So far The Irish Times Better With Money podcast has given listeners crash courses in budgeting, saving and clearing debt.
This week host Aideen Finnegan turns to the biggest financial transaction in most people’s lives: buying a first home.
The dream of owning a home remains a significant milestone for many, yet for Irish adults under 30, it has never been harder.
Even if you manage to save a deposit and get mortgage-approved, you’re up against cash buyers, institutional investors and the State itself; all vying for properties at a time of chronic undersupply.
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That’s why preparation and strategy are key. On this week’s episode, property consultant Miriam Finn and Aideen go through the process, step by step.
- Financial aids available to first-time buyers
- How to find the best mortgage
- The documents you need before entering the market
- Strategies for winning a bidding war
- Whether hiring a buyer’s agent to help is right for you
Finn lays out the entire process in chronological order sharing everything she knows about lending approval, bidding, negotiating and closing.
You can listen to this conversation on the player above, or search for Better With Money wherever you get your podcasts.
Presented by Aideen Finnegan. Produced by Declan Conlon and Aideen Finnegan.
Resources mentioned in this episode:
Help to Buy scheme
More information on various state help and grants
CCPC mortgage money tool
Price comparison web sites like Bonkers and Switcher analyse the best value mortgage loans on the market
Check if a prospective property is on a flood plain
