How to buy in 2025: your 10 step action plan

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:Overcapitalizing: You might overcapitalize by extensively renovating a property on a main road.Discounted Properties: Bigger blocks with rundown properties on main roads might be discounted (Fairfield example: $1.1m vs. $1.7m).Growth Zoning and Main Roads: Consider growth zoning and buying near main road projects/developments (potential for future changes).Buying Near Big Road Projects/Developments: Be aware of potential disruptions during construction and long-term impact.When Buying a HOME, What's Important?Ticking Your Own Boxes: Prioritize what's important to you, but consider future capital growth.Buying at a Discount: You might get a discount on a busy road property, but it could be harder to sell and potentially at a bigger discount in softer markets.Compromise: Consider buying on a busy road or another compromise (e.g., further from the city).Key Takeaway:Sometimes, being on a busy road allows you to get into a suburb you couldn't otherwise afford, or a renovated property, or into a certain school zone. This highlights the trade-offs involved.Keen to know more? Visit www.thefirsthomeguidebook.com.au

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 InspectionsRecommended timing based on auction vs. private sale.Importance of getting the inspection done early.Pre-Offer vs. Subject to InspectionPros 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 StrategiesUse of inspection findings to negotiate repairs before settlement.Proper documentation is crucial.Risks involved with relying on verbal agreements.Extensions and Important ConsiderationsRequesting 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 hereConnect with Amy:Website: www.thefirsthomeguidebook.com.auInstagram: @the.first.home.guidebook

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: RarityThousands of off-market properties are available at any time.They offer untapped opportunities for savvy buyers.Misconception #2: Bargain MythOff-market doesn't always mean cheaper.Understand how the broader market influences prices.Misconception #3: Quality ConcernsOff-market properties are not inherently flawed.Many are sold discreetly or due to seller preferences.Misconception #4: Agent OutreachProactiveness is key; don’t rely on agents to contact you.Build and maintain strong relationships with agents.Misconception #5: Ease of PurchaseOff-market purchases can be complex and require due diligence.Navigating unclear pricing and motivations can be challenging.Misconception #6: The Ultimate SolutionTreat 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 hereConnect with Amy:Website: www.thefirsthomeguidebook.com.auInstagram: @the.first.home.guidebook

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 differenceLINKS:Check out my FREE checklist 100 Things To Look Out For At Property Inspections hereConnect with Amy:Website: www.thefirsthomeguidebook.com.auBuyers Advocacy: www.amylunardi.com.au Instagram: @the.first.home.guidebook

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 hereConnect with Amy:Website: www.thefirsthomeguidebook.com.auInstagram: @the.first.home.guidebook

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 100 Things To Look Out For At Property Inspections hereConnect with Amy:Website: www.thefirsthomeguidebook.com.auInstagram: @the.first.home.guidebook

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 datingCheck out my FREE checklist 100 Things To Look Out For At Property Inspections hereConnect with Amy:Website: www.thefirsthomeguidebook.com.auInstagram: @the.first.home.guidebook

In today’s episode, I share my own personal property story, which includes my journey to becoming a buyer’s agent and how I first entered the market while earning $45,000 a year. I share how in my mid-twenties, I began saving to buy a property while running my own business. Although I eventually decided to leave the business and go into real estate, I managed to save $70,000 towards a deposit while on a significantly lower income.Although I was earning a pretty modest salary as a trainee buyer’s agent, I still had a strong motivation to become a property owner. Knowing that I would need a good strategy to achieve my goal, I approached my father to act as a parental guarantor. This meant that by leveraging his equity, I wouldn’t need to contribute a deposit. Thankfully he agreed, and I was able to purchase my first property in Newport, Victoria for $400,000. While there were certain areas I desired to live in, I knew that I probably couldn’t afford to buy there any time soon. I talk about how I adopted the rentvesting strategy, which meant I could enter the property market and build equity without compromising my living preferences. Once I received a pay increase at work, my mortgage broker encouraged me to look at buying another property. This led me to purchasing my second property in Seddon, Victoria for $380,000. I explain my strategy to avoid paying stamp duty and how this enabled me to undertake $25,000 worth of renovations. Looking back at the early days of my property journey, there are definitely things I would do differently. I talk about the importance of engaging industry professionals to provide you with valuable insight and guidance as you embark on your own journey. I hope my property story is a reminder that with determination, strategy and a clear vision, you too can build the life you want and achieve all of your property dreams. LINKS:Check out my FREE checklist 100 Things To Look Out For At Property Inspections hereConnect with Amy:Website: www.thefirsthomeguidebook.com.auInstagram: @the.first.home.guidebook

