In this episode of Home Buyers Australia, Damien Walker from Atelier Wealth discusses the various schemes in place to support buyers on their quest for home ownership. He covers the First Home Guarantee scheme, the eligibility criteria, and income caps. He then turns his attention to stamp duty, sharing must-know info on the various State schemes in place and the relevant property price caps.
Damien’s top tip is to stop scrolling and take action. Listen to this episode for all the information and motivation you need to make a plan and get that property

In this episode you’ll hear about:

• What is the First Home Guarantee Scheme & how it can benefit you
• Income and Eligibility Requirements for the Scheme
• State-by-State Stamp Duty Exemptions for First-Time Buyers
• Goal setting and getting advice from your mortgage broker

TIMESTAMPS:
00:02 Introduction to the First Home Guarantee Scheme
05:05 Income caps for First Home Guarantee scheme
10:20 Breaking Down State-Based Stamp Duty Exemptions
14:00 Why Early Mortgage Broker Consultations Make a Difference

ABOUT THE PODCAST:

Are you dreaming of owning your own home? Home Buyers Australia is your ultimate guide to navigating the Australian property market. Join mortgage broker Damien Walker and buyer's agent Jack Corbett as they break down the home buying process into easy-to-understand steps.

Damien Walker, a mortgage broker at Atelier Wealth, specialises in helping Australians navigate the complexities of property finance. With years of experience in the industry, Damien’s insights are invaluable for those looking to build a robust property portfolio.

Jack Corbett, a buyer's agent at Corbett Property Buyers, brings a wealth of knowledge in identifying and securing high-potential properties. Jack's expertise ensures clients make informed decisions that align with their long-term goals.

CONNECT WITH US:

Don’t forget to follow along on:

• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/homebuyersaustralia
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/homebuyersaustralia
• TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@homebuyersaus
• YouTube: www.youtube.com/@HomeBuyersAus

In this episode of the Home Buyers Australia podcast, host Damien Walker shares his broker know-how, addressing the real questions that first-time buyers need answered. As regular listeners will know, Damien tells it how it is, giving up-to-the-minute intel on topics such as the steps to securing a home loan, borrowing power, and explaining why obtaining pre-approval should be high up on your to-do list.

Listen to this episode to get up to speed on offset accounts, lender requirements, and what you need to know about interest rates. If you’re navigating the home-buying journey, this episode is designed to help you with some of the niggling questions and confusing aspects of the process.

In this episode:

• The importance of knowing your borrowing power
• When and why to get pre-approved
• Understanding interest rate policies
• Offset accounts and whether you need one
• What to expect when working with a mortgage broker
• Unique property risks and navigating bank approvals

TIMESTAMPS:

01:07 Understanding Borrowing Power vs. Buying Power
04:08 Why Pre-Approval Should Be Your First Step
06:14 Interest Rate Depends on Bank Policy
08:10 How Offset Accounts Work
11:28 What is the process of engaging with a Mortgage Broker
17:25 The Next Step After Pre-Approval

ABOUT THE PODCAST:

Are you dreaming of owning your own home? Home Buyers Australia is your ultimate guide to navigating the Australian property market. Join mortgage broker Damien Walker and buyer's agent Jack Corbett as they break down the home buying process into easy-to-understand steps.

Damien Walker, a mortgage broker at Atelier Wealth, specialises in helping Australians navigate the complexities of property finance. With years of experience in the industry, Damien’s insights are invaluable for those looking to build a robust property portfolio.

Jack Corbett, a buyer's agent at Corbett Property Buyers, brings a wealth of knowledge in identifying and securing high-potential properties. Jack's expertise ensures clients make informed decisions that align with their long-term goals.

