Your First Home

Wondering how much cash you actually need to buy a home beyond your down payment? In this episode, I'm breaking down what closing costs are, why they're required, and how you can prepare for them long before you reach the closing table. I talk about where costs come from, why lenders collect taxes and insurance upfront, and the strategies buyers use to reduce out-of-pocket expenses through negotiation. Tune in to learn how to protect your budget and avoid one of the most common surprises first-time buyers face when purchasing their first home.   In This Episode, You Will Learn What counts as closing costs and why they're separate from your down payment. Why prepaid taxes and insurance make closing costs feel higher. Which lender fees you may be able to negotiate. How seller concessions can help reduce upfront cash needs. When negotiating closing costs works and when it doesn't. How much extra savings buyers should plan for before closing day.   Resources + Links Get Your FREE Homebuying Masterclass HERE Send me a question using THIS LINK    Follow  Instagram: @iamstacierihl Website: stacierihl.com   💌 Leave a review to help more first-time buyers find this show!

When I bought my first home, I had already been a real estate agent for 4 years. I had walked dozens of clients through the process and thought I knew exactly what to expect, but the reality of being the buyer was a total shock. In this episode, I share the 3 lessons I learned from buying my own home for the first time, what surprised me most, and what I wish more people were talking about when it comes to buying a home. Tune in to prepare your mindset and your money so you can buy your first home without second-guessing.   In This Episode, You Will Learn Why buying a home is one of the most emotional financial decisions you'll ever make. How setting your budget and non-negotiables before touring protects you from overbidding or second-guessing. What we did differently the second time that made the process smoother. Why an emergency fund is non-negotiable for homeowners. The unexpected emotional reward of homeownership that no one talks about.   Resources + Links Get Your FREE Homebuying Masterclass HERE Send me a question using THIS LINK    Follow  Instagram: @iamstacierihl Website: stacierihl.com   💌 Leave a review to help more first-time buyers find this show!

There are so many misconceptions about VA loans. I still hear listing agents call them "weak offers." I still hear buyers say, "I already used my VA loan once, so I can't use it again." And I constantly get asked whether putting 0% down is actually smart. So today, we're setting the record straight. I'm joined by Air Force combat veteran and real estate agent Lauren Davis, along with senior loan officer Todd Sevier, to break down exactly how VA loans work; the benefits, the myths, the funding fee, refinancing, using it more than once, and how to make your VA offer competitive in a multiple-offer situation.   In This Episode, You Will Learn Why VA loans are actually some of the strongest loans on the market. Whether putting 0% down makes sense for you. How disabled veterans can have their funding fee waived. How to use your VA loan again (even if you already have!) How to protect yourself from sketchy refinance solicitations.   Resources + Links Get Your FREE Homebuying Masterclass HERE Send me a question using THIS LINK    Follow  Instagram: @iamstacierihl Website: stacierihl.com   Connect with today's guests Lauren Davis: website & instagram Todd Severe - website & instagram   💌 Leave a review to help more first-time buyers find this show!

Buying your first home is a big decision, and no one really explains how the timeline works or what happens before you ever step foot into a showing. In this episode, I break down the full timeline from house hunting to closing so you can stop guessing and start planning with confidence. I talk about how long it really takes to find the right home, what happens after your offer is accepted, and how to time everything around your lease so you're not rushed into a decision you regret. Tune in to learn how to give yourself enough runway to buy wisely and move into your first home without scrambling at the last minute.   In This Episode, You Will Learn How long it actually takes to close on a home after your offer is accepted. What determines whether your closing timeline is 30, 45, or 60+ days. How long the house hunting process typically takes (and why it shouldn't take years). When to start touring homes based on your ideal move-in date. How to time your lease so you're not forced into a rushed decision. What happens if you find a home "too early" in the process. Why giving yourself extra time protects your budget and your peace of mind. When to connect with an agent so you feel confident instead of overwhelmed.   Resources + Links Get Your FREE Homebuying Masterclass HERE Send me a question using THIS LINK  Listen to The Step-by-Step Guide to Buying a House on Apple Podcasts HERE   Follow  Instagram: @iamstacierihl Website: stacierihl.com   💌 Leave a review to help more first-time buyers find this show!

