Building and pest reports are one of those things that can completely spook a first home buyer, and we’ve seen it happen time and time again. You get the report back, and suddenly it feels like everything’s falling apart. But here’s what we’ve learned after decades in the business: red flags in property inspections are only red flags if you don’t know how to interpret them.

In this episode, we walk you through ten of the most common issues that pop up in these reports; moisture readings, termite activity, cracking walls, dodgy drainage, even tree roots, and explain what they actually mean. We’re not here to downplay serious problems, but we are here to help you sort out what’s a real concern and what just sounds scary.

We’ve seen a lot over the years, and we share examples from properties we’ve inspected ourselves, like the time a simple ag drain fixed what sounded like a major issue, or when a historic termite note turned out to be nothing worth losing sleep over. The point is, red flags in property inspections can be valuable if you know how to read them properly.

If you’re feeling overwhelmed, you’re not alone, but you also don’t have to panic. This episode will give you the tools to ask the right questions, have better conversations with your inspector, and make smart, confident decisions about your future home. Red flags in property inspections? We’ve got you covered.

Episode Highlights:

00:00 - Introduction

02:00 - Where building & pest fits into the buying process

03:14 - Red Flag #1: High moisture readings

04:30 - Red Flag #2: Evidence of termite activity

06:31 - Red Flag #3: Cracking in walls

08:46 - Red Flag #4: Displaced or damaged roof tiles

09:51 - Red Flag #5: Inadequate drainage

11:18 - Red Flag #6: Subfloor ventilation problems

12:49 - Red Flag #7: Dampness in bathrooms

13:59 - Red Flag #8: Tree roots near the structure

15:24 - Red Flag #9: Timber decay or fungal growth

16:09 - Red Flag #10: Safety hazards or non-compliant structures

Course Details:

• The First Home Buyer Course is our Step-By-Step, No BS Guide to Every Stage of The Home Buying Process – It's the next best thing to having your own buyer's agent. With our expert guidance, you'll know what to do at every step along the way. Become a home owner faster and easier. Click here: https://homebuyeracademy.com.au/YFHBG

If you enjoyed today’s podcast, don’t forget to subscribe, rate, and share the show! There’s more to come, so we hope to have you along with us on this journey!

• Subscribe on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@TheFirstHomeBuyerCourse
• Subscribe on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/ph/podcast/your-first-home-buyer-guide-podcast/id1544701825
• Subscribe on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/7GyrfXoqvDxjqNRv40NVQs?si=7c8bc4362fab421f

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

What could possibly go wrong on the day you’re supposed to finally get the keys to your new home? More than you think. In this episode, we'll walk you through what really happens on settlement day, and why you absolutely need to be prepared. This is the final step in your buying journey, and trust us, it’s not always smooth sailing.

We’ve seen it all; moving trucks sitting in driveways, funds not showing up on time, damage to the property, missing paperwork, and sellers who’ve left behind junk (or worse, taken things they weren’t supposed to). So in this episode, we’re sharing exactly how to prepare for property settlement day so you don’t end up scrambling or paying for someone else’s mess.

You’ll hear our practical tips; things like staying in close contact with your conveyancer, double checking with your lender, doing that final inspection properly (not just a walk-through), and building in a buffer just in case things don’t go to plan. We’re also talking about what to do if something does go pear-shaped, because let’s face it, sometimes it does.

We want you to feel confident and ready, not blindsided. Knowing how to prepare for property settlement day will help you avoid unnecessary stress, extra costs, and those last-minute surprises that turn an exciting day into a nightmare. So pop on those practical pants and let’s make sure you’re set up for success.

Episode Highlights:

00:00 - Introduction

03:47 - What is settlement day and why does it matter?

04:41 - Real stories of settlement day gone wrong and common issues that delay settlement

08:38 - 5 tips to prepare for a smooth property settlement day

12:43 - What to do if things go pear-shaped

Course Details:

• Your First Home Buyer Course is our Step-By-Step, No BS Guide to Every Stage of The Home Buying Process – It’s the next best thing to having your own buyer’s agent. With our expert guidance, you’ll know what to do at every step along the way. Become a home owner faster and easier. Click here: https://homebuyeracademy.com.au/YFHBG

If you enjoyed today’s podcast, don’t forget to subscribe, rate, and share the show! There’s more to come, so we hope to have you along with us on this journey!

• Subscribe on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@YourFirstHomeBuyerGuidePodcast
• Subscribe on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/ph/podcast/your-first-home-buyer-guide-podcast/id1544701825
• Subscribe on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/7GyrfXoqvDxjqNRv40NVQs?si=7c8bc4362fab421f

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Buying your first home can feel like a lot, especially when you’re trying to figure it all out on your own. In this episode, we take you inside a real coaching session with one of our students who’s in the thick of it, asking smart questions and facing some pretty common challenges. This is exactly the kind of conversation we have each week inside our program, and we’re sharing it because we know so many of you will relate.

We go through the nitty-gritties; a townhouse with a long-term tenant, competing offers, and the pressure to move fast. We talk about how to know if a property is worth your money, how to factor in delays if you can’t move in straight away, and why doing your homework matters before you even step inside. These home buying tips come from decades of experience, and we’re sharing them with no fluff.

We also get into the emotional side, because yes, buying a home is emotional. It’s about balancing your gut feel with a clear, step-by-step process that protects you from making expensive mistakes. That’s where the right guidance makes all the difference.

If you’re not sure what due diligence even means, when to request a contract, or how to compete with other buyers who seem to move faster, this is the episode to tune in to. You’ll walk away with practical home buying tips you can actually use, and a better understanding of how to approach your next property with confidence.

Episode Highlights:

00:00 - Introduction

02:19 - Reviewing a first home buyer’s property checklist

03:09 - Concerns about negative cash flow and existing tenants

05:24 - Lessons from a missed offer and how to improve next time

07:17 - Analysing floor plans and outdoor space in real time

08:51 - Sunlight, orientation, and what really matters

13:53 - Is it worth buying a property you can’t move into yet?

16:59 - Why CoreLogic isn’t enough to set your offer price

19:26 - Competing with experienced buyers and investors

22:48 - Doing due diligence when time is tight

25:55 - Can you still change the contract during cooling-off?

27:10 - What to check before even inspecting a property

29:36 - Understanding offer processes and agent strategies

32:09 - Managing emotions during the buying process

33:24 - How some buyers make fast decisions with confidence

35:44 - When paying more upfront might still make sense

41:10 - Timing the market: when to expect more listings

45:03 - When to get a contract reviewed (and when not to)

Course Details:

• Your First Home Buyer Course is our Step-By-Step, No BS Guide to Every Stage of The Home Buying Process – It’s the next best thing to having your own buyer’s agent. With our expert guidance, you’ll know what to do at every step along the way. Become a home owner faster and easier. Click here: https://homebuyeracademy.com.au/YFHBG

If you enjoyed today’s podcast, don’t forget to subscribe, rate, and share the show! There’s more to come, so we hope to have you along with us on this journey!

• Subscribe on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@YourFirstHomeBuyerGuidePodcast
• Subscribe on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/ph/podcast/your-first-home-buyer-guide-podcast/id1544701825
• Subscribe on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/7GyrfXoqvDxjqNRv40NVQs?si=7c8bc4362fab421f

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.