First Home Loans
Everything you need to know about the First Home Grant in Australia.
Top 12 first home mortgage myths exposed!
Find out what first home owners grant you may qualify for. Take the quiz.

First Home Buyers Checklist

Crikey!  There really is a lot to remember when you are buying your first home.  Have you got the right home loan?  What are the extra costs likely to be?  Have you checked what grants you can claim? 


Here is our checklist to help you get organised:

1.    Look into your savings for how much deposit you can put down.  The more of a deposit you have, the better!  

First Home Owners Grants

Make sure you get every cent you can under the new FHOG. Complete the form to speak with a First Home Grants mortgage broker specialist.
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2.    Plan your budget to ensure you can afford the mortgage repayments, as well as all the extra costs such as legal fees, settlement costs, ongoing fees and new furniture or appliances for the home.

3.    Find a mortgage broker who is accredited and can advise you about your home loan options.

4.    Have you researched the suburbs that you would like to buy in?  Look for transport links, shops and facilities as well as property values.

5.    Ensure you have considered all the costs involved when buying a house.  The settlement fees, valuation fees, monthly home loan service fee stamp duty.


6.    Make sure you source lenders and their home loan products.  Compare rates as well as features, ongoing fees and charges and the level of service the lender offers.  Your mortgage broker can help search through several home loan types and point out the ones that would best suit you.

7.    Gather your supporting documents (income/wages, expenses, personal I.D.)  You will need these when you apply for your home loan.  Your personal ID you will need when you apply for your first home owner grant and any other government concessions.   

8.    Apply for First Home Owner Grant via your lender or your mortgage broker.  This will get paid upon settlement.

9.    Check for rebates on stamp duty.  Most states offer first homebuyers concessions which can add up to a considerable saving.  Check your state here:


10.    Apply for Pre-approval so you can get an idea how much a lender will be willing to lend you.  If you have pre-approval you can be taken seriously when you go to open inspections.  

11.    Visit open inspections to find out what kind of property you can get for your budget, and enquire about the suburb and neighbourhood.

12.    If you haven’t already, now is the time to select a lender and choose a home loan

13.    If you have already found a home, have you had the property valued?  This is vital to your application.

14.    Has the property been inspected for any leaks, cracks in the wall, mould or white ants?  Having a property professionally inspected can save you a lot of money in the long run.

15.    Have you checked the contract?  Is it imperative that you understand the terms and conditions of buying a property.   A solicitor or conveyancer should read the Contract of Sale. Are you happy with what's included in the sale? Are all the fittings included? Ask as many questions as you need to feel comfortable. And make sure it's all written in the agreement.



Enjoy your new home!


One other thing to think about…
If you are not planning on buying your first home for a few years, then consider opening a First Home Saver Account.  You need to save a minimum of $1,000 for four separate years and the Government will top up your savings.  For every dollar you save, the government contributes 17 cents.  Interest accrued in the accounts is taxed at a low rate of 15% and withdrawals will be tax free where they are used to purchase a first home to live in.


Call us today on and let us help you.  We deal with mortgages every day and can help to make sure you have left nothing out, so you can be confident that your new home will be great.



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