Buying a property is the only field where it's a combination of math problem intertwined with emotional problem intertwined with geographical knowledge.
It was 2016. My wife was heavily pregnant with our first child.
We had just bought a second-hand Toyota Camry, not because we needed a car urgently, but because renting one for a visiting family member was going to cost us nearly $2,000 for a week. When we did the maths, buying made more sense — we figured the money was better off going toward an asset we could keep.
That one decision sparked another: "Maybe it’s time we find our own home."
🏠 The Emotional Rollercoaster of House Hunting
We didn’t know what was coming.
Every Saturday became a ritual.
We’d pack a chicken wrap, drive from one open inspection to another, and dream a little. As immigrants into the country - we had no clue what we are looking for. We honestly didn’t know what to check either. We looked at the aesthetics and if that’s appealing - we were considering it or be keen about it.
The mornings were full of hope: "This could be it."
The afternoons, not so much.
We were constantly outbid.
Constantly out priced.
Constantly questioning why do we feel so poor.
Constantly comparing on how others could offer that much.
It wasn’t just financial fatigue — it was emotional defeat.
Every house that slipped through our fingers felt like another reminder:
We don’t have enough money. We’re always going to have to compromise. Maybe nice things isn’t meant for people like us.
There was guilt, shame, and the slow erosion of self-worth that comes when your dreams keep getting priced out.
💑 Compromises and Conflict
When you’re house-hunting as a couple, your differences show up fast:
What I liked, she didn’t.
What she loved, I wasn’t convinced about.
And the few properties we both loved? Always outbid.
It was exhausting.
It wasn’t just a matter of taste — it was also fear.
We were scared to overstretch. We didn’t want to take on more than we could handle. We already borrowed from our friends and family.
So one day, we said, "That’s it."
One last Saturday. After that, we were going to pause. Mrs was nearing the end of her pregnancy, and we couldn’t keep doing this to ourselves emotionally.
✨ The Auction That Changed Everything
We arrived at the auction a little tired, a little jaded, but open to the possibility that maybe — just maybe — this would be the one.
The bidding started at $500,000. Then $550k. Then $600k.
I hesitated. Do I go to 605?
With a soft whisper, I said it: 605.
A grandma sitting nearby — cool and composed — raised to 610k.
I whispered and quietly hummed, "Should we go?"
And my wife, who’d stood beside me through every emotional up and down, simply said:
"Yeah."
But "yeah," meaning "yeah, bid again."
The auctioneer looked at me.
I panicked and blinked.
He thought it was a bid.
I froze.
My heart dropped.
I didn’t mean to say yes.
I didn’t want that price.
I couldn’t handle the embarrassment of saying no in front of everyone either.
I hoped someone would outbid me. I prayed someone would raise their hand.
But no one did. He went on saying Going Once, Going Twice..
And here I’m still hoping someone would..
And just like that, the contract hit the hands went down — "Sold!"
Everyone clapped.
People congratulated us.
And I stood there stunned, still trying to process what just happened.
Signing with a smile (and a Story)
While signing the paperwork, I nervously asked the auctioneer:
"Can we write that we paid 600k and just pay the rest as cash? You know, to save on stamp duty?"
He chuckled and said,
"Don’t get me thrown in jail, mate."
What that day taught me
Looking back now, I realise how much of that journey was about more than just buying a house.
It was about:
Trusting our timing, even when it feels like the world is moving faster than we can catch up.
Backing each other when decisions aren’t clear.
And most of all, recognising how deeply emotional money decisions really are.
We didn’t buy at the "perfect" price.
We didn’t get the "perfect" house.
But we got a home. A place we could grow roots.
And it taught us that sometimes, the journey feels wrong - until it all clicks.
A First Home Buyer’s Checklist: What We Wish We Knew
1. Know How Much You Can Borrow
Get a pre-approval from a lender early.
Understand how much deposit you need (minimum 5–20%, plus stamp duty unless waived).
2. Learn About Government Grants
Check for First Home Owner Grant (FHOG), First Home Guarantee Scheme, stamp duty concessions.
Each state has its own rules. Talk to a mortgage broker or research your local government site.
3. Choose the Right Suburb
Look at school zones, transport, lifestyle.
Don’t buy based on hype. Think long-term value and liveability.
4. Know What to Look For in a Property
Floor plan, light, noise, structure, neighbourhood.
If you can see cracks or smell mould - ask questions!
5. Build a Relationship With Agents
Be polite. Be honest. Follow up.
Agents remember serious buyers who communicate clearly.
6. Do a Building & Pest Inspection
Always. Especially if it’s an older property.
This report could save you from tens of thousands in future costs.
7. Be Aligned as a Couple (if buying with a partner)
Talk about must-haves vs nice-to-haves.
Compromise upfront to avoid stress later.
If you’re on a similar journey…
You’re not alone.
Home buying is hard.
Dreams take time.
And compromise isn’t failure — it’s reality with courage.
So next time you pack a wrap and head out for inspections, remind yourself:
"We’re not chasing status. We’re building something that fits us."
If you’ve got a story like this — I’d love to hear it. Every story is truly special. And if you're in the middle of the chase, take heart: your moment might just be a blink away.
So What to look out for in buying a property!
No Flood / Fire Risks
No Easement (down middle)
No Main Road / Train Lines
No Large Slope
Individual Unit / Villa / Strata
Land < 450 sqm
Multiple extremely small bedrooms
Major and Unapproved Alterations
Housing commission mix > 20%
Renters > 45%
Extremely odd shaped blocks
Not closer to
Highways
Cemeteries
Industrial Areas
Major Powerlines
Energy Substation
Swimming Pools
Schools
Good luck and if you need a reference to a Buyers Agent or Mortgage Broker - hit me up. I’m not getting paid - I just help as much as I can.