First Time Home Buyer FAQ

First Time Home Buyer FAQ

 (...but really, it’s for everyone who thinks they’re not ready yet)

We just released a new reel on this very topic — and if you haven’t seen it yet, head over to Instagram. Kim, one of our amazing buyer agents, walks through the real first step to buying a home: understanding your buying power. It’s not about guessing how much you need to save or wondering if your credit is good enough — it’s about talking to a lender and getting clear on your options.

What we’re seeing more than ever is this: people are waiting too long to even consider homeownership because they assume they’re not ready. But what if you’re actually closer than you think?

Let us introduce you to a couple who thought the same thing...

Meet Eli and Jordan.

Back in 2021, Eli and Jordan were renting a two-bedroom apartment near Daffin Park with their dog, Maple, and their cat, Butters (who may or may not have run the household). They’d been together since college — not yet married, but talking about the future — and were starting to feel squeezed by rising rents and noisy neighbors.

One Saturday, they stopped by an open house “just for fun.” The house wasn’t perfect — lots of wood paneling, dark bathrooms, and a kitchen straight out of 1974 — but they liked the street and could imagine it with a little love. When Rachael greeted them at the door, they immediately said, “We’re not ready to buy — we’re just looking.”

But as they chatted, Rachael asked if they’d ever spoken with a lender just to see where they stood. They hadn’t. So she connected them with someone she trusted, and a few days later they were shocked to find out they were ready — or at least a lot closer than they thought.

They ended up buying that very house. It wasn’t turnkey, but it was affordable, and over time they turned it into something beautiful. They started with paint, then light fixtures, then saved up for a full kitchen renovation last year. Now, three years in, it looks nothing like the house they walked into that Saturday — and it’s gained quite a bit of value, too.

Eli recently said, “I’m so glad we didn’t wait. If we’d tried to time it perfectly, we might still be renting.”

They still live there today — hosting game nights, growing tomatoes in the backyard, and drinking coffee on the porch while Maple dozes in a patch of sun. It’s not just a house anymore. It’s home.

And it all started with a walk-through they almost didn’t take.

First Time Buyer FAQ

(Even if you think you’re not one yet)

Q: Do I need 20% down to buy a house?

A: Nope. Many buyers put down as little as 3% — and some qualify for 0% down programs. Cash in hand matters, but it might be a lot less than you expect.

Q: What’s the first step if I think I want to buy?

A: Talk to a lender. It’s free, no pressure, and gives you real numbers instead of guesses. We’ll connect you with someone great.

Q: What’s my credit score need to be?

A: There are loan options for a wide range of credit scores — even in the 600s. You don't need perfect credit to start the process.

Q: What about student loans?

A: Having student loans doesn’t disqualify you. Lenders look at your full financial picture, not just one number.

Q: How much does it cost upfront?

A: You’ll need some cash for your down payment and closing costs — but again, it may be much less than you think. We’ve helped people buy homes with under $10,000 total.

Q: What if I just want to look?

 A: Perfect. Looking with a guide is way more productive than scrolling Zillow and talking yourself out of it. We're here when you're ready.

Ready to find out how close you really are?

You don’t have to be “ready” to start the conversation — in fact, that’s usually how people get ready. Just reach out. We’ll listen, we’ll guide, and if the time is right, we’ll walk through that first open house together.