Buying your first home isn’t just about getting into the market, it’s about making a smart choice that supports your goals now and sets you up for what comes next.

In this episode, Jack Elliott and Chris Bates break down what makes a property high-quality and why the right home should work for you today and hold value for the future.

They walk you through a clear, top-down approach to evaluating asset quality, starting at the macro level with location, supply, and demand, then zooming in to the street, the home itself, layout, and land.

You’ll learn what to avoid (like new development areas or off-the-plan apartments), how to identify rare or high-demand homes, and how to balance lifestyle with long-term value.

Whether you're buying to stay long-term or planning to upgrade in a few years, this episode will help you avoid emotional buying and make a smart, strategic decision.

In this episode:

🔑 What asset quality really means (and why it matters)

🔑 Why you should zoom out before falling in love with a property

🔑 How to assess location, supply and demand

🔑 What to look for in a suburb, street, and specific home

🔑 The difference between land value and building value

🔑 Key red flags and signs of long-term value

Timestamps:

00:00 – Why asset quality is so important for first home buyers

04:18 – Start by zooming out. Don’t get emotionally attached too early

08:18 – Macro-level: Understanding supply and demand

14:39 – Buying with future buyers in mind

17:19 – Zooming into suburb and location quality

19:00 – What important factors to look for on the street?

26:47 – What about the property itself? What to look for at inspections?

32:58 – The importance of Asset Quality for First Home Buyers

34:19 – The importance of land vs the building

35:02 – Key takeaways

🎧 Listen now and learn how to buy with confidence, not just convenience.

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Download your Asset Quality Checklist

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Getting pre-approved isn’t just about ticking a box, it's about buying with clarity, confidence, and control.

In this episode, Jack Elliott and Chris Bates unpack what a fully assessed pre-approval actually is, why it matters, and how it puts you in a stronger position when it’s time to make an offer.

They break down the difference between a computer-generated approval and one that’s properly reviewed by a credit assessor, and how that impacts your ability to move quickly when the right property comes up.

You’ll learn how pre-approval fits into your buying timeline, how it can help uncover roadblocks early (like credit issues or complex income), and why starting the process 6–12 months out can make all the difference.

Whether you’re just starting to explore the idea of buying, or ready to get serious, this episode gives you the tools to move forward with more confidence and clarity.

In this episode:

🔑 What a pre-approval actually is

🔑 Fully assessed vs online pre-approvals

🔑 How pre-approval helps you avoid costly delays

🔑 Why your broker’s process makes a big difference

🔑 Ideal timing for getting pre-approved

Timestamps:

00:00 – What’s in store for this episode?

01:41 – What is a pre-approval, and why does it matter?

04:30 – The process to get a pre-approval

05:29 – Fully assessed vs computer-generated: what’s the difference?

08:40 – Ideal timing for pre-approval

09:01 – How long does a pre-approval last, and what happens if it expires?

09:25 – How pre-approval speeds up the formal approval process

10:34 – Your broker’s role: strategy, not just paperwork

12:50 – Top tips for a strong pre-approval

13:48 – The value of going through the pre-approval process

15:38 – What’s to come on next week's episode?

🎧 Listen now and learn how to take control of your buying journey.

Want to keep the conversation going?

👉 Join the First Home Unlocked Facebook Community

📅 Book a chat with Jack for tailored support

📱Follow us on social media: Instagram, TikTok, Youtube

firsthomeunlocked.com.au

One of the biggest myths in home buying is that you need a 20% deposit. While it can help avoid some costs, it’s not a requirement, and focusing only on that number could be holding you back.

In this episode, Jack Elliott and Chris Bates break down the real deposit options available for first home buyers, including how much you actually need, how to avoid unnecessary delays, and what smarter alternatives exist if a 20% deposit feels out of reach.

You’ll explore practical ways to think about saving, understand options like the First Home Guarantee Scheme and family guarantor loans, and hear simple tips to build momentum, even if you’re just getting started.

Whether you’re early in your savings journey or already close to your goal, this episode will help you move forward with more clarity and confidence.

In this episode:

🔑 Do you really need a 20% deposit?

🔑 Deposit options from 2% to 20%, including the First Home Guarantee and family guarantor loans

🔑 Why buffers matter and how to set up your savings

🔑 Smart tips to build habits and practice future mortgage repayments

Timestamps:

00:00 – Do you really need a 20% deposit?

02:45 – Why 20% is such a common myth

05:08 – Your options with a 5%–10% deposit

07:37 – When it makes sense to pay LMI (and when to avoid it)

09:13 – What is the Family Home Guarantee Scheme?

09:46 – Other low-deposit options and what to consider

11:14 – How much do you really need to save?

11:50 – Client story: Buying with 5% instead of saving 15%

12:54 – Building a clear savings approach

🎧 Listen now and take the guesswork out of your deposit strategy.

Key Links from This Episode

First Home Guarantee Scheme

Family Home Guarantee Scheme

Unlock your Free Resources

Get your Unlocking Your Deposit Resource

Want to keep the conversation going?

👉 Join the First Home Unlocked Facebook Community

📅 Book a chat with Jack for tailored support

📱Follow Us on social media: Instagram, TikTok, Youtube

firsthomeunlocked.com.au