Episode 9 | Unlocking The First Home Super Saver Scheme (FHSS)
Saving for a deposit is one of the biggest challenges for first home buyers. The First Home Super Saver Scheme is designed to help, but the rules can feel confusing.In this episode, Jack Elliott and Chris Bates explain how the scheme works, who’s eligible, and the steps to contribute and withdraw. They also cover the potential tax benefits, timing traps to watch out for, and common mistakes first home buyers should avoid.By the end, you’ll have a clear understanding of the key benefits and risks and whether the scheme could play a part in your deposit strategy.In this episode: 🔑 What the First Home Super Saver is and how it works 🔑 Eligibility criteria and contribution limits 🔑 How to withdraw your savings and what to expect at tax time 🔑 The benefits and risks of using super to save for your deposit 🔑 Why timing matters before making contributionsTimestamps00:00 – Introduction: Talking all things First Home Super Saver01:53 – What the First Home Super Saver is and how it works02:54 – Key benefits and trade-offs of the scheme04:32 – Eligibility rules: who can use the scheme07:06 – Step 1: Making contributions12:28 – Step 2: Releasing funds13:37 – Withdrawal process: requesting a determination and release16:25 – Common mistakes to avoid (timing, contributions, contracts)18:49 – What’s next in the Grants & Schemes series🎧 Listen now to understand how the Super Saver Scheme could support your deposit goals.Unlock your Free Resources ATO First Home Super Saver Website First Home Super Saver Calculator First Home Super Saver Scheme Resource Want to keep the conversation going? 👉 Join the First Home Unlocked Facebook Community 📅 Book a chat with Jack for tailored support 📱Follow Us on social media: Instagram, TikTok, Youtubefirsthomeunlocked.com.au
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Episode 8 | Unlocking Formal Approval & Settlement for First Home Buyers
You’ve made your offer, it’s been accepted, and the contracts are signed, now what?In this episode, Jack Elliott and Chris Bates walk you through the final stage of the buying process, from formal loan approval to collecting your keys on settlement day. They explain the role of your broker and conveyancer, how valuations work, and what to expect at each step so you can finish the process feeling calm and confident.You’ll also hear a real case study comparing a preapproved buyer with one who skipped this step, and how it changed their experience.Wherever you are in your buying journey, this episode will help you get settlement-ready.In this episode: 🔑 What happens after your offer is accepted 🔑 How valuations work 🔑 The broker and conveyancer’s role in getting to settlement 🔑 Key steps between formal approval and settlement day 🔑 Real case study: preapproved vs no preapprovalTimestamps00:00 – Introduction and what we’ll cover02:24 – What happens once your offer is accepted03:25 – Two types of valuations: desktop vs in-person09:08 – Formal approval: what it is and why it matters09:47 – Pre-approved vs no pre-approval: how the process changes14:16 – What happens after formal approval? Steps to settlement15:56 – How to ensure a smooth settlement process17:26 – What actually happens on settlement day19:13 – Getting prepared early (and how your broker should help)19:51 – Key takeaways and what’s next for First Home Unlocked🎧 Listen now to feel prepared and confident when it’s time to settle on your first home. Unlock your Free Resources Get Your Settlement Ready Guide Want to keep the conversation going? 👉 Join the First Home Unlocked Facebook Community 📅 Book a chat with Jack for tailored support 📱Follow Us on social media: Instagram, TikTok, Youtubefirsthomeunlocked.com.au
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Episode 7 | Unlocking Offers: How To Make a Confident Offer as a First Home Buyer
Making an offer on your first home can feel overwhelming, especially when every agent handles things differently, and there are no standard rules.In this episode, Jack Elliott and Chris Bates break down exactly how to approach the offer process with clarity and confidence. They explain the different types of sales (private sale vs auction), how to structure a strong offer, and the key questions to ask the agent before putting pen to paper.You’ll learn what conditions can protect you, what happens once your offer is accepted, and how to avoid common traps that catch first home buyers out.Whether you're weeks away from making an offer or just starting to look, this episode gives you the tools to make a smart move when the time comes.In this episode:🔑 What to ask the agent before making an offer🔑 The difference between private sales and auctions🔑 How to assess what a property is really worth (price guides are just a guide)🔑 How to structure a strong offer (it’s not always about price)🔑 Conditions that protect you and when to use them Timestamps 00:00 – Every agent handles offers differently02:08 – Why you should engage your conveyancer early04:47 – Understanding sale types: private sale vs auction09:02 – Biggest mistakes buyers make at auction11:56 – What is the property actually worth?15:43 – What’s included in a written offer?17:09 – When do you actually pay your deposit?19:20 – Conditions that protect you: finance, cooling-off, building & pest24:45 – Finalising contracts: what to confirm before signing26:01 – Key takeaways and what’s coming next🎧 Listen now to feel prepared and confident when it’s time to make your first offer.Unlock your Free Resources Get Your Making An Offer Resource: Want to keep the conversation going? 👉 Join the First Home Unlocked Facebook Community 📅 Book a chat with Jack for tailored support 📱Follow Us on social media: Instagram, TikTok, Youtubefirsthomeunlocked.com.au
