Is an FHA Loan Right for You? What First-Time Buyers Need to Know
Your First Home
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...
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The First-Time Buyer’s Guide to Turning Your Home Into an Investment
Your First Home
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...
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How to Not Go Broke Buying a House in 2026
Your First Home
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...
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Do You Have Enough of a Down Payment Saved?!
Your First Home
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...
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Should You Wait to Buy a Home? 2026 Market Predictions Explained
Your First Home
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...
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The 3 Biggest Mistakes First-Time Homebuyers Make
Your First Home
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...
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The Step-by-Step Guide to Buying a House
Your First Home
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...
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How much do you need saved to buy a house?
Your First Home
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...
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How to Get a Lower Interest Rate? Everything You Need to Know About Buydowns!
Your First Home
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...
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Your 6 Step Action Plan for Buying a House in 2026
Your First Home
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...
info_outlineHome 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
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Why it’s already “2026” in home-buying time.
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The very first step every future buyer should take (before looking at a single house).
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How to define your “maximum monthly payment” so emotions don’t take over.
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The must-have vs nice-to-have list for every first-time buyer.
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How to tell if your wishlist is realistic for your local market.
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Why the right real estate agent matters more than ever for first-time buyers.
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Why your lender needs to be local (and how it impacts your offer).
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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
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