Personal Interest
Buying your first home can feel overwhelming — especially when you’re scrolling through listings, crunching numbers, and wondering if you’ll ever have “enough” saved to make it happen. But here’s the good news: most first-time buyers are a lot closer than they think. And many of them wish they’d started the process sooner.
If you’re on the fence, here are a few things new homeowners often say they wish they’d known at the beginning:
- You Don’t Need a 20% Down Payment
One of the biggest myths out there is that you need to save up 20% of the home’s price before you can buy. That’s simply not true. There are many loan programs that allow for much lower down payments — some as low as 3%, and in certain cases even 0% down for qualified buyers. - You Can Start with a Starter Home
Your first home doesn’t have to be your forever home. Many buyers start with something smaller or in a different area than they originally envisioned — and that’s okay. Getting into the market and building equity is often a smarter move than waiting for the “perfect” home. - Pre-Approval Changes Everything
Getting pre-approved for a mortgage isn’t just a formality — it’s a game-changer. It helps you understand exactly what you can afford, strengthens your offer, and gives you confidence as you shop. Plus, many buyers say the pre-approval process was faster and easier than they expected. - The Right Team Makes All the Difference
Working with a great mortgage advisor and real estate agent who are responsive and explain things clearly can take a ton of stress off your plate. You don’t have to figure this out on your own — having pros in your corner matters. - It Feels Amazing to Finally Own
The paperwork might be stressful, and the process might have a few bumps — but the day you get your keys? It’s worth every step. You’re not just buying a home — you’re building a future.
So if you’ve been thinking about buying your first home but keep putting it off, here’s your sign: you might be closer than you think. All it takes is one conversation to get the ball rolling — and you could be on your way to owning sooner than you imagined.