Looking back, I remember what it was like as a single mother, just trying to make ends meet. Owning a home wasn’t even on my radar—it felt like a distant dream. But life has a way of surprising us. A few years later, I found myself married, and suddenly, we were buying our first home together.

We were so excited, but honestly, we didn’t understand all the ins and outs of purchasing a home. Our realtor was busy selling new homes left and right, so she didn’t take the time to educate us. It was during the subprime lending era, and in our excitement, we missed some important red flags. Can you believe my interest rate was over 7%—and that was more than 30 years ago!

That experience taught me so much, and now I’m passionate about helping others avoid the mistakes we made. If you’re a first-time homebuyer, here are a few tips I wish someone had shared with me:

• If you don’t already have a budget, create one. Knowing your monthly expenses and what you can comfortably afford is a crucial first step.
• Find an agent who will educate you (I’d be happy to help, if you like!). You deserve someone in your corner who will explain every step.
• Pull your credit report—don’t be afraid! Knowing where you stand is the first step to getting prepared.
• Choose a lender who educates you too. Just like your realtor, your lender should be someone who’s willing to answer your questions and guide you. Remember, you are free to choose your own lender—don’t feel pressured to use someone else’s recommendation if it doesn’t feel right for you. (I can connect you with trusted lenders and financial coaches!)
• Get pre-approvals from more than one lender within 5 to 7 days. This allows you to compare offers without hurting your credit and helps you find the best deal.
• Ask about down payment programs and interest rate buydowns. There may be special programs that can make homeownership more affordable for you.
• Once you’re approved, you’ll know how much home you can afford. That knowledge gives you confidence and clarity as you start your search.

Remember, buying a home is a journey—and you don’t have to do it alone. If you have questions or need support, I’m here to help you every step of the way.