CONNECT WITH US:

Don’t forget to follow along on:

• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/homebuyersaustralia
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/homebuyersaustralia
• TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@homebuyersaus
• YouTube: www.youtube.com/@HomeBuyersAus

In this episode of the Home Buyers Australia podcast, Jack Corbett and Damien Walker unpack one of the most crucial aspects of buying a home: the deposit. If you’re confused about the schemes out there, and want to find out just how much deposit you’ll need to get onto the property ladder, this episode is for you.

You’ll hear about the advantages and disadvantages of different deposit sizes, the implications of lenders' mortgage insurance (LMI), and strategies for both first-home buyers and families upgrading their homes. They discuss why banks require deposits and explain the various options out there, from the standard 20% to the government-backed schemes that allow you to enter the market with as little as 5%.

Jack and Damo will get you to up to speed with the jargon you’ll encounter, and give hope for first time buyers that their starter home may be more achievable than they think.

Timestamps:
00:00 Intro
00:38 Why banks require deposits and how they minimise risk
02:06 What you need to know about Lenders Mortgage Insurance (LMI)
08:26 Overview of the Home Guarantee Scheme and its benefits for first-home buyers
04:21 Saving for your deposit as a first-time buyer
16:17 LMI waivers for nurses, doctors, and other professions
17:31 Parental guarantees: how family equity can help you buy with no deposit

ABOUT THE PODCAST:

Are you dreaming of owning your own home? Home Buyers Australia is your ultimate guide to navigating the Australian property market. Join mortgage broker Damien Walker and buyer's agent Jack Corbett as they break down the home buying process into easy-to-understand steps.

Damien Walker, a mortgage broker at Atelier Wealth, specialises in helping Australians navigate the complexities of property finance. With years of experience in the industry, Damien’s insights are invaluable for those looking to build a robust property portfolio.

Jack Corbett, a buyer's agent at Corbett Property Buyers, brings a wealth of knowledge in identifying and securing high-potential properties. Jack's expertise ensures clients make informed decisions that align with their long-term goals.

CONNECT WITH US:

Don’t forget to follow along on:

• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/homebuyersaustralia
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/homebuyersaustralia
• TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@homebuyersaus
• YouTube: www.youtube.com/@HomeBuyersAus

In this episode of the Home Buyers Australia podcast, Jack Corbett and Damien Walker break down one of the most critical aspects of buying a home: borrowing capacity. If you want to maximise your home loan, this episode will give you the inside track with insights into how borrowing power is calculated.

From discussing liabilities like credit cards and car loans to offering insight into the nuances of self-employment and business income, this episode is packed with actionable tips to help you navigate the loan process with confidence.

In their usual straight talking style, Jack and Damien outline some of the big no-nos when it comes to boosting your borrowing and bust some myths along the way. They run through how banks assess your income and liabilities, and offer practical advice for increasing your borrowing potential, like managing credit card limits, tackling HECS debt, and improving your income.

In this episode you’ll learn:

• How borrowing capacity is calculated by banks
• Tips to increase borrowing power, including reducing credit card limits
• The impact of student debt (HECS) on borrowing capacity
• Advice for small business owners navigating the lending process
• Why planning early with a mortgage broker can make a big difference

Timestamps:

00:35 - Understanding Borrowing Capacity
03:02 - Boosting Borrowing Power by Managing Credit Card Limits
06:31 - Running Borrowing Scenarios for Clients
10:58 - Reducing HECS Debt to Enhance Borrowing Capacity
13:48 - Increasing Salary to Maximise Borrowing Power
18:52 - Special Loan Considerations for Small Business Owners
24:32 - How Banks Assess Business Income and Profit

ABOUT THE PODCAST:

Are you dreaming of owning your own home? Home Buyers Australia is your ultimate guide to navigating the Australian property market. Join mortgage broker Damien Walker and buyer's agent Jack Corbett as they break down the home buying process into easy-to-understand steps.

Damien Walker, a mortgage broker at Atelier Wealth, specialises in helping Australians navigate the complexities of property finance. With years of experience in the industry, Damien’s insights are invaluable for those looking to build a robust property portfolio.

