First Time Home Buyers - How To Buy a Home

Headlines keep promising drama, but the 2025 housing story is quieter—and more strategic—than most people think. We break down what actually matters for first-time buyers right now: prices holding steady, inventory finally improving, and mortgage rates edging lower without a freefall. The twist? A small shift in rates can invite millions of buyers back into the market, reshaping the starter-home b...

The podcast highlights the challenges of navigating the 2025 housing market, emphasizing high-interest rates, new commission structures, and insurance implications in disaster-prone states. Listeners are urged to remain proactive and informed to achieve successful homeownership. • Discussion of current interest rates and their impact on purchasing power  • The significance of budgeting for long-te...

Ever thought about how you might be leaving money on the table in your home buying negotiations? Well, we've got the perfect episode for you! Today, we're unpacking the mysterious world of seller concessions, and how they can work in your favor. We'll guide you on how to seek them out, negotiate them, and the remarkable role they can play in reducing the financial strain of homeowne...

Ever wondered what distinguishes a manufactured home from a stick-built one? Or perhaps you've grappled with the stigmas and misconceptions surrounding manufactured homes. If so, this episode is for you. We're joined by the seasoned expert and owner of Stell RE Group, Steven Ellefson, who brings his deep knowledge and insights into the world of manufactured homes. Steven helps us navigat...

We're looking at some of the most devious scams and practices that could happen to first-time home buyers. From fake rental listings, bait and switch schemes, to the devastating impact of title fraud - we expose the top 10 that can affect you.  We look at the importance of title insurance and the potential pitfalls related to property titles. It's not about scaring you, but empowering yo...

What if we told you that choosing a smaller home could actually lead to a happier, more fulfilling life? Join us as we explore the ever-changing concept of the "right size" home and discuss how sometimes, less is more. We'll take you on a journey through the history of home sizes, from the early 20th century to the present day, and discuss the impact of events like the post-World Wa...

Ready to embark on the rewarding journey of homeownership, but feeling overwhelmed by the process? Worry no more; we've got you covered with our First Time Homebuyers podcast! As your personal guide and licensed loan officer and real estate agent, I'm Phil, and we'll be navigating the home buying process together. From finding the right real estate agent or lender to understanding t...

Ready to take the plunge into your first condo or townhome purchase, but feeling overwhelmed by the financing process? Our resident expert, Sarah, is here to guide us through the your journey toward homeownership with a condo or townhome. Our discussion not only uncovers the different types of loans available for condos and townhomes – such as conventional, FHA, and VA loans – but also dives into...

Are the myths about condos and townhomes holding you back from exploring their benefits? Tune in as we debunk 10 common misconceptions and discuss the pros and cons of condo and townhome living. Discover the key differences in maintenance, privacy, personalization, and selling between these housing options, and learn how they can offer more affordable home ownership in densely populated areas. Don...

As a first time home buyer, you may not know some of the Do’s and Don’t of touring a home, whether that’s going to open houses or a private tour with an agent. We’ll go over 8 do’s and 8 don’ts about touring homes, and talk about some key points to help you make the most of your time and experience. Do's Bring your real estate agent to an open house. If you don’t have an agent yet, we can hel...

We'll be discussing the age-old question, how much should we spend on a home? With everyone's situation being unique, it's important to talk about the fundamentals of creating a budget and give you some overall guidance that you can use to come up with your ideal budget. Tools & Resources: Show Notes & Article: https://fthbpros.com/first-time-home-buyer/how-to-budget-for-buy...

I'm talking about one of my favorite down payment assistance programs that you can qualify for even if you make a higher income. If you qualify for an FHA loan, you likely can qualify for this. This program offers a 2% or 3.5% forgivable down payment and/or closing cost assistance with NO income limitations! That's right - no matter how much money you make, you may still qualify for this...

We dive into the world of down payment assistance programs and how they can help you achieve your dream of homeownership. With housing affordability becoming a growing issue, these programs are becoming increasingly important for first-time buyers.  In this episode, we discuss: The different types of down payment assistance programs and how they work The various requirements needed to be considere...

