Episode 243

full
Published on:

18th Feb 2026

From savings to settlement: First-time buyer's roadmap

Are you looking to buy a new home?

This week on the Friends with Money podcast, Vanessa Walker, managing editor of Money, and journalist Ryan Johnson dive deep into the home buying process for first-time buyers.

They discuss the essential steps from initial research, engaging with mortgage brokers and financial advisors, to pre-approval, making offers, and the final settlement.

Get practical tips for navigating real estate websites, understanding mortgage pre-approval, and the importance of conveyancers.

#friendswithmoney #vanessawalker #ryanjohnson #homehunting #firsthomebuyers


00:20 First steps for first-time home buyers

01:38 Researching and narrowing down your options

03:05 Engaging with professionals: Mortgage brokers and financial advisors

05:42 Understanding mortgage pre-approval

07:51 Making an offer and preparing for settlement

10:25 Settlement day and moving in


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Email Us: podcast@moneymag.com.au


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About the Podcast

Friends With Money
Earn. Save. Invest.
We all have questions about money; how to earn it, how to spend it, and the best ways to invest so we can watch it grow.

The Friends With Money podcast, created by Money Magazine (Australia’s longest-running and most-read personal finance magazine), shares its extensive network of finance experts, in-depth knowledge of markets and timely advice to help you understand the world of money.

Hosted by senior writer, Tom Watson, Managing Editor, Vanessa Walker and editor-in-chief, Michelle Baltazar, Friends With Money is a weekly chat with a variety of credentialed guests that you won’t want to miss. Listening and learning will help you on the path to financial freedom.