A lot of buyers hear "FHA loan" and assume it's automatically the best option for first-time homebuyers, but that's not always true. In this episode, I break down what FHA loans actually are, who they're designed for, and the biggest myths that cause buyers to make the wrong choice. I share why FHA loans aren't just for first-time buyers, how they really compare to conventional loans, and why a lower interest rate doesn't always mean a lower monthly payment. Plus, I also talk about credit score flexibility, mortgage insurance, and why FHA offers can be harder to get accepted in competitive markets. Get ready to learn whether FHA is helping or hurting your buying power.   In This Episode, You Will Learn The role FHA loans play in today's housing market. Why FHA loans are not just for first-time homebuyers. The hidden trade-off behind FHA's lower interest rates. Why FHA mortgage insurance sticks around longer than most buyers expect. The specific credit and debt situations where FHA actually works best. How FHA loans can impact your leverage when you're competing for a home. Resources + Links Get Your FREE Homebuying Masterclass HERE  Send me a question using THIS LINK   Follow  Instagram: @iamstacierihl Website: stacierihl.com   💌 Leave a review to help more first-time buyers find this show!

A lot of people buy their first home thinking, "Maybe I'll rent this out someday." But then a few years later, they realize the numbers don't work, the location isn't right, or the property just isn't built for renting. In this episode, I share how Hoang and I intentionally bought our first home with the plan to turn it into a rental and what that decision taught us about money, stability, and long-term wealth. I give tips on how we chose the right neighborhood, how we ran the rent-versus-mortgage numbers, why living in the home first gave us a huge advantage, and the pros and cons of becoming a landlord. Get ready to rethink what your first home can do for you, not just today, but for your future.   In This Episode, You Will Learn Why buying with a future rental plan has to start before you ever make an offer. How to evaluate whether the rent in an area can realistically beat your mortgage. The trade-off between living where you want vs. where the numbers actually work. Why living in the home first makes becoming a landlord easier and less risky. The financial advantages of owner-occupied loans compared to investor loans. What it's really like to find tenants and manage a rental. The pros and cons of being a landlord. How to know if buying to rent later fits your lifestyle and future goals.   Resources + Links Get Your FREE Homebuying Masterclass HERE   Follow  Instagram: @iamstacierihl Website: stacierihl.com   💌 Leave a review to help more first-time buyers find this show!

So many future homeowners tell me, "I'm scared to buy a house because I don't want to end up house poor." And honestly? That fear is a good thing. It means you're thinking ahead and doing this the right way. In this episode, I break down what to do before, during, and after buying a home so you can protect your finances and still enjoy your life. I talk about how to practice your future mortgage payment, how much cash you really need saved (hint: it's more than just your down payment), what to look for in a home so surprise repairs don't derail you, and why you should slow down on decorating after you move in. Get ready to buy a home you love without becoming house poor.   In This Episode, You Will Learn How to "practice" your future mortgage before you ever buy. Why total cash-to-close matters more than just your down payment. The hidden costs first-time buyers forget to plan for. How to spot homes that could drain your savings fast. What to ask about roofs, systems, and property taxes before you fall in love. Why waiting 2–3 months to decorate can save your sanity and your bank account. How to build a real safety net with an emergency fund that works for homeowners.   Resources + Links Get Your FREE Homebuying Masterclass HERE Follow  Instagram: @iamstacierihl Website: stacierihl.com   💌 Leave a review to help more first-time buyers find this show!

One of the biggest questions first-time buyers ask me is, "How much money do I really need before I buy?" And honestly, the answer isn't a one-size-fits-all number. In this episode, I'm breaking down why the old 20% rule no longer works for today's market, how waiting too long can actually hurt you financially, and what matters way more than your exact down payment percentage. I also talk about monthly affordability, emergency funds, and how to know when you're truly ready to leap into homeownership. Get ready to stop second-guessing and feel confident about when your time to buy really is.   In This Episode, You Will Learn Why the 20% down payment rule isn't always true. How rising home prices impact the cost of waiting. The difference between minimum down payment vs. smart down payment. How PMI really works and when it actually matters. How different down payments affect your monthly payment. Why your down payment can impact your offer strength. How to know if you can truly handle homeownership financially. The mindset shift that makes buying feel less scary.   Resources + Links Connect with a first-time buyer agent in your area HERE! Check out this Mortgage Calculator! Get Your FREE Homebuying Masterclass HERE   Follow  Instagram: @iamstacierihl Website: stacierihl.com   💌 Leave a review to help more first-time buyers find this show!

