Home Together Blog Series

First-Time Buyer Guide: Navigating Today’s Market

Thinking about buying your first home? You’re probably feeling all the emotions—excited, nervous, hopeful, maybe even a little overwhelmed. Totally normal. This is a big deal!

But here's the truth: buying a home isn’t just about scrolling through cute kitchens. It takes prep work, smart planning, and some honest conversations..

Let’s break it down together in a way that makes sense and feels doable.

Step 1: Let’s Talk Credit 

Before you even look at a house, your credit score is already working behind the scenes. It affects your loan approval, your interest rate, and how much you’ll ultimately pay over the life of your loan.

Not sure where yours stands? That’s okay! Check your credit for free at AnnualCreditReport.com. Then focus on:

• Paying your bills on time (seriously, every time)

• Keeping credit card balances low

• Avoiding big credit changes while prepping for a home loan

If your score could use some TLC, don’t stress. A good lender (or your Realtor team 🙋‍♂️) can help you build a plan to get where you need to be.

Step 2: Budget Like a Boss 

It’s easy to think, “If I can get approved for $300,000, I should spend $300,000!” But here’s the reality: just because you can doesn’t mean you should.

A comfortable budget usually means keeping your total housing expenses around 28–30% of your gross monthly income. That includes:

• Mortgage payment

• Property taxes

• Insurance (homeowners + possibly mortgage insurance)

• HOA fees (if there are any)

• Utilities and monthly upkeep

Make space in your budget for “surprise” expenses (because… they will happen). New water heater? Lawn mower? HOA dues increase? Life has a funny way of showing up.

Step 3: Know the Real Cost of Owning a Home

Owning a home means you’re in charge. No more calling the landlord when something breaks—because now, you are the landlord.

So before jumping into homeownership, ask yourself:

• Do I have an emergency fund for house stuff?

• Am I cool with mowing lawns or shoveling snow?

• Could a smaller, more manageable space be a better first step?

This is where condos and townhomes shine. Less maintenance, lower price point, and you’re still building equity. Definitely worth considering as a smart steppingstone.

Step 4: Be Open to the “Not-So-Perfect” Homes

We all love a big backyard and a wraparound porch, but more often than not your starter home isn’t your dream home, and that’s okay. That first step might be a condo, a townhouse, or a cozy single-family home in a great school district.

Here’s the thing: it's not about impressing anyone, it’s about what works for you right now.

Condos and town homes often come with:

• Lower upfront costs

• Shared maintenance (HOA)

• Great locations

• Less yard work

The trade-off? Monthly HOA dues and sometimes a little less space. But if it gives you peace of mind and financial breathing room, it might be the perfect fit.

Step 5: Start the Conversation

You don’t have to have it all figured out before reaching out. In fact, starting early is one of the smartest things you can do.

Let’s talk through:

• What a realistic budget looks like for you

• What kind of home fits your lifestyle

• Local price points

• First-time buyer programs or down payment help

• How to get pre-approved with a trusted lender

This isn’t about pressure, it’s about preparation. I promise, there’s no judgment here.

Step 6: Search with Purpose

Once you have your numbers and goals in place, it’s time to explore.

Here’s what to focus on:

• What neighborhoods feel like home?

• What’s the commute like?

• Is walkability or outdoor space more important?

• How much home maintenance are you actually ready for?

And keep in mind: your first home isn’t your last home. It’s your launchpad. It’s about finding a solid start, not the forever-perfect-everything palace (unless you find that too - hey, it happens!).

This is your life, your budget, your path. It’s okay to choose the smaller place, the lower payment in the neighborhood that’s up-and-coming. That’s not settling, that’s smart.

And when you're ready, I’m here to walk through the process with you—no pressure, no sales pitch. Just real talk, real guidance, and real homes.

Next in the series: Multi-Generational Living: Making It Work.