Jigar Modi

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Should I trust property advice from my family WhatsApp group?

By Jigar Modi, over 15 years in lending

The short answer

Listen, but don't decide from it. Group chats are good at sharing wins and bad at sharing costs. Nobody posts the LMI bill, the valuation that came in short or the month they couldn't sleep. Use the group for questions, and make the decision on your own numbers.

"Bhai, trust me, this one is safe."

You've probably seen some version of it. The cousin who just bought again. The colleague forwarding a house-and-land brochure. The friend who fixed his rate because the group guru said so.

People only share their wins.

Advice from the group is confirmation bias with a forward button.

Why it feels so convincing

These are people you trust. They're like you, and they bought. That counts for something.

But their numbers aren't yours. Their income, their debts, their deposit, their plans for parents and kids. A home that worked well for them can stretch you badly.

How to use the group well

  • Ask what it cost them on top of the price, and what surprised them.
  • Ask what they'd do differently. That answer is worth more than the win.
  • Ask who gave them advice, and whether that person was accountable for it.
  • Then check any "safe" claim against your own budget and plans.

What you need is clarity, not noise. A plan, not opinions.

Jigar Modi

About Jigar Modi

I came to Australia in 2000 as a student with $850. I've worked inside two major banks and spent over 10 years in mortgage broking. That's over 15 years in lending, and more than $450M in settled lending.

Founder of First Home Ready. I help Indian professionals and families avoid costly financial mistakes before they sign. Read my story

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Got a question you'd like answered? Email jigar@jigarmodi.com.au. I read every one, and the best ones become pages like this.

This is general information, not personal advice. Rules change, so check what applies to you now.