Home prices today can feel downright shocking, especially when you see what the same house sold for just a few years ago. In this episode, I talk about what's really happening behind those price jumps and what experts are actually forecasting for 2026. I also dive into why the last few years were anything but normal, why trying to time the market is risky, and what "normal" finally looks like again after the chaos of the COVID-era real estate. I break down predictions from Redfin, Realtor.com, and Zillow in plain English and explain how to use this information without letting it paralyze your decision-making. Get ready to stop overthinking the market and start making grounded, confident decisions.   In This Episode, You Will Learn Why today's prices feel so different from pre-2020 homes. What experts really mean by a "housing market reset". How interest rates are expected to behave in 2026. How wage growth changes the affordability conversation. Why national headlines don't tell the full story. How to buy smart without waiting for a perfect market.   Resources + Links Connect with a first-time buyer agent in your area HERE Get Your FREE Homebuying Masterclass HERE Connect With a FAME Agent (Free) HERE   Follow  Instagram: @iamstacierihl Website: stacierihl.com   💌 Leave a review to help more first-time buyers find this show!

I still can't believe we were never taught how finances work or how to buy a house in school. In this episode, I break down the 3 most common mistakes I see first-time homebuyers make and how to avoid them before they turn into expensive regrets. I talk about why timeline matters more than people realize, how winging the process leads to rushed decisions, and why buying a home you can't truly afford is the fastest way to turn a dream into stress. Tune in to learn how to protect yourself, plan intentionally, and buy a home that supports your life instead of stretching it too thin.   In This Episode, You Will Learn The risk of buying a home without thinking through how long you'll live there. Why selling too soon can cost you money instead of building equity. Why browsing homes without a plan creates emotional pressure. How being matched with the wrong agent can impact your entire experience. Why focusing on your monthly payment matters more than the purchase price. How to buy a home without sacrificing peace, stability, or your future goals.   Resources + Links Listen to the "Your 6 Step Action Plan for Buying a House in 2026" Episode HERE Check out this Mortgage Calculator! Get Your FREE Homebuying Masterclass HERE Connect With a FAME Agent (Free) HERE   Follow  Instagram: @iamstacierihl Website: stacierihl.com   💌 Leave a review to help more first-time buyers find this show!

When people first start thinking about buying a house, the most common question I hear is, "Where do I even begin?" In this episode, I break down the entire homebuying process, from the very first steps to getting your keys on closing day. I talk about when to bring in a realtor and lender, how to move from browsing online to serious house hunting, what really happens during offers and negotiations, and what to expect once you're under contract. Tune in to learn exactly what happens from your first showing to getting the keys.   In This Episode, You Will Learn Where to start when buying your first home. When to begin touring homes based on your move timeline. How offers, counteroffers, and negotiations work. What it means to be under contract and what protections you have. How earnest money fits into your down payment. What happens during inspections and post-inspection negotiations. How the mortgage approval and appraisal process works. What to expect on closing day and when you officially get your keys.   Resources + Links Listen to the "6-Step Action Plan for Buying a House in 2026" Episode HERE Get Your FREE Homebuying Masterclass HERE Connect With a FAME Agent (Free) HERE   Follow  Instagram: @iamstacierihl Website: stacierihl.com   💌 Leave a review to help more first-time buyers find this show!

How much money do you actually need saved to buy your first home? In this episode, I break down the "it depends" answer with a simple framework you can use to set a realistic savings goal for 2026, 2027, or whenever you're ready. You'll learn the three categories of money you need to plan for, what makes the number change based on your market and lifestyle, and how to think about your down payment in a way that supports your real life, not just a generic rule of thumb.   In This Episode, You Will Learn A clear framework to calculate your personal homebuying savings target. The 3 categories you need to save for (and why most buyers only plan for one.) How to decide what down payment amount makes sense for your goals and season of life. What influences closing costs and why location can change the number dramatically. What "cash to close" really means so you can plan with confidence. The often-forgotten post-closing expenses that can surprise new homeowners. How to set a savings goal based on timeline, lifestyle, and monthly payment comfort. What to consider if you want to explore down payment assistance in your area. A sanity-check baseline estimate to help you stop guessing and start planning. Resources + Links Check out this Mortgage Calculator! Check out the Average Closing Costs by State (use percentage, NOT dollar amount)  Get Your FREE Homebuying Masterclass HERE   Follow  Instagram: @iamstacierihl Website: stacierihl.com   💌 Leave a review to help more first-time buyers find this show!  

