This event is focused on "How to buy your first home, and why it's important to make it your priority".

This session will explore the following topics:

Credit scores, how the banks view you if you use AfterPay, have a credit card, don't pack your own lunch, enjoy high levels of discretionary spending or prefer to drive a late model car with bank finance! (be warned... incoming awkward #truth #bombs to explain how the algorithms work...)
How to approach a mortgage broker - if you want to get the keys to your first home in 2026, what things can you do NOW to make this dream, a reality?
Insurance stuff - why is it important to review your insurance, and who are the people who can help you with this?
Can you access savings in your superannuation account? If so, how do I do this, and when might be not be a great idea?
The “bank” of mum & dad is a serious reality for many young first home buyers. There are ways to approach this pathway, but care must be taken.
Why is a valuer an important person to know - when you are looking to buy your first home? What is market value, and why is it different to ‘shaded value’? What is equity in your home, and what happens if the market were to drop, instead of continue to increase?
Sweat equity - Many first home buyers are realistic that they can’t buy a perfect house, with all the trimmings - after all, getting started and buying something that is affordable is often the only option available. However, savvy first home buyers often have a long term plan - they realise they can buy an affordable first home, and then after time repaying the principal debt in the mortgage, sometimes they hope to ‘trade up’ into a different suburb or more expensive accommodation. The registered valuer is an important professional to know about if you are looking at a staged approach to eventually owning your ‘dream home’ - it is important to understand how the valuer approaches doing a valuation, and what improvements (sweat equity) might increase things, and what might be a waste of money. #measuretwicecutonce
What is a broker, and what is a banker? Why are there now more brokers, than bankers?
I’m a self employed tradesperson / business person, and don’t know how to get my first home loan - help!
Information about the local Central West regional residential accommodation market and how to figure out what happens when interest rates go up and down, or why ‘supply and demand’ locally can impact housing affordability locally in a different way to housing options in capital cities.
What is the Regional First Home Buyer Guarantee support program & am I eligible? What happens if all 10,000 places are taken in the 25/26 year? What is changing from 1 January 2026? Am I still able to have support to waive stamp duty payable?
> https://www.housingaustralia.gov.au/home-guarantee-scheme/regional-first-home-buyer-guarantee

FAQ: https://www.housingaustralia.gov.au/regional-first-home-buyer-guarantee-faqs

Guest speakers:

Kim Stanley, Residential Mortgage Broker & Advisor (Kim explain 'step by step' what the Regional First Home Buyer Guarantee is, what's changing from 1 Jan 2026, and why this is the opportunity of lifetime – so kick the Temu habit, delete your AfterPay account, pack your lunch - consider selling your car & get cracking on that deposit!)
Kareena Vincent, Finance Specialist & Mortgage Broker (Kareena will explain how the bank sees the incoming first home buyer. Kareena will discuss credit scores, the impact the younger generation may not be aware of when they use AfterPay, or other new 'buy before you can afford it distractions'. Kareena will show what happens when young people have an excellent credit score – and how this sets them up for long term financial success and independence).
Kate Piddington, Financial Planner & Insurance Adviser (Kate will talk about the requirements of the incoming lender when it comes to the insurance policies the first home buyer needs to have before they apply for the loan. Kate will discuss what financial planners are and do - and simple things she has seen her clients do, to get their financial house in order before approaching the bank / broker for that first home loan).
Jazmin Johnston, Registered Valuer (chatting about what is a registered valuation, why is it important to understand ‘shaded values’ v ‘market values’ and how does the bank see the value of your house, versus what you could sell it for – and why understanding the role of a registered valuer to ‘work the balance sheet’ is a critical life skill to wealth creation.
Bertie Stanley, Business & Agribusiness Finance Broker (Bertie has many older clients who have a bit of spare equity and want to find out how to help their kids get into their first home. Bertie will explore the concept of the ‘bank of mum & dad', and share the opportunities and risks with this approach).

Ticket sale will close mid-day Wednesday 27th August 2025.

Buckenbah Collective is supplying the venue, complimentary canapes & non-alcoholic beverages. Craft beers & local wines will be available for sale at the 'pop up' Buckenbah Bar.

This event is for those 18 years and older (so please find a babysitter!). Beers on sale will be from the local Dubbo brewery - Devils Hollow & local Gulgong wine gals - In To Minds.

Event will kick off at 6pm, and finish at 8pm.

A once-off event for Geurie, Wellington and surrounding areas - all welcome (but don't forget to buy a ticket).

Shout out to Bertie & Kim Stanley, Kate Piddington, Jazmin Johnston & Karrena Vincent and their businesses for answering the call to make the time, share their knowledge and join us as we do our bit for the current housing crisis:

https://www.stanleyfinance.com.au/

https://htw.com.au/location/dubbo/

https://www.krpfinancialservices.com.au/

https://www.moneyquest.com.au/broker/kareena-vincent/