Jack Corbett, a buyer's agent at Corbett Property Buyers, brings a wealth of knowledge in identifying and securing high-potential properties. Jack's expertise ensures clients make informed decisions that align with their long-term goals.

CONNECT WITH US:

Don’t forget to follow along on:

• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/homebuyersaustralia
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/homebuyersaustralia
• TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@homebuyersaus
• YouTube: www.youtube.com/@HomeBuyersAus

In this episode of the Home Buyers Australia Podcast, Jack Corbett and Damien Walker discuss the hot topic of interest rates and their impact on the property market. With central banks worldwide starting to cut rates, Jack and Damien explore what this could mean for Australian homeowners, particularly those with variable-rate mortgages. They also touch on the importance of borrowing within one’s means and offer some practical advice for buyers navigating the current property market.

This episode covers everything from inflation trends to predictions on rate cuts, providing listeners with valuable insights and relatable real-life examples. Jack and Damien If you are keen to understand the potential impact of interest rates on your home buying journey, this one’s for you.

In this episode:

• How global economic trends impact Australia’s interest rates.
• Predictions for rate cuts in 2024 and beyond.
• The potential impact of interest rate changes on the Australian property market.
• Practical advice for buyers: when is the right time to buy?
• Why borrowing power may increase as rates decrease.
• Why it's crucial to buy within your means, and how the long game matters in real estate.

TIMESTAMPS:

00:00 - Introduction: Interest Rates and Their Future Impact

01:16 - The Cash Rate Explained: What It Means for Borrowers

02:00 - Global Trends: How Other Central Banks Are Responding to Inflation

02:43 - Australia’s Position: Why We're Last to Cut Rates

04:00 - Timeline for Rate Cuts: When to Expect the First Drop

05:53 - Will There Be Another Rate Increase Before Cuts?

06:43 - Borrowing Power and Its Link to Rate Cuts: What Buyers Can Expect

08:00 - Impact of Interest Rate Drops on the Housing Market

09:14 - Investor Activity: Factoring in Future Rate Cuts

11:06 - Advice for First Home Buyers: Why You Shouldn’t Wait to Buy

13:49 - Supply and Demand: How Rate Changes Affect Property Prices

16:00 - A Case Study: Navigating High Interest Rates as a First-Time Buyer

17:33 - Borrowing Strategies for Buyers in a High-Rate Environment

19:11 - Potential Changes to the Assessment Rate System in the Future

20:23 - The Relationship Between Housing Affordability and Interest Rates

21:00 - Conclusion: Key Takeaways on Rate Cuts and Property Prices

ABOUT THE PODCAST:

Are you dreaming of owning your own home? Home Buyers Australia is your ultimate guide to navigating the Australian property market. Join mortgage broker Damien Walker and buyer's agent Jack Corbett as they break down the home buying process into easy-to-understand steps.

Damien Walker, a mortgage broker at Atelier Wealth, specialises in helping Australians navigate the complexities of property finance. With years of experience in the industry, Damien’s insights are invaluable for those looking to build a robust property portfolio.

Jack Corbett, a buyer's agent at Corbett Property Buyers, brings a wealth of knowledge in identifying and securing high-potential properties. Jack's expertise ensures clients make informed decisions that align with their long-term goals.

CONNECT WITH US:

Don’t forget to follow along on:

• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/homebuyersaustralia
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/homebuyersaustralia
• TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@homebuyersaus
• YouTube: www.youtube.com/@HomeBuyersAus

In this episode of the Home Buyers Australia Podcast, hosts Damien Walker and Jack Corbett dive into the multifaceted landscape of remote work, regional property markets, and gender equality. They explore how the work-from-home revolution, significantly accelerated by the COVID-19 pandemic, is evolving and whether it’s truly coming to an end.

The episode sheds light on why major corporations and government entities are urging employees to return to the office and the subsequent impacts on property markets, especially in regions like Wollongong. Damien and Jack also discuss the pros and cons of remote work, from lifestyle perks to the increasing tension over hybrid models, and why some employees are willing to switch jobs for flexibility.

