The bank declined my first home loan application. And the house was only $33,000. They were right to though. I was just 19 at the time and really had no record of savings that showed I was ready for the commitment of a mortgage.

As a mortgage broker who’s worked in finance for over 16 years I’m regularly on the other side of the desk from people jumping into the property market for the first time. I still have to occasionally check myself to remember exactly what that felt like.

To save for your first deposit, or take the plunge into renovating or buy an investment property.

And, although those memories are often overridden by my clients’ experiences truth is, you’ll never forget your first.

I decided to go deep into my memory and recall for you all my very own experiences over the years in buying, renovating, or investing in homes in the hope my personal Home Stories inspire you to jump in if you haven’t already. Or for property-owning novices, I hope my stories spark fond (or scary memories) of your own first…and second, and third home stories.

Either way, I welcome you to share with me your stories as I travel down memory lane. Enjoy!