Feature article
First home buyer stories: what Rachel & Conor wish they knew
What Rachel & Conor wish they knew
Last updated: 16 September 2026
AI summary
First home buyers Rachel & Conor share insights from their two-year journey to find a sunny "doer-upper" they could add value to. Finding the right balance between liveable and needing renovation was their biggest challenge.
They successfully purchased at auction by setting a firm price limit and having a family member bid for them. A key learning was to focus searches on core criteria to save time, though visiting many homes provided renovation inspiration. They were also surprised by post-purchase administration.
When did you and your partner decide to buy a home?
What were your must-haves and nice-to-haves in your home search?
How long was your home buying journey?
How many times did you think ‘this is the one’?
What were the major painpoints or surprises?
What was the sale method on the home you bought and how did you approach it?
Were there any terms that you found particularly confusing?
Anything you wish you’d done differently?
What are you most excited to renovate?
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