Interest rate buydowns are everywhere right now, but most first-time buyers don't actually understand what they are or how they work. In this episode, I break down the two types of buydowns, what they really cost, and how they impact your monthly payment and long-term finances. I share real numbers, compare negotiating a lower purchase price versus negotiating a buydown, and how to decide which option makes the most sense for your goals. Tune in to learn how to use buydowns strategically instead of letting them quietly work against you.   In This Episode, You Will Learn The difference between temporary and permanent interest rate buydowns. How a 2-1 buydown works and why it's so popular right now. Examples showing how much a buydown can lower your monthly payment. Why lower payments today can turn into much higher payments later. The biggest mistake buyers make when assuming they'll just refinance. How permanent buydowns work and when they actually make sense. How to calculate your break-even point before paying for a lower rate. What questions to ask your lender so you can compare all options clearly.   Resources + Links Learn more about Mortgage Amortization Calculator (NerdWallet) HERE Check Today's Average Mortgage Rates HERE Connect With a FAME Agent (Free) HERE Get Your FREE Homebuying Masterclass HERE   Follow  Instagram: @iamstacierihl Website: stacierihl.com   💌 Leave a review to help more first-time buyers find this show!

Home buying has its own timeline, and the biggest mistakes happen when buyers wait too long, or get emotional too early. In this episode, I break down the six steps that will set you up for a smooth, confident homebuying journey next year. I also talk about how "home-buying time" works towards building your wishlist, choosing your F.A.M.E. agent, and knowing exactly when to bring in a lender. Tune in if you want to avoid surprises, stay in control of your budget, and make 2026 the year you buy the right home, not just any home.   In This Episode, You Will Learn Why it's already "2026" in home-buying time. The very first step every future buyer should take (before looking at a single house). How to define your "maximum monthly payment" so emotions don't take over. The must-have vs nice-to-have list for every first-time buyer. How to tell if your wishlist is realistic for your local market. Why the right real estate agent matters more than ever for first-time buyers. Why your lender needs to be local (and how it impacts your offer). When to actually start touring homes based on your move timeline.   Resources + Links Connect With a FAME agent here (free) Get Your FREE Homebuying Masterclass HERE   Follow  Instagram: @iamstacierihl Website: stacierihl.com   💌 Leave a review to help more first-time buyers find this show!

Most first-time buyers worry about getting a "good deal" on a house, but the real place people lose money is on their mortgage. In this episode, I break down how interest actually works, why amortization is so misunderstood, and how a normal 7% rate on a $400,000 loan quietly turns into almost a million dollars over 30 years. I share the questions lenders hope you don't ask, the numbers to run before you buy, and the steps that help you get a better rate and keep more of your money long-term. Tune in to learn how to avoid the most expensive mistakes buyers make.   In This Episode, You Will Learn Why most people misunderstand mortgage interest rates. How amortization quietly shifts most of your early payments straight to interest. Why your mortgage barely goes down in the first few years (and why that's normal). How to use an amortization calculator to see your true long-term costs. How a quarter-point difference in your rate can save tens of thousands of dollars. The credit score ranges that unlock the best mortgage pricing. Why you should always get quotes from multiple lenders. Post-closing strategies that reduce your total interest.   Resources + Links Learn more about Mortgage Amortization Calculator (NerdWallet) HERE Check Today's Average Mortgage Rates HERE Check Your Credit Free HERE Get Your FREE Homebuying Masterclass HERE   Follow  Instagram: @iamstacierihl Website: stacierihl.com   💌 Leave a review to help more first-time buyers find this show!

What does it really take to save for your first home, especially when it means paying off debt, saying no to short-term temptations, and making a major life move? In this episode, I'm joined by first-time homebuyer and money coach Nick Loera, who spent nearly five years paying off debt, building savings, relocating from California to Texas, and renovating his new home almost entirely by hand. Nick shares the financial habits that help you stay consistent, the conversations couples need to have before buying together, and why saving is as much about mindset as it is about math. Get ready to feel prepared and motivated to create your own roadmap to homeownership.   In This Episode, You Will Learn Why long-term saving is normal and how to stay focused when progress feels slow. The money habits that help you pay off debt and build savings at the same time. What renovating a home really requires. How to decide whether buying or renting makes sense in your current season of life. Exercise to align with your partner on wants, needs, and deal-breakers. How to avoid comparison and second-guessing once you're under contract. How to choose your ideal down payment.   Resources + Links Listen to Just Another Money Podcast HERE Get Your FREE Homebuying Masterclass HERE   Follow  Instagram: @iamstacierihl Website: stacierihl.com Nick: @habitfinances   💌 Leave a review to help more first-time buyers find this show!