One popular piece of advice given to first time home buyers is to “marry the house and date the rate.” This phrase refers to the idea of putting more emphasis on finding a house that meets your needs for the long term, and thinking of the interest rate in shorter or temporary term. We'll be taking a closer look at this concept and see what it means for you, the first time home buyer. Send us...

Learn about purchasing a new construction home - some tips and information to get the most out of your purchase. From financing options, to budgets and design choices, we want you to be prepared for the process and make an informed decision. Send us Fan Mail Find all our episodes, articles, newsletter, and resources on our main site: https://FTHBPros.com Contact Information: Dat Nguyen – Certified...

In this episode, we will explore the often-hidden costs and fees associated with purchasing a home that most buyers don’t consider. From home inspections and closing costs to moving expenses and mortgage fees, there are many hidden charges tucked away in the home buying process that must be accounted for when budgeting. We will talk to real estate experts and industry professionals to get an insid...

In this episode of the podcast, we talked to Stef Beltran del Rio from 360 Credit Consulting about the basics of credit for first time home buyers. We discussed different credit myths, tips for building and maintaining a good credit score, what to look out for when dealing with creditors, and more. Get your free credit consultation at: 360 Credit Consulting - FREE consultation Stef's contact...

If you're self-employed or a contractor, maybe you have inconsistent seasonal income or had some major financial issues recently. Keep listening. This episode is for you. We'll focus on the following alternate (Non QM) loans: Jumbo Loans Bank Statement Loan ITIN Loan Interest-Only Home Loans Bad Credit (Post BK) Who they are for, and some general qualifications.  We’ll talk about the pro...

It’s the end search is over. Stop even looking for a house. You’ll never be able to afford it, not with those interest rates. Is that what you've been hearing or thinking? Is it even worth looking at homes anymore? Is your dream crushed? The reality is that, no, you aren't out of the running. It's just a different market now. Today I've got Sarah back on the podcast, and one of...

8 questions to ask yourself to make sure you are ready to buy a home from an emotional standpoint. Full Article and show notes @ https://fthbpros.com/are-you-emotionally-ready-to-buy-a-home/ Are you comfortable with the idea of owning a home, or is it intimidating?  Are you ready and confident to be solely responsible for ensuring the home is always in a safe and livable condition.  Do you have th...

Buying a home can be an intimidating process, but having a comprehensive inspection done can help you make an informed decision and give you peace of mind. Join Our Facebook Community @ https://www.facebook.com/groups/fthbpros/ An inspection is an evaluation of a property or home, typically conducted by a professional inspector, in order to identify any potential problems or issues that may need t...

The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) offers a mortgage loan that can be used by those who have served or are presently serving in the military. With no down payment required, and no mortgage insurance, this is one of the best loans available. See more eligibilty information as well as full show notes @ https://fthbpros.com/what-is-a-va-loan/ We talk about: Eligibility for a VA Loan  Types of VA...

If you’re thinking of buying a home, it’s important to consider a number of factors. These include your current financial situation, employment stability, and future plans. The market conditions themselves may not be as important as you think. Full Show Notes / Article @ https://fthbpros.com/is-now-a-good-time-to-buy-a-home/ Now may be a good time to buy a home if: You have a stable job and income...

Saving up for a down payment on a house can seem like an impossible task but there are ways to make it happen. I give 8 different tactics that can be used and combined together to help you get your down payment in 12-24 months. See the full article and show notes here: https://fthbpros.com/how-to-save-for-a-down-payment-on-a-house/ Don't let the down payment keep you from getting into a home!...

We're talking about buying distressed homes for less than market value, are they worth it?  Raj Sharma brings his knowledge of REO, short sale, and pre-foreclosure homes to the episode, to give you an idea of what these homes are, how to find them, and if they're worth it for a first time home buyer. Raj is a Southern California real estate agent who is a veteran of the 2008 housing cris...