The Biggest Mistakes People Make When Building a New Home. This Could Save You Thousands 💸💸💸
Buying a brand-new home sounds like a dream, but the reality can be full of hidden costs, confusing contracts, and missed opportunities. In this episode, we’re joined by Kerri-Ann Hooper, founder of Carnelian Projects and a fierce advocate for property buyers, to unpack the truth behind new home builds and what most people don’t realise until it’s too late.
Kerri-Ann explains what a building broker actually does, how it differs from working with a traditional builder, and why more buyers are turning to this model for clarity and confidence. She shares how she identified a gap in the market over a decade ago, and how Carnelian Projects was built from the ground up to guide clients through what can be an overwhelming process. From the meaning and value of a “turnkey” build to the fine print often missing from quotes, she lays out the biggest mistakes buyers make and the costly traps set by cheap house-and-land packages that aren’t always what they seem.
Alongside her practical insights, Kerri-Ann reflects on her personal journey, her passion for educating buyers, and how she’s built a bold, authentic brand that turns heads in an industry that often plays it safe.
If you’re considering building, buying land, or just want to understand how to make smarter decisions in today’s property market—this conversation is your starting point.
------ Contents of this video ---------------------------------------
(00:00) - Intro
(02:50) - A Gap in the Market and Lies From the Big Builders
(07:40) - Kerri-Ann’s Calling
(09:00) - Why Would an Investor Build a New Home?
(12:32) - The Process of a Knockdown and Rebuild
(14:28) - Why Build New?
(15:23) - How to Find the Right Builder
(16:50) - What is a Turnkey Build and the Difference Between a Home Package Deal
(20:00) - What is Not Turnkey in a Contract
(22:45) - Contract Red Flags
(25:55) - How Much Do You Charge?
(26:15) - Buyer Beware
(29:05) - Land Hotspots!
(31:00) - Why You Shouldn’t Sell
(36:15) - Personal Branding and the Orange Suit
(39:00) - Negotiating
(43:10) - Is the Butler’s Pantry Really Worth It?
(46:04) - Fast 5
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Follow Kerri-Ann:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/carnelianprojects/
Website: https://www.carnelianprojects.com.au/
LinkedIn: https://www.instagram.com/carnelianprojects/
Follow Kerrod:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kerrodholland/
Website: https://tenexwealth.com.au/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kerrod-holland-76696b133/
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@TenexWealth
Follow Jared:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/crownpropertyfinance/
Website: https://www.crownpropertyfinance.com.au/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jared-dorans-a959313b/
More from Your Wealth Playbook:
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@YourWealthPlaybook
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/yourwealthplaybook/
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@yourwealthplaybook
Website: https://yourwealthplaybook.com.au/
Kerri-Ann explains what a building broker actually does, how it differs from working with a traditional builder, and why more buyers are turning to this model for clarity and confidence. She shares how she identified a gap in the market over a decade ago, and how Carnelian Projects was built from the ground up to guide clients through what can be an overwhelming process. From the meaning and value of a “turnkey” build to the fine print often missing from quotes, she lays out the biggest mistakes buyers make and the costly traps set by cheap house-and-land packages that aren’t always what they seem.
Alongside her practical insights, Kerri-Ann reflects on her personal journey, her passion for educating buyers, and how she’s built a bold, authentic brand that turns heads in an industry that often plays it safe.
If you’re considering building, buying land, or just want to understand how to make smarter decisions in today’s property market—this conversation is your starting point.
------ Contents of this video ---------------------------------------
(00:00) - Intro
(02:50) - A Gap in the Market and Lies From the Big Builders
(07:40) - Kerri-Ann’s Calling
(09:00) - Why Would an Investor Build a New Home?
(12:32) - The Process of a Knockdown and Rebuild
(14:28) - Why Build New?
(15:23) - How to Find the Right Builder
(16:50) - What is a Turnkey Build and the Difference Between a Home Package Deal
(20:00) - What is Not Turnkey in a Contract
(22:45) - Contract Red Flags
(25:55) - How Much Do You Charge?
(26:15) - Buyer Beware
(29:05) - Land Hotspots!
(31:00) - Why You Shouldn’t Sell
(36:15) - Personal Branding and the Orange Suit
(39:00) - Negotiating
(43:10) - Is the Butler’s Pantry Really Worth It?
(46:04) - Fast 5
------------------------------------------
Follow Kerri-Ann:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/carnelianprojects/
Website: https://www.carnelianprojects.com.au/
LinkedIn: https://www.instagram.com/carnelianprojects/
Follow Kerrod:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kerrodholland/
Website: https://tenexwealth.com.au/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kerrod-holland-76696b133/
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@TenexWealth
Follow Jared:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/crownpropertyfinance/
Website: https://www.crownpropertyfinance.com.au/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jared-dorans-a959313b/
More from Your Wealth Playbook:
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@YourWealthPlaybook
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/yourwealthplaybook/
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@yourwealthplaybook
Website: https://yourwealthplaybook.com.au/
Creators and Guests
Host
Jared Dorans
Meet Jared, Managing Director and Principal of Crown Property Finance, and co-host of Your Wealth Playbook. From his lending start in 2009, he became a top 5 lender at a Big 4 bank, later mastering complex and commercial lending with national awards. With 13 years of experience and 40+ lenders, Jared offers fast, client-focused solutions. Off-duty, he volunteers with Talk2mebro, enjoys sports, family, and a good coffee or beer.
Host
Kerrod Holland
Meet Kerrod, your Newcastle-based financial advisor at Tenex Wealth and co-host of Your Wealth Playbook. Originally from Singleton, he’s passionate about helping business owners, pre-retirees, retirees, and high-income earners secure their financial future through tailored tax strategies and retirement planning. Outside of turning hard-earned money into lasting wealth, Kerrod finds balance in sports, fatherhood, and cherishing family moments.
Guest
Kerri-Ann Hooper
Kerri-Ann Hooper, founder of Carnelian Projects since 2011, is a new home specialist transforming the building process across Newcastle, Hunter Valley, Central Coast, and Queensland. With over 30 years in property and a real estate license, building qualification, and arts degree, she guides first-time buyers and investors through turn-key house and land packages with honesty and personalised service. Known as the "new build wingwoman," Kerri-Ann ensures stress-free construction for a one-time $495 fee, delivering tailored designs and brilliant outcomes. A lover of Hamptons style, home magazines, and Abba, she’s passionate about building dreams that last.
