First-Time Buyer? Here’s What You Really Need to Know

Buying your first home is one of those major life moments, kind of like graduating, having a baby, or realizing you can't pull an all-nighter like you used to. It’s exciting, a little scary, and totally doable when you have the right info (and the right people) backing you up. If you're a first-time homebuyer and you’re not sure where to even begin, take a deep breath, we’re about to break it down.

First up: know your numbers.
Before you start picking out backsplash tiles on Pinterest, you need to know what you’re working with. That means checking your credit, figuring out your budget, and getting pre-approved by a lender. Pre-approval isn’t just some boring formality, it’s your golden ticket. It tells you exactly how much house you can afford and makes sellers take you seriously. Trust me, there’s nothing worse than falling in love with a house… and then realizing it’s way out of your price range. It’s like shopping for your dream car and finding out it’s a few zeros too many.

Next: get yourself an agent (aka your temporary BFF).
This isn’t the time to wing it solo. A great agent will help you decode the market, spot red flags, and negotiate like a pro. Think of us as your personal guide, therapist, and detective, all rolled into one. And no, working with an agent doesn’t cost you extra. In most cases, the seller pays our commission. So if you're thinking, "Do I really need one?", the answer is a strong yes.

Lower your HGTV expectations (just a little).
We love a good open floor plan and waterfall island too, but your first home might not check every single box. And that’s okay! Instead of holding out for perfection, focus on the stuff you can’t change, like the location, layout, and amount of natural light. Paint, fixtures, and flooring? All easy to upgrade later. Your first home is a starting point, not the finish line.

Inspections are non-negotiable.
Found the one? Amazing! But before you pop the champagne, get that home inspected. A good inspector can uncover sneaky issues hiding under fresh paint or behind pretty cabinets. Think of it like dating, you want to know the quirks before you commit. Even if the house looks flawless, an inspection gives you peace of mind (and sometimes a bit of negotiation power, too).

Buying your first home is a journey, but you don’t have to do it alone (or totally clueless). When you know what to expect and who to trust, the process becomes a whole lot smoother. You’ve got this, and when you don’t, I’ve got you.

Let’s make your first home search exciting (not exhausting). I’ll walk you through it step by step, answer all your “is this normal?” questions, and help you find a home you actually love. Let’s talk about your home goals, coffee’s on me!

Taylor Tebeau
Realtor® | Realty ONE Group
RY Home Team
623.294.4200
taylor@ryhometeam.com
@azhomeswithtaylor