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Episode 6 | Unlocking Asset Quality: How to Choose the Right Property as a First Home Buyer
Buying your first home isn’t just about getting into the market, it’s about making a smart choice that supports your goals now and sets you up for what comes next.In this episode, Jack Elliott and Chris Bates break down what makes a property high-quality and why the right home should work for you today and hold value for the future.They walk you through a clear, top-down approach to evaluating asset quality, starting at the macro level with location, supply, and demand, then zooming in to the street, the home itself, layout, and land.You’ll learn what to avoid (like new development areas or off-the-plan apartments), how to identify rare or high-demand homes, and how to balance lifestyle with long-term value.Whether you're buying to stay long-term or planning to upgrade in a few years, this episode will help you avoid emotional buying and make a smart, strategic decision.In this episode: 🔑 What asset quality really means (and why it matters) 🔑 Why you should zoom out before falling in love with a property 🔑 How to assess location, supply and demand 🔑 What to look for in a suburb, street, and specific home 🔑 The difference between land value and building value 🔑 Key red flags and signs of long-term valueTimestamps:00:00 – Why asset quality is so important for first home buyers04:18 – Start by zooming out. Don’t get emotionally attached too early08:18 – Macro-level: Understanding supply and demand14:39 – Buying with future buyers in mind 17:19 – Zooming into suburb and location quality19:00 – What important factors to look for on the street? 26:47 – What about the property itself? What to look for at inspections? 32:58 – The importance of Asset Quality for First Home Buyers 34:19 – The importance of land vs the building 35:02 – Key takeaways🎧 Listen now and learn how to buy with confidence, not just convenience.Unlock your Free Resources Download your Asset Quality Checklist Want to keep the conversation going? 👉 Join the First Home Unlocked Facebook Community 📅 Book a chat with Jack for tailored support 📱Follow Us on social media: Instagram, TikTok, Youtubefirsthomeunlocked.com.au
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Episode 5 | Unlocking the Power of Pre-Approval for First Home Buyers
Getting pre-approved isn’t just about ticking a box, it's about buying with clarity, confidence, and control.In this episode, Jack Elliott and Chris Bates unpack what a fully assessed pre-approval actually is, why it matters, and how it puts you in a stronger position when it’s time to make an offer.They break down the difference between a computer-generated approval and one that’s properly reviewed by a credit assessor, and how that impacts your ability to move quickly when the right property comes up.You’ll learn how pre-approval fits into your buying timeline, how it can help uncover roadblocks early (like credit issues or complex income), and why starting the process 6–12 months out can make all the difference.Whether you’re just starting to explore the idea of buying, or ready to get serious, this episode gives you the tools to move forward with more confidence and clarity.In this episode: 🔑 What a pre-approval actually is 🔑 Fully assessed vs online pre-approvals 🔑 How pre-approval helps you avoid costly delays 🔑 Why your broker’s process makes a big difference 🔑 Ideal timing for getting pre-approvedTimestamps:00:00 – What’s in store for this episode?01:41 – What is a pre-approval, and why does it matter?04:30 – The process to get a pre-approval05:29 – Fully assessed vs computer-generated: what’s the difference?08:40 – Ideal timing for pre-approval09:01 – How long does a pre-approval last, and what happens if it expires?09:25 – How pre-approval speeds up the formal approval process10:34 – Your broker’s role: strategy, not just paperwork12:50 – Top tips for a strong pre-approval13:48 – The value of going through the pre-approval process15:38 – What’s to come on next week's episode?🎧 Listen now and learn how to take control of your buying journey.Unlock your Free Resources Get Your Power of Pre-Approval GuideWant to keep the conversation going? 👉 Join the First Home Unlocked Facebook Community 📅 Book a chat with Jack for tailored support 📱Follow us on social media: Instagram, TikTok, Youtubefirsthomeunlocked.com.au
Buying your first home is a huge milestone, but it can also feel overwhelming, confusing, and full of pressure.
First Home Unlocked is here to change that, and to help you reach your first home with clarity and confidence.
Hosted by Jack Elliott, National First Home Buyer Specialist at Alcove, and Chris Bates, one of Australia’s top-ranked mortgage brokers, this podcast simplifies the home buying journey and empowers you with the keys to unlock your first home.
Each episode is practical, clear, and designed specifically for first home buyers. From understanding the buying process to choosing a property that fits your long-term vision, Jack and Chris will guide you through every step with real conversations and expert support.
You’re not in this alone. Hit subscribe and let’s unlock your first home together.
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