Episodes

  • You DO NOT need 20% deposit to purchase property
    Nov 3 2024

    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
    Show more Show less
    25 mins
  • Essential Tips for Boosting Your Borrowing Capacity in 2024
    Oct 27 2024

    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
    Show more Show less
    28 mins
  • Will Interest Rates Drop in 2024?
    Oct 20 2024

    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
    Show more Show less
    24 mins
  • Is Working From Home Really Over? | The Future of Remote Work
    Oct 13 2024

    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
    Show more Show less
    21 mins
  • What is a Buyers Agent and Do You Even Need One?
    Oct 7 2024

    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
    Show more Show less
    33 mins
  • Is Inflation Driving Up Australia’s Property Prices?
    Sep 29 2024

    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
    Show more Show less
    22 mins
  • How Tech Can Help You Get Into The Property Market In 2024
    Sep 22 2024

    Ready to take your property search into the 21st century? In this episode of the Home Buyers Australia podcast, hosts Damien Walker and Jack Corbett explore how technology has revolutionised the home buying process. From online property platforms to leveraging Google Maps, this episode covers the essential tools and strategies every modern home buyer needs to know.

    Discover how to utilise the wealth of information available online, understand the nuances of price guides, and avoid common pitfalls by using tech-savvy approaches. Whether you're a first-time buyer or a seasoned investor, this episode will equip you with the knowledge to make smarter, data-driven decisions in your property journey.

    In this episode, you’ll explore:

    • How property search tools like realestate.com and Domain can be maximised for better insights.
    • The importance of analysing recent sales data rather than just relying on price guides.
    • The role of Google Maps and other digital tools in assessing a property's surroundings and risks.
    • Tips for finding off-market opportunities using tech and building relationships with real estate agents.
    • The benefits of getting a professional mortgage broker to assess your borrowing power versus relying on online calculators.
    • How to navigate the abundance of information online and avoid misinformation during your property search.

    TIMESTAMPS:

    00:00 - Introduction: The Digital Age of Home Buying
    01:36 - Realestate.com and Domain: Maximising Their Potential
    03:55 - Understanding the True Value of a Property: Beyond the Price Guide
    07:33 - Google Maps: A Powerful Tool for Property Research
    12:39 - Off-Market Opportunities: How to Find Them Using Tech
    15:03 - The Role of a Mortgage Broker vs. Online Calculators
    19:49 - Navigating the Abundance of Information Online

    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
    Show more Show less
    27 mins
  • How Millennials & Gen Z Can Break Into the Property Market in 2024!
    Sep 15 2024

    Struggling to save for a deposit or unsure how to get your foot in the door of the property market?

    This episode of the Home Buyers Australia podcast is here to help! Hosts Damien Walker and Jack Corbett share essential strategies for Millennials and Gen Z to save a deposit, leverage government grants, and creatively navigate the challenges of buying your first home.

    Learn how to focus on increasing your income, keeping lifestyle creep in check, and making smart decisions that will set you up for success. Whether you’re thinking about buying with friends or family, or simply looking for tips on asset selection, this episode covers it all.

    In this episode, you’ll explore:

    • The importance of income growth and how to maximise it to save for your first home.
    • Creative ways to keep your expenses low while saving, such as house-sharing and living with parents.
    • How to utilise government grants and the "Bank of Mum and Dad" to bolster your deposit.
    • The benefits and risks of buying property with friends or siblings.
    • Tips on selecting the right first property, from units to houses, and understanding asset scarcity.
    • Innovative mortgage products like property share that can ease the path to homeownership.

    Timestamps:

    00:00 - Introduction: Cracking the Code for Millennials and Gen Z
    01:38 - The Role of Income in Saving for Your First Property
    06:35 - Keeping Lifestyle Creep in Check While Saving
    10:11 - Leveraging Government Grants and the "Bank of Mum and Dad"
    15:23 - Buying with Friends or Siblings: Risks and Rewards
    19:34 - Asset Selection: What to Look for in Your First Property
    25:53 - Creative Financing Options for First-Time Buyers

    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
    Show more Show less
    28 mins