on them for critical decisions.

LINKS:

Check out my FREE checklist

How do you know if a property is 'the one'?

Episode 30

Tuesday, September 19, 2023 • Duration 14:13

You may have heard me compare finding the right property with online dating before. From deciding what qualities you’re looking for to knowing whether someone’s a good match, searching for a property can involve making equally overwhelming decisions.

So how do you know if a property is ‘the one’? Today I’ll be guiding you through some strategies you can adopt in order to begin your property buying journey with clarity and to make your decision with confidence.

Starting with the good news: while searching for a partner comes with a lot of unknowns and guesswork, there are much more tangible ways to embark on your search for the right property. I talk about the research and prep work you can do to help you make the best decision, and how things like market comparison and data can help guide you in the right direction.

What property buying does have in common with dating however, is that sometimes it does rely on a little bit of that gut feel. While having a clearly defined property brief is crucial in navigating the market, I talk about how trusting your instincts or emotions when something does or doesn’t feel right is not only acceptable, but important - particularly if the property you’re buying will be your new home.

I take you through some helpful strategies such as benchmarking, knowing your ‘why, when and what’ and different types of research you can do to ensure your expectations are realistic and your goals achievable.

Just like with dating, there’s always a chance you’ll feel the fear of missing out on something better. However, the more informed and prepared you are, the better chance you have at being confident you’ve found the perfect match for you.

LINKS:

Previous episode mentioned: 10 ways buying a property is like online dating

The First Home Guidebook – Details, episodes & analysis

Podcast details

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The First Home Guidebook – Details, episodes & analysis

Podcast details

Recent rankings

Apple Podcasts

Spotify

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