Your First Home: How to buy a house for first time home buyers

One of the biggest questions first-time buyers ask me is, "How much money do I really need before I buy?" And honestly, the answer isn't a one-size-fits-all number. In this episode, I'm breaking down why the old 20% rule no longer works for today's market, how waiting too long can actually hurt you financially, and what matters way more than your exact down payment percentage. I also talk about mo...

Home prices today can feel downright shocking, especially when you see what the same house sold for just a few years ago. In this episode, I talk about what's really happening behind those price jumps and what experts are actually forecasting for 2026. I also dive into why the last few years were anything but normal, why trying to time the market is risky, and what "normal" finally looks like agai...

I still can't believe we were never taught how finances work or how to buy a house in school. In this episode, I break down the 3 most common mistakes I see first-time homebuyers make and how to avoid them before they turn into expensive regrets. I talk about why timeline matters more than people realize, how winging the process leads to rushed decisions, and why buying a home you can't truly affo...

When people first start thinking about buying a house, the most common question I hear is, "Where do I even begin?" In this episode, I break down the entire homebuying process, from the very first steps to getting your keys on closing day. I talk about when to bring in a realtor and lender, how to move from browsing online to serious house hunting, what really happens during offers and negotiation...

How much money do you actually need saved to buy your first home? In this episode, I break down the "it depends" answer with a simple framework you can use to set a realistic savings goal for 2026, 2027, or whenever you're ready. You'll learn the three categories of money you need to plan for, what makes the number change based on your market and lifestyle, and how to think about your down payment...

Interest rate buydowns are everywhere right now, but most first-time buyers don't actually understand what they are or how they work. In this episode, I break down the two types of buydowns, what they really cost, and how they impact your monthly payment and long-term finances. I share real numbers, compare negotiating a lower purchase price versus negotiating a buydown, and how to decide which op...

Home buying has its own timeline, and the biggest mistakes happen when buyers wait too long, or get emotional too early. In this episode, I break down the six steps that will set you up for a smooth, confident homebuying journey next year. I also talk about how "home-buying time" works towards building your wishlist, choosing your F.A.M.E. agent, and knowing exactly when to bring in a lender. Tune...

Most first-time buyers worry about getting a "good deal" on a house, but the real place people lose money is on their mortgage. In this episode, I break down how interest actually works, why amortization is so misunderstood, and how a normal 7% rate on a $400,000 loan quietly turns into almost a million dollars over 30 years. I share the questions lenders hope you don't ask, the numbers to run bef...

What does it really take to save for your first home, especially when it means paying off debt, saying no to short-term temptations, and making a major life move? In this episode, I'm joined by first-time homebuyer and money coach Nick Loera, who spent nearly five years paying off debt, building savings, relocating from California to Texas, and renovating his new home almost entirely by hand. Nick...

Saving for your first home doesn't just depend on how much you earn, it's about how intentionally you spend. In this episode, I'm joined by money coach and Overcoming Overspending founder Paige Pritchard to talk about the mindset and emotional habits that quietly keep you from saving that down payment. Paige shares the "money map" strategy, how to make budgeting feel empowering instead of restrict...

Say goodbye to mortgage mystery and "I wish I'd known" mistakes. In this episode, I'm joined by Theoni Rappo (aka Not Your Daddy's Lender) to simplify what first-time buyers actually need to know: we're talking realistic down payments, when (and how) to tap a 401(k), what underwriters look for on bank statements, how gift funds really work, job-change do's and don'ts, and the fastest ways to build...

Let's demystify building a new home vs. purchasing resale (without the surprises, costly upgrades, or "wish we'd known" regrets) with today's guest and Houston new construction expert, Andrea Ruiz. If you're deciding between building from dirt or moving into something that's already finished, this episode walks you through everything from timelines, inspections, warranties, financing incentives, t...

My husband is here to talk all things homebuying with your partner without the drama, second-guessing, or costly missteps. In this candid episode, Huang and I unpack the real lessons we learned across three home purchases, what went sideways, what we'd never do again, and what actually set us up to win the next time. If you want fewer fights, clearer decisions, and offers you can feel great about,...

Buying a home solo comes with unique questions, especially around what you can truly afford. In this episode, I sit down with Portland agent and two-time solo homeowner Lily Wyss to break down the real-life steps she used to buy her first condo at 23, build equity, and level up into a home she loves, without feeling house poor. We get practical about monthly payments, lender consults, emergency fu...

If you've ever wondered what to really look for during a home tour, or what red flags could cost you thousands after closing, this episode is for you. I'm joined by home inspector Vince Tecce. He inspected both of my own homes and countless client properties, and today he's sharing insider advice that every first-time buyer should hear before making an offer. From spotting hidden water damage and...

How do you actually know if you're ready to buy your first home? In this kickoff episode of Your First Home Podcast, I'll walk you through six must-check boxes that every future homeowner needs to confidently say "I'm ready." From understanding your "why" behind buying a home to evaluating your finances, credit, debt, and income stability, you'll learn what it really takes to make one of the bigge...

Welcome to Your First Home Podcast - I'm your host and homebuying expert Stacie Rihl and I've spent the last 8 years helping first-time homebuyers like you make their dreams of owning a home reality.  Buckle up, because we're about to demystify the process and learn everything we should have been taught in school about the biggest and most exciting purchase you'll ever make. Your first home.