There’s no question that the idea of bidding at an auction is pretty daunting - especially for first home buyers! As a professional bidder, I often see a lot of confusion amongst buyers around how much to bid, when to stop and how to keep track of the numbers. Today, I’m taking you through 5 mistakes to avoid at auction to ensure your experience isn’t so stressful, and to help you approach the process with much more confidence. One of the mistakes that I believe is most important to avoid is failing to set your auction bidding limit before the bidding starts. It's easy to think you know your limit, but when the heat of the moment arrives, decisions can get hazy. I talk about doing the prep work beforehand to determine your absolute walkaway price, so that you can bid confidently and stick to your limit without remorse.Mix-ups can happen to even the savviest bidders. During auctions, people can often lose track of where the bid is up to. This can be especially nerve-wracking if you’re an inexperienced bidder. However, I explain how taking a moment to clarify things with the auctioneer is perfectly fine, and super important if you want to stay in the game.While there are some great strategies to give yourself an edge at an auction, overthinking things can lead to unnecessary stress and confusion. For example, I’ve seen many people wait until the last minute to bid. While this might seem like a smart move, it sometimes means they’re too late and end up missing out. I discuss how coming prepared and in turn trusting yourself will put you in the best position possible.Another mistake I see buyers make is not being prepared for pass-in scenarios. This can be quite stressful if, for example, the property passes in to you and there’s pressure for you to make a quick decision. I run through how this process works, and share my advice on creating a strategy should you find yourself in this high-pressure situation.Ultimately, there is a bit of psychology at play during auctions. It’s completely fair that you might feel too nervous or second-guess yourself when it comes to making bids. That’s why I recommend turning to professionals or someone you trust to do the bidding for you. There’s no shame in reaching out for help, and if outsourcing is your best chance at success, then there’s no reason to hesitate. I hope this episode is a helpful guide and helps you step out with confidence if you’re planning to attend an auction any time soon!LINKS:Check out my FREE checklist 100 Things To Look Out For At Property Inspections hereConnect with Amy: Website: www.thefirsthomeguidebook.com.auInstagram: @amy_lunardi_property

The idea of renovating can be daunting for a lot of people, especially when we have shows around like The Block, which make the whole process look incredibly stressful. But this isn’t always reality, and in today’s episode, I’m sharing different ways you can approach renovating to make it much less daunting. I often work with first home buyers who are decidedly against renovations, particularly when they have preconceived ideas about the stress involved. However, once I educate them on the process and share tips on what to consider, they’re often much more open-minded. When it comes to renovating a property, there are things you can change and things you can't. You can't move a house closer to the train station or change its fundamental layout. However, you can absolutely transform its look and feel. Today I focus specifically on cosmetic renovations and how they can open up many more options when looking at purchasing a property. The first step when starting the renovation journey is deciding whether you'll project manage it yourself or outsource the work. I talk about managing a renovation versus outsourcing, and the different pros and cons to consider in either situation. It’s important to assess your comfort level, time availability and whether you’re willing to get hands-on. If you’re looking to buy a property but are confused on how to calculate estimate renovation costs, I give you advice on obtaining quotes, comparing costs between companies and the different items within a space that you may be overlooking. This includes appliances, cabinetry, tapware or splashbacks.  Ultimately, a cosmetic renovation can be incredibly rewarding and present you with many more possibilities when searching for your first property. I encourage you that with some good research and a bit of education, your renovation can be a smooth process that enhances your property and your life! LINKS:Check out my FREE checklist 100 Things To Look Out For At Property Inspections hereConnect with Amy: Website: www.thefirsthomeguidebook.com.auInstagram: @amy_lunardi_property