In this episode, you’ll explore:

• The current state of remote work and its implications for regional property markets.
• Migration trends from Sydney to regions like Illawarra and the Central Coast, driven by hybrid work environments.
• How interest rates and housing affordability influence these moves and the stability of regional markets.
• The benefits for local businesses due to the influx of skilled workers.
• The role of ongoing infrastructure projects in sustaining regional growth.
• The gender implications of returning to office work and the importance of flexible arrangements.
• How different companies are navigating the challenges of hybrid work models and their impact on productivity and employee satisfaction.

TIMESTAMPS:

00:41 - The Work from Home Movement: How It All Began

02:45 - Regional Property Market Boom

03:53 - Pros and Cons of the Work from Home Movement: Why Some Regret Moving

05:00 - The Shift Back to Office Work: Employer vs. Employee Dynamics

06:37 - The Future of Work: Regional Market Impact if Work from Home Ends

11:53 - The Ongoing Demand for Regional Living and Housing Stock

16:37 - Flexible Work and Its Role in Attracting Talent

17:35 - The Potential Impact of Mandating Full-Time Office Work on Gender Equity

18:07 - Small Businesses Benefiting from Offering Flexible Work Arrangements

19:11 - The Push to Return to Offices: Other Interests at Play

21:00 - Conclusion: The Future of Hybrid Work and Property Markets

ABOUT THE PODCAST:

Are you dreaming of owning your own home? Home Buyers Australia is your ultimate guide to navigating the Australian property market. Join mortgage broker Damien Walker and buyer's agent Jack Corbett as they break down the home buying process into easy-to-understand steps.

Damien Walker, a mortgage broker at Atelier Wealth, specialises in helping Australians navigate the complexities of property finance. With years of experience in the industry, Damien’s insights are invaluable for those looking to build a robust property portfolio.

Jack Corbett, a buyer's agent at Corbett Property Buyers, brings a wealth of knowledge in identifying and securing high-potential properties. Jack's expertise ensures clients make informed decisions that align with their long-term goals.

CONNECT WITH US:

Don’t forget to follow along on:

• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/homebuyersaustralia
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/homebuyersaustralia
• TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@homebuyersaus
• YouTube: www.youtube.com/@HomeBuyersAus

In this episode of the Home Buyers Australia podcast, hosts Damian Walker and Jack Corbett turn their attention to buyer's agents, with Jack filling us in on his role as a buyer’s agent. Together, they unpack what a buyer's agent actually does, when you should consider using one, and how a good buyer’s agent can save you time, money, and stress, Whether you're a first-time buyer, time-poor, or just looking for expert help in making one of the biggest financial decisions of your life, this episode covers it all—from fees and services to what a buyer’s agent will look out for when inspecting a property. Tune in to learn more about how you can make your home-buying experience smoother and more successful with the right help.

In this episode, you’ll explore:

• The role of a buyer's agent and whether you need one when purchasing property.
• Key differences between a buyer’s agent and a real estate agent, and how buyer’s agents represent your interests.
• The process of engaging a buyer’s agent—from initial consultations to purchasing a property.
• How a buyer’s agent helps time-poor buyers make informed decisions and secure properties faster.
• Costs and fee structures for buyer’s agents, including auction bidding, negotiation services, and full-service packages.
• The importance of selecting a buyer's agent with local experience and strong agent relationships.
• Insights into the benefits of buying off-market properties and how buyer’s agents provide access to these opportunities.

TIMESTAMPS:

02:00 - What Is a Buyer’s Agent? How They Differ from Real Estate Agents

04:00 - How Using a Buyer’s Agent Can Help You Secure a Better Deal

05:30 - The Process: When to Engage a Buyer’s Agent

09:00 - Matching Lifestyle with Property: Why It Matters

12:30 - How a Buyer’s Agent Helps You Avoid Common Pitfalls

14:00 - Cost Structures: What Services Do Buyer’s Agents Offer?

