Property story: first home buyer couple in their early 40s

In this episode, we’re hearing from a couple in their early 40s from Melbourne and Colombia, who bought their first home in Reservoir, Melbourne in 2022 for $1,300,000.00. Whilst they had a healthy combined income, it wasn’t all smooth sailing, and they learnt a lot about the hidden rules of the real estate industry along the way.Living with two children in a small two-bedroom apartment during the pandemic, they wanted more space for the kids to get out into the backyard and kick a ball around. So, they began the hunt for their family home in the northern suburbs of Melbourne.They weren’t initially on the same page with buying a house, and found their values were a little different. However, after talking a lot and putting different ideas on paper, they found a way to accommodate one another’s needs.While they found so much value in engaging a mortgage broker, they discuss the headache of missed deadlines by the bank, which in one instance prevented them from bidding on the first house they found. They share their not-so-nice experience with building inspectors, and encourage us to hold our cards close to our chest when it comes to dealing with real estate agents. We’re reminded that while agents are a necessary piece of the puzzle, they may only have the seller’s best interest in mind.They talk about their gratitude for their buyer’s advocate, who helped them avoid making a bad decision on a property, and ultimately encouraged them to buy the house they now own. They have learnt so much about the importance of keeping spreadsheets of expenses throughout the whole process, which also helped them greatly when undertaking renovations and upgrades throughout their new home.They now know that the process of buying property is very much like a game, with an almost secret set of rules. They have also seen the value of getting professional help along the way, whether it’s from a mortgage broker, a buyer’s advocate or an online course. While the journey of buying a home can feel daunting, they encourage people to take things as they come, and make sure you’re having fun along the way. LINKS:Check out my FREE checklist 100 Things To Look Out For At Property Inspections hereWebsite:www.thefirsthomeguidebook.com.auInstagram: @the.first.home.guidebook