Another great question here from @Jonah Pitkin Keep sending them questions through...

... you’re not alone! Especially after the February RBA rate rise, as I’m hearing the same thing again and again: “Maybe I should just wait until things settle down.” And I get it. Because the headlines are loud and they’re designed to trigger fear. Right now, many investors are concerned that inflation will remain stubborn, which could keep rates higher for longer. So they sit on the sidelines waiting for certainty. But here’s the problem: Certainty never arrives until AFTER the opportunity has passed. The truth about the February rate rise: Most investors see a rate rise and assume it’s bad news for property. But strategic investors know something different: a rate rise doesn’t “kill” property markets. It filters out weak or emotional buyers, reduces competition and creates the best buying conditions for those who are prepared. Just look how well our property markets performed this time last year when interest rates were even higher. And while some people freeze, others act because they understand that property is a long-term game played with short-term emotions. What strategic investors are doing differently right now: They’re not obsessing over what interest rates might do in the next 3-6 months. They’re making decisions based on what property will do over the next 5, 10, or 15 years. They understand that: - Australia is still facing a severe housing shortage - Population growth remains strong - Rental vacancies are at near record lows - Construction costs have surged, and new supply is constrained and will only come on at even higher prices. - First-home owner incentives are driving certain segments of the market - And the market has already reset - prices have been rising again because demand is stronger than supply So even though borrowing has become harder, quality properties in the right locations remain scarce. And scarcity is what drives price growth. Why this matters for you After the February rate rise, one thing is clear: the next few months will reward strategic investors and punish reactive ones.

Another great question here from @Jonah Pitkin ❓ Now, when you’re living at home, there a number of smart ways to enter the property market, and the ‘best’ one depends on your goal. OPTION A: Rentvesting (best for: investors + people not ready to move out) This is where you buy an investment property first, rent it out, and you stay living at home. Why it works: you keep your costs low, your tenant helps cover the mortgage, and you’re building equity while you save . Best if you want to start investing now without changing your lifestyle. **** Remember that if you buy the investment property first, NO First Home Owner grant later. – this MUST be factored into your decision as it a rather valuable grant!! OPTION B: Buy to live in later (best for: future homeowners + people wanting flexibility) This is where you buy a property that you could live in later, or one that works as an investment first. Think: a layout that’s rentable for tenants, a location that you’d actually want to live in (its hard to change location), and a property that doesn’t lock you into one outcome . Best if your end goal is a home to live in, but you want the property to work hard for you in the meantime. OPTION C: Buy with someone (best for: people needing more buying power) Partner, sibling, or a structured agreement with parent/friend/colleague . You combine deposits and incomes to buy sooner. But this only works if you have clear rules: who pays what, who owns what percentage, what happens if someone wants out, and how decisions get made in the future. Best when you’re both aligned on strategy and you treat it like a business ‘joint venture’ decision, not just a vibe, kind of transaction. Here's an afterthought, that I have often told my youngest son Josh - Go and buy the home to live in and rent out all spare bedrooms to reduce the mortgage ASAP. Later, when you have the wife and kids, you kick out the tenants

Lets give a big Pond welcome to @Jonah Pitkin . I had the pleasure of meeting Jonah in person at the local jewelry shop and he's on a mission to utilise his previous working experience in real estate to build his investment portfolio. He’s young and hungry (in the good way), and properly passionate about getting into investing - not just “one day” energy… more like “let’s build something real” energy. Jonah, stoked you’re here. 🐸

Good evening everyone 😊 A question I think many young people neglect. How do you enter the property investment market while still living at home? What are the best ways to secure a mortgage- perhaps have a parent co-sign. And is it better to positively or negatively gear your first property? Thanks Janene!