The dream of a glossy first home is powerful—until the repayments start calling the shots. We take an honest look at the fork every first-home buyer faces: chase convenience and lifestyle now, or choose common sense and practicality that sets you up for bigger wins later. Through candid stories from our own first purchases—tiny floor plans, borders to boost cash flow, and unapologetically modest choices—we show how a smaller start can become the foundation for a future build or a forever home.Across the conversation, we unpack the true cost of ownership beyond the bank’s pre-approval. Rates rise, insurance climbs, and everyday expenses don’t stop when you get the keys. We share a simple framework: test your budget with real numbers, not optimism. Use calculators to model repayments, add buffers for the unknown, and decide what lifestyle changes you’ll accept before you sign. Overstretching doesn’t just hit your wallet; it strains relationships, steals time, and can turn a home into a source of pressure rather than pride.We also explore strategy: when a “forever home” makes sense, how to use stepping stones to build equity, and where regional towns can offer affordable entries without sacrificing your future options. The thread running through it all is sequencing—buy what you can comfortably hold today so you can move with confidence tomorrow. Whether you’re eyeing your first set of keys or recalibrating after a tough search, you’ll leave with a clear plan to buy smarter, sleep better, and keep your goals in sight.Enjoyed the conversation? Follow the show, share it with a friend who’s house hunting, and leave a quick review—what’s the one trade-off you’re willing to make to get on the ladder?Send us a text Support the showBuy your first home in NZ Weekly Webinars You thought it's not possible or the dream is too far away? Come to my webinar and I will show you, you are much closer to your dream, than you think you are! Join Here - https://bit.ly/4m9SL72

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