17:30 - The Benefits of Off-Market Properties and Negotiation Advantages

22:00 - Why Choosing a Local Buyer’s Agent with Experience Matters

26:00 - The Difference Between Buyer’s Agents for Owner-Occupied and Investment Properties

30:00 - How Buyer’s Agents Add Value to Your Property Search

ABOUT THE PODCAST:

Are you dreaming of owning your own home? Home Buyers Australia is your ultimate guide to navigating the Australian property market. Join mortgage broker Damien Walker and buyer's agent Jack Corbett as they break down the home buying process into easy-to-understand steps.

Damien Walker, a mortgage broker at Atelier Wealth, specialises in helping Australians navigate the complexities of property finance. With years of experience in the industry, Damien’s insights are invaluable for those looking to build a robust property portfolio.

Jack Corbett, a buyer's agent at Corbett Property Buyers, brings a wealth of knowledge in identifying and securing high-potential properties. Jack's expertise ensures clients make informed decisions that align with their long-term goals.

CONNECT WITH US:

Don’t forget to follow along on:

• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/homebuyersaustralia
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/homebuyersaustralia
• TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@homebuyersaus
• YouTube: www.youtube.com/@HomeBuyersAus

In this episode of the Home Buyers Australia Podcast, hosts Jack Corbett and Damien Walker get to grips with inflation—what it is, why it happens, and how it impacts your everyday life, especially as a homeowner or prospective buyer. From understanding the consumer price index (CPI) to exploring how inflation affects wages, debt, and house prices, this conversation breaks down this big topic, making it easy to understand and relatable even for the most finance-phobic listener. Whether you're a first-time buyer or a seasoned investor, inflation affects us all, so this is one is well worth a listen.

In this episode, you’ll hear all about:

• Purchasing power and the impact of inflation on your pay packet
• How inflation impacts on your long-term debt, especially your mortgage
• What the government is doing to promote “healthy” inflation
• Advice on how you stay the right side of things in an inflationary environment

TIMESTAMPS:

00:45 - What Is Inflation? Understanding the Basics

02:00 - How Inflation Has Affected Us Over the Last Year

03:30 - Supply and Demand: The Key Drivers Behind Inflation

06:00 - Monetary Policy and Its Role in Managing Inflation

08:00 - How Inflation Impacts Salaries and Wages

10:00 - Standard of Living: Why Life Feels More Expensive Today

12:45 - The Sweet Spot: Ideal Inflation Rates for Economic Growth

14:00 - The Effect of Inflation on House Prices and Supply Issues

16:30 - How Inflation Impacts Debt and Borrowing Power

19:00 - Why Inflation Can Help You Pay Off Debt Faster

22:00 - The Future of Inflation: What to Expect in the Coming Years

24:30 - Managing Your Finances in a High-Inflation Environment

26:00 - Inflation’s Impact on Your Financial Future

ABOUT THE PODCAST:

Are you dreaming of owning your own home? Home Buyers Australia is your ultimate guide to navigating the Australian property market. Join mortgage broker Damien Walker and buyer's agent Jack Corbett as they break down the home buying process into easy-to-understand steps.

Damien Walker, a mortgage broker at Atelier Wealth, specialises in helping Australians navigate the complexities of property finance. With years of experience in the industry, Damien’s insights are invaluable for those looking to build a robust property portfolio.

Jack Corbett, a buyer's agent at Corbett Property Buyers, brings a wealth of knowledge in identifying and securing high-potential properties. Jack's expertise ensures clients make informed decisions that align with their long-term goals.

CONNECT WITH US:

Don’t forget to follow along on:

• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/homebuyersaustralia
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/homebuyersaustralia
• TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@homebuyersaus
• YouTube: www.youtube.com/@HomeBuyersAus