3 Top Tips for First Time Home Buyers

Written By Tai Faux

What to Know Before You Buy Your First House (and How to Actually Enjoy the Process)

So you’re thinking about buying your first home—congratulations! That’s a huge step, and one worth celebrating.


Now let’s be real: it’s a big decision. And yes, it can feel a little overwhelming. But here’s the thing—it doesn’t have to. You don’t have to have it all figured out, and you definitely don’t have to do it alone.

As a broker, I am not just here to show houses and write offers—I am here to help you feel confident every step of the way. After helping tons of first-time buyers navigate this process, I’ve learned a thing or two about how to make the process a little less overwhelming, and dare I say … even a little fun.

So if you’re stepping into the home-buying world for the first time, let me give you my top 3 tips to help take the pressure off and make the experience feel a whole lot more doable.


Tip #1: It’s Not Forever—It’s Just For Now

Let’s start here, because this is one of the most common stress points for first-time buyers: feeling like they have to find the perfect home that will suit them for the next 30 years.

Here’s the truth: your first home doesn’t have to be your forever home.

And honestly? It probably won’t be.

Most people don’t stay in their first home forever. In fact, many sell within 5–10 years. Life changes—jobs, relationships, families, needs. What works for you now may not work for you later, and that’s okay.

So instead of putting pressure on yourself to find a home that checks every single box, think of this home as a for now home, a stepping stone. A chance to build equity, learn how to be a homeowner, and figure out what you actually want in the long run.

This mindset takes so much pressure off the process. Suddenly, you’re not looking for perfection. You’re looking for potential. For comfort. For a space that works for your right now life AND supports your long term goals.

Some questions to ask yourself as you shift into a “for now” mindset:

  • What do I need right now to feel comfortable and happy?

  • Can I grow here, at least a little?

  • Could this home serve me well for the next 5 years?

  • Does this home help serve my long term goals (renting out later, building equity, learning renovation)?

Taking that long-term pressure off yourself can make all the difference in how you navigate this experience.


Tip #2: Location Over Perfection

Now that we’ve established that your first home should have you comfortable for now, and serve your long-term goals, let’s talk about one of the biggest things that can influence your home’s resale (or rent out) price down the road – location.

Here’s the thing: You can change a lot about a house. You can update paint colors, renovate the kitchen, and replace the carpet, but you can’t pick up your house and move it to a better block.

Pro Tip: Consider both the facts, and the vibe of a neighborhood.

Factual points to consider:

  • School districts (even if you don’t have kids—this can impact resale value)

  • Commute times (think about traffic patterns and access to major roads)

  • Safety (check out crime tracking websites, stay away from hot spots)

Vibe points to consider:

  • Is there a community feel (kind neighbors, local markets, pride of ownership)

  • Walkability (access to grocery stores, parks, coffee shops)

  • What is the demographic of the neighborhood (is it near a college, is it an older quiet community)

When asking yourself these questions, remember that there are likely some non-negotiables (i.e. safety), and some personal preferences. Having your home in a safe neighborhood with a good school district may be the most likely to help increase your home’s resale value, but a good sense of community and walkability may be worth even more to the right buyer.


Tip #3: Build Your Super Team

Real talk: Having a team of experts in your corner is one of the biggest assets you can have in your home buying experience. These are going to be the people that advocate for you, create calm if there’s a storm, and guide you through the entire process with patience and kindness.

So what makes a Super Team?

Real Estate Broker (hi, that’s me!)

A good broker is your home-buying ride-or-die. They’ll help you understand the market, tour properties, write competitive offers, and navigate negotiations. They are your biggest advocate, and also your go-to source for all the random questions that will come up along the way (and trust me, there will be plenty!). They will also be well-connected, and even help to assemble the rest of your Super Team–that’s what I do for my clients.

Lender or Mortgage Broker

Getting pre-approved is one of the first steps you’ll take—and your lender will help you figure out how much home you can actually afford (which may be different from how much you think you can afford). They’ll also walk you through different loan types, interest rates, and closing costs.

Home Inspector

Once you’ve found a home and gone under contract, your inspector will do a deep dive into the property’s condition. Their report helps you understand what you’re getting into—and gives you leverage to negotiate if any repairs are needed.

Title Officer & Closing Agent

These folks handle the legal paperwork, ensure the title is clean, and facilitate the transfer of ownership on closing day. You may not interact with them as much, but they’re a critical part of the process.

When assembling your Super Team choose people you feel comfortable with. Your team will become your real estate support system, so it’s important to not only like them, but to trust that they’ve got your back.


Bonus Tip: Don’t Be Afraid to Ask Questions

This isn’t the time to “fake it till you make it.” If you don’t know something—ask! Seriously. No question is too small or silly. (I’ve heard them all, and I promise you’re not the first to wonder what “escrow” means or whether the seller leaves the fridge.)

This is your home. Your investment. Your money. You deserve to understand what’s happening every step of the way.

A good team will explain things without making you feel dumb. And if someone does make you feel dumb? That’s your cue to find someone better.


Final Thoughts: You’ve Got This

Buying your first home is a major life milestone. But it doesn’t have to be a stressful, confusing, or overwhelming one. With the right mindset and support, it can actually be exciting, empowering—and yes, even fun.

Remember:

  • Don’t put pressure on this being your forever home. Think of it as a solid first step towards your long-term goals.

  • Focus on location and future resale potential over finding the “perfect” house.

  • Build a super team of people who can guide you through every step.

You’re not expected to know it all—that’s why people like me do what we do. And I’d be honored to help you find your first home, your perfect-ish place, your first big real estate win.

Ready when you are.

Tai Faux