THE First-Time Homebuyer Blog
Your go-to resource for first-time buyers navigating mortgages, home searches, and confident homeownership.
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The Home Stretch
Protect your investment with maintenance and tax strategies and value-boosting improvements.
Learn how to search smarter, spot red flags, make strong offers, and negotiate with confidence.
Get Your Coins Right
Understand credit, down payments, loan options, and what it really takes to get preapproved.
Latest Posts
Buying a home is likely the biggest financial decision you’ll ever make, but many people still fall into the same common mistakes. I’m not talking about things like getting preapproved or hiring an inspector; you’ll hear that advice everywhere. Instead, I want to focus on the subtle psychological traps that can lead people to regret […]
You found it. The house. The one with the perfect backyard, the updated kitchen, and enough space for your growing family. You call your real estate agent, ready to make an offer. Then they ask: “Do you have a preapproval letter?“ You pause. “I thought I was prequalified?“ Your agent explains that in this seller’s […]
I’ll be house hunting in the near future for home number three. I’ll be honest with you; I didn’t think I’d be here this soon. When I bought my second home in 2021, I thought I was settling in for some time. The house checked all my boxes: great neighborhood, good schools nearby, and a […]
The house is perfect. The kitchen has the island you’ve been dreaming about. The backyard is big enough for summer barbecues. The price is right. You’re ready to make an offer. But have you actually spent time in the neighborhood? Most buyers tour a home once on a Sunday afternoon and decide that’s enough. They […]
You pull your credit score, and your heart sinks. It’s lower than you expected. It could be in the 500s. Maybe the low 600s. And now you’re convinced you’ll never qualify for a mortgage. You should know that you don’t need perfect credit to buy a home. In fact, you might qualify for a mortgage […]
Your mortgage payment isn’t the whole story. You calculated what you could afford. You got preapproved. You found the perfect house and closed the deal. Your monthly mortgage payment fits comfortably in your budget. Then, three months in, your water heater starts leaking. Your HVAC system needs servicing. The lawn needs professional treatment. Your gutters […]
You’ve been scrolling through listings for weeks. You’ve found the one—the house with the kitchen island you’ve been dreaming about, the backyard perfect for summer barbecues, and enough space for that home office you desperately need. Then you see the price tag. Your heart skips. You ask yourself, “Can I actually afford this?” Here’s the […]
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