3 Things My First-Time Home Buyer Clients Shared with Me That They Didn’t Know Before Starting the Process
Buying your first home is exciting, but let’s be real—it can also feel like stepping into a world you didn’t even know existed. You might have watched the real estate shows and feel familiar with the process, but nothing makes it real until you’re in the thick of it buying a home of your own. As a real estate agent, I’ve had the privilege of helping first-time buyers through this journey, and more often than not, I hear the same thing: “I had no idea about that!”
If you’re thinking about buying your first home, here are three things my clients wished they had known before diving in. Consider this your head start!
1. Closing Costs Add Up—Fast
Most first-time buyers know they need to save for a down payment, but what often surprises them are the additional costs that pop up before you even get the keys. Closing costs typically range from 2% to 5% of the home’s purchase price, covering things like attorney fees, inspection fees, title insurance, and more.
I always recommend that buyers set aside extra funds beyond their down payment to comfortably cover these expenses. Trust me—it's a lot less stressful when you’re financially prepared!
Pro-tip: Always save a little more than you think you’ll need, so not matter what comes up, you’ll be prepared!
2. Getting Your Offer Accepted Isn’t the Finish Line—It’s the Starting Line
One of the biggest surprises for first-time buyers is that the real work really kicks off after their offer is accepted. It’s easy to think the hard part is over and to some degree, it’s right - the hard part of negotiating is over and offer acceptance is a moment to stop and celebrate, but there’s a whole process that happens between “offer accepted” and “here are your keys!”
You’ll need to navigate inspections, appraisals, mortgage approvals, and lots of paperwork. Issues can pop up—maybe the home inspection reveals repairs that need negotiating, or the appraisal comes in lower than expected. Staying on top of deadlines and working closely with your agent and lender is key to keeping everything on track.
This is where having a professional by your side really makes a difference. I’m here to guide my buyers through each step, anticipate roadblocks, and make sure you get across the finish line smoothly. So when my first time home buyers ask me after their offer is accepted if I’m done working with them (yes this happens a lot), I say nope we’ve still got a little ways to go.
3. The Emotional Roller Coaster Is Real
Nobody really talks about how emotional the process can be. You might fall in love with a house and lose it in a bidding war. Each step of the process is just as precarious than the last and you don’t truly own your home until you’re handed the keys on closing day. That’s sometimes a months-long process where anything can happen. You might second-guess decisions or feel overwhelmed by paperwork. That’s all completely normal.
My advice? Get to know the process a bit before you jump in. Stay patient, stay focused, and trust the process. And of course, work with an agent who can help you stay grounded and keep things moving forward when the emotions start to run high.
Final Thoughts
If you’re a first-time buyer, know this: you’re not alone, and no one expects you to have all the answers. That’s what a good agent is here for—to guide you through the unknowns and help you land a home that feels just right for this next chapter.
Thinking about starting your home search? I’m always here to chat!