You can watch the video on our YouTube. 

🏡 What happens when you’re pre-approved… but still not ready to buy?

In Episode 591, Ben is joined by Kirsty, and Couch Crew member, Kirsty “KD” Dunphey, who shares her incredibly honest first-home buyer journey.

Her story is one many buyers will recognise:

  • Four years pre-approved before purchasing
  • Endless inspections and auction losses
  • Information overload from friends and advisors
  • Navigating buyer’s agents, brokers and market noise

Along the way, the conversation unpacks some powerful lessons about risk aversion, decision-making, and why buying property is as much psychological as it is financial. ⏱️

Plus, Kirsty shares the one thing she’d do differently if she could start again.

If you’re a first-home buyer stuck in analysis paralysis, this episode is for you.

Resources Mentioned

Timestamps  

  • 0:00 – 591 | 4 Years Pre-Approved: The First-Home Buyer Journey No One Talks About – Chat with Kirsty
  • 2:20 – Why She Still Didn’t Buy
  • 5:00 – Information Overload: How Too Much Advice Slows Buyers
  • 6:20 – The Trigger Moment: When Renting Forces Action
  • 8:50 – Buyer’s Agent Experience: Help or Overwhelming?
  • 10:40 – Two Brokers, Two Misses: Finding the Right Fit
  • 14:30 – Auction Reality: Why You Need to Add 10%
  • 17:20 – Risk Aversion: The Cost of Waiting Too Long
  • 18:50 – Boardroom Auctions: How “Best & Final” Really Works
  • 22:15 – The Push Buyers Need: Permission vs Pressure
  • 22:55 – Trust & Knowledge Gaps: What Builds Confidence
  • 25:05 – When Buyer’s Agents Cross the Line
  • 27:45 – Buying During COVID: A Tougher Market Than Expected
  • 29:15 – Money Mindset: How Upbringing Shapes Decisions
  • 31:10 – Next Move: Upgrade or Invest?
  • 33:15 – First-Home Buyer Lessons: What She’d Do Differently