First Time Homebuyer

Buying your first home isn’t for the faint of heart — what Arizonans need to know

Market Trends| Home Buying Tips
July 14, 2025•4 min read

To some, owning a home is the long-awaited sigh of relief after years of uncertainty. To others, it’s proof that the hard work, late nights, and careful saving finally paid off.

But for first-time buyers? It’s a rollercoaster. One part excitement, one part anxiety, and a whole lot of questions in between. I’ve been there—both as a realtor walking families through homes and as a loan officer helping them figure out the math. And if there’s one thing I’ve learned, it’s this:
Buying a home is not just a transaction. It’s a turning point. Homeownership isn’t just about having a roof over your head. It’s about security. Stability. A place that’s truly yours.

But here’s the part that rarely gets talked about—most first-time buyers walk in underprepared and overwhelmed. Not because they aren’t smart or capable, but because no one ever really explains what to expect.

So let’s change that.

Here’s what I believe every first-time buyer should know:

1. Understand the Market

The market moves—sometimes fast. Rates shift, inventory tightens, prices jump. You don’t have to be an expert, but having a basic handle on where things stand gives you a better shot at making good decisions. You don’t need to time the market—you need to understand it.

2. Set Your Priorities

You probably won’t find the “perfect” home—and that’s okay. Figure out what matters most. Maybe it’s being close to work, maybe it’s a big backyard. If you don’t know what your must-haves are, it’s easy to get sidetracked by shiny listings that don’t actually fit your life.

3. Tidy Up Your Finances

Before you even start touring homes, get your credit in order and take a close look at your income vs. debt.
Save more than you think you’ll need—because besides the down payment, there’s closing costs, movers, and those random expenses no one warns you about.

4. Get Preapproved (Not Just Prequalified)

This one’s big. A preapproval isn’t just a piece of paper—it’s your ticket to be taken seriously.
It shows sellers you’re ready, and it gives you a realistic budget to shop with. The worst thing is falling in love with a home that was never in your range to begin with.

5. Work with the Right Realtor

A great realtor does more than unlock doors. They read between the lines, spot red flags, and explain what you might miss. As a first-time buyer, you want someone who’s in your corner—not just someone chasing a commission.

6. Don’t Treat Open Houses Like Window Shopping

This is your potential home—look closely. Ask questions. Check under sinks, look at the ceilings, pay attention to the condition of things. Don’t just imagine how it looks on Instagram. Picture your actual life there, day in and day out.

7. Make a Smart Offer

It’s not always about the highest bid. Sometimes it’s about the terms, timing, and how well you’ve structured your offer. Lean on your agent to help you write something that makes sense for both you and the seller. And when you're ready—put your money where your mouth is. Earnest money goes a long way.

8. Always Get the Home Inspected

Looks can be deceiving. That updated kitchen might be hiding a cracked foundation or ancient plumbing. A home inspection is your chance to see what you’re really getting into. Don’t skip it.

9. Know the Appraisal & Mortgage Game

Just because you’re in love with a home doesn’t mean the lender is. The appraisal protects you from overpaying. And when it comes to locking in your mortgage rate, don’t wait until the last minute—get the details sorted so there are no surprises later.

At the end of the day, buying your first home isn’t just about checking a box. It’s about starting a new chapter.

It’s the quiet joy of turning the key and knowing: this is yours. Homeownership, when done right, is powerful, personal, and transformative. And it doesn’t have to be overwhelming—not if you’re informed, supported, and prepared.

Because here’s the truth:
When you know better, you buy better.

What’s Your Next Step?

Buying your first home isn’t just about picking the right property—it’s about feeling ready every step of the way. If this guide helped bring things into focus, now’s the time to lean into the process with the right tools, solid information, and support you can count on.

Download your FREE Homebuyer Guide — packed with tips, checklists, and insights to help you move forward with clarity.

Need to connect with others on the same path? Join our Phoenix First-Time Homebuyers Facebook Group—a space for asking questions, sharing experiences, and getting practical advice from people who’ve been there.

Looking for your next home? Use our instant home search tool to explore properties in your area—no hassle, no pressure.

Want to understand the market before you make an offer? Download a free custom market report that shows what homes are actually selling for, how fast they’re moving, and how competitive your area is.

Stay Connected:

First Time Homebuyer Buying home
Back to Blog