First-time buyers

A patient, jargon-free guide through your very first closing.

You shouldn't need a finance degree to buy a house. We explain every term, every form, and every decision point in plain language, at your pace.

80+Homes closed, past 5 yrs
2020REALTOR® since
0Dumb questions — I mean it
Where to start

Financing options worth asking your lender about.

We're not lenders, but we work alongside several we trust and can help you understand which of these might fit your situation before that first conversation.

FHA loans3% down conventionalFirst-gen buyer grantsDown payment assistanceVA loansUSDA rural loansClosing cost credits

“Your first home is a huge decision — you deserve all the information up front to make the best decision with your money, for your family.”

— Sarah Foley, on why no question is a dumb question
Your first-time roadmap

Four steps, explained the first time you ask.

01

Understand your budget

Not just what you're approved for — what actually fits your monthly life.

02

Learn the vocabulary

Escrow, contingency, appraisal gap — we define every term as it comes up, not before.

03

Tour with context

We point out what a first-time buyer typically misses on a walkthrough — good and bad.

04

Close with confidence

We sit with you through the closing disclosure line by line before you sign anything.

First-time buyer FAQ

Questions we hear on almost every first call.

Do I really need 20% down?

No — several loan programs allow 3–5% down, though your monthly payment and insurance requirements will differ. We can help you weigh the trade-offs.

What's the very first step?

A conversation with a lender about pre-approval, and a conversation with us about what you're looking for. Either order is fine — we can make an introduction.

How much should I budget for closing costs?

Typically 2–5% of the purchase price, though some of that can sometimes be negotiated as a seller credit.

Not sure where to even begin?

That's exactly what the first call is for — no obligation, no pressure.