Saving for your first home doesn't just depend on how much you earn, it's about how intentionally you spend. In this episode, I'm joined by money coach and Overcoming Overspending founder Paige Pritchard to talk about the mindset and emotional habits that quietly keep you from saving that down payment. Paige shares the "money map" strategy, how to make budgeting feel empowering instead of restrictive, and why overspending often has more to do with dopamine and social media than math. Get ready to take control of your spending and build momentum toward your savings goals.   In This Episode, You Will Learn Sneaky spending leaks most buyers underestimate. The #1 red flag of overspending. How to spot "silent overspending" even if you're debt-free. Paige's "money map" method for saving first and spending second. Why dopamine, emotions, and social media fuel impulse buying. How to make saving feel satisfying with visual progress trackers.   Resources + Links Get Your FREE Homebuying Masterclass HERE   Follow  Instagram: @iamstacierihl Website: stacierihl.com Follow Paige: @overcoming_overspending   💌 Leave a review to help more first-time buyers find this show!

Say goodbye to mortgage mystery and "I wish I'd known" mistakes. In this episode, I'm joined by Theoni Rappo (aka Not Your Daddy's Lender) to simplify what first-time buyers actually need to know: we're talking realistic down payments, when (and how) to tap a 401(k), what underwriters look for on bank statements, how gift funds really work, job-change do's and don'ts, and the fastest ways to build credit if you didn't start early. You'll leave with a step-by-step pre-approval plan, the exact prompt to estimate your debt to income ratio, and a simple money setup that makes saving for your first home almost automatic.    In This Episode, You Will Learn Realistic first-time down payments (3%–3.5%, NOT 20%.) When using a 401(k) loan makes sense. What underwriters scrutinize on bank statements and deposits. How to receive gift funds without documentation headaches. Job-change rules: offer letters, first pay stub requirements. How student loans count toward your monthly debt. Pre-approval basics: what expires after 90 days. Options to quality if you're self-employed.   Resources + Links Get Your FREE Homebuying Masterclass HERE   Follow  Instagram: @iamstacierihl Website: stacierihl.com Theoni: @theonithelender   💌 Leave a review to help more first-time buyers find this show!

Let's demystify building a new home vs. purchasing resale (without the surprises, costly upgrades, or "wish we'd known" regrets) with today's guest and Houston new construction expert, Andrea Ruiz. If you're deciding between building from dirt or moving into something that's already finished, this episode walks you through everything from timelines, inspections, warranties, financing incentives, taxes, HOAs, and the subtle red flags most first-time buyers miss. You'll leave knowing exactly how to compare builders, when a "deal" isn't a deal, and how to protect your budget (and your equity) from day one.   In This Episode, You Will Learn A step-by-step look at the new-build timeline (from lot pick to closing). The three phase inspections you shouldn't skip, plus the fourth party you need to hire. Red flags with sales reps, contracts, and why you still need your own agent. When new construction is more cost effective and when resale wins. How to read area growth signals so your equity has room to run. The smart 9-12 month game plan to research builders, neighborhoods, and budgets. The real "hidden costs": HOAs, maintenance, utilities, and design-center traps. How to negotiate now (while competition is lower) for price, rate buydowns, and repairs.   Resources + Links Get Your FREE Homebuying Masterclass HERE   Follow  Stacie: @iamstacierihl Website: stacierihl.com Andrea: @AndreaRuizTXRealtor   💌 Leave a review to help more first-time buyers find this show!

My husband is here to talk all things homebuying with your partner without the drama, second-guessing, or costly missteps. In this candid episode, Huang and I unpack the real lessons we learned across three home purchases, what went sideways, what we'd never do again, and what actually set us up to win the next time. If you want fewer fights, clearer decisions, and offers you can feel great about, this conversation will help you align your priorities, filter out bad advice, and move from "overwhelmed" to "on the same page."    In This Episode, You Will Learn A simple way to get on the same page before you start touring. How to separate love-at-first-sight emotions from smart, long-term choices. The must-have vs. nice-to-have filter that makes decisions 10x easier. When family and friend "advice" helps and when it quietly derails you. Why one trusted agent beats ten Zillow callbacks every time. A practical approach to setting a realistic budget you both feel good about. How to turn a stressful first purchase into a confident next purchase.   Resources + Links Get Your FREE Homebuying Masterclass HERE   Follow  Instagram: @iamstacierihl Website: stacierihl.com   💌 Leave a review to help more first-time buyers find this show!