Behind the Bricks and Mortar

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Anton & Jesse’s First Home Journey with Leonard Homes

From the moment we met Anton and Jesse, we knew this wasn’t going to be a typical home build. Their journey to home ownership had a few twists, but with the right guidance, teamwork, and trust, they’ve ended up with something more than a house — they’ve built a home, and memories to match.

Like many first-time home buyers, Jesse and Anton were initially swept up in the promises of a “low-cost” group offering house-and-land deals. These types of companies target first home buyers in Queensland with grand claims — easy loans, fast builds, and budget prices. But soon enough, Jesse realised things weren’t adding up. That’s when they turned to Leonard Homes.

We sat down with them, listened to their goals, and gave them some honest, practical advice. We also connected them with a reliable mortgage broker — someone we’ve worked with on many successful projects. The broker helped them navigate pre-approval and made sure their lending pathway was realistic and achievable.

Slab stage — where every home begins.

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Securing the Block: Acting Fast

At the same time, Anton and Jesse had their eyes on a vacant block of land in a new housing estate in Ripley. They didn’t want to miss the opportunity — land in new estates moves fast, and timing is everything. We coordinated with their broker, offered advice on lot selection, and worked together to secure the block before someone else did.
It was a team effort from all sides, and a clear example of how strong collaboration between builder, broker, and buyer makes all the difference.

Designing Their Dream, Budget in Mind

Once the land was secured, we got to work designing a home that fit their needs — and more importantly, their budget.
Anton is a passionate race car enthusiast. He didn’t just want a place to live; he wanted a garage that could store parts, tools, and accommodate his passion for cars. There wasn’t space on the block for a shed, but we made sure the house included a custom-designed “monster garage” — a true highlight of their new home.

We adapted one of our standard Leonard Homes floor plans, adjusting the layout to match their lifestyle and land dimensions. At every step, we worked within a fixed price contract, giving Anton and Jesse peace of mind that the price wouldn’t shift unexpectedly.

We also helped tailor their budget-friendly inclusions package — making sure they still got great finishes and features, without blowing the budget. That’s what we pride ourselves on: being a trustworthy builder who delivers great service and real value.

The Contract Process — No Surprises

After soil testing and engineering were complete, we invited Jesse into the office for a full contract walkthrough. We don’t rush this part. We sit down, explain the terms clearly, show the specifications with images, and make sure there are no surprises.
Once they were comfortable, we issued the contract via DocuSign, so they could review it at their own pace and sign with confidence.

Building with Trust and Communication

Construction kicked off smoothly. Throughout the home build process, we kept Anton and Jesse updated with weekly progress updates and invited them to attend site meetings at key stages. As with all builds, challenges pop up — but with open communication, every issue was worked through together.

It was a build based on respect, transparency, and teamwork — the foundation of any great client-builder relationship.

Hear Anton & Jesse share their experience building their first home with Leonard Homes.

The Finish Line: A Home and a Future

Handover day was a special moment. Anton and Jesse stood out front with keys in hand, grinning from ear to ear. Their home was exactly what they’d hoped for — and more.

They’ve since told us their property was valued well above their build price — a huge win for any first home buyer. Today, they’re living in the home with their family, building memories and enjoying the space they helped shape.

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Thinking About Building Your First Home?

At Leonard Homes, we know how overwhelming it can feel when you’re starting out. That’s why we offer clear pricing, great service, and advice that’s actually helpful — not salesy. Whether you’re looking at new land in a housing estate, exploring house and land packages in Ripley, or you’re just at the research stage, we’re here to help.

Even if you’re not ready to build, a simple conversation could save you time, money, and frustration.
So if you’re looking for a trustworthy builder who genuinely wants you to succeed — reach out. Like Anton and Jesse, you might just find the process easier than you think.

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