Gratitude post, should I buy lotto? - Here’s a maybe good news story for you this Monday evening ahead of RBA day tomorrow. I’ve had a string of unbelievable luck I will never stop pinching myself about.

I just bought my first home. It was off market, 500k. Below market price by almost 40k. 35km out of Melbourne CBD, close to where I live now. Agent showed me because they stuffed up a viewing of a different property (cancelled when I was already there and I was the only one). It was perfect. Almost instant sale as no other interest.

Standard b&p, tried to get both my broker & conveyancer to convince something was wrong but there were really no issues.

It’s a 2br 70s single level unit, one of 10. Very reasonable body corp. Dated? Yes, but I’ve lowkey *dreamed* of the mid-century features that are still intact. In fact it ticks more boxes than I thought possible as I was looking at sad, lifeless apartments before.

I got pre-approval in March and this was only the 4th inspection I went to so honestly I had no skin in the game. Looking at realestate.com I had no chance at others I viewed.

Finance was fully approved the day before the June cash rate rise. If my pre-app ran out, I’d be locked out (based on my needs).

In the time lender’s interest rates caught up, my pay increase came into effect (employer was bargaining all year to maintain 4% if not reduce, but 5% came through to my surprise). Repayments are now exactly 50% of my take home pay (until tomorrow perhaps).

The thing is, I have been saving about 50% of my take home pay since I moved to Aus 4 years ago, sometimes 55% “just in case”. The way younger me had my back blows my mind as I had zero concept of property and finance then. I won’t have to change much of my lifestyle, just enjoy the new place.

As for the other expenses, my partner will be moving in with me. Our birthdays and anniversary are close - we’ll be celebrating turning 29/30 and 5 years together around settlement.

Since I bought under, I’ll have $15k leftover. The same life savings I arrived to Australia with. Crazy full circle moment.

I didn’t have to spend it because I secured a full-time job before landing in July 2019, also offered on my birthday then. Hustled and got 2 promotions since. I thought property was a pipe dream until I had the leftover savings. It’s crazy to reflect on how I’ve grown and materialised it.

Hopefully this doesn’t read as a rude humble brag in this economy. Just wanted to express deep gratitude. Imparting luck onto you if you read this far!

So, should I buy a lotto ticket?