The Pursuit of Ownership: First-Time Home Buyer's Guide: Essential Steps to Purchasing Your Dream Home
Release Date: 06/26/2025
Pursuit To Own Media
Welcome back to Pursuit to Own with The Purpose Developer, Christopher Pitt. In this episode, Chris gets real about preparing for a future reshaped by AI, job displacement, and economic uncertainty. For 20 years, he’s helped people achieve homeownership—but the math is no longer working. First-generation achievers and hardworking families—the “missing middle”—are caught between earning too much to qualify for help and not enough to secure stability. Chris explains why traditional financial literacy is no longer enough. AI and automation are accelerating change...
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Welcome back to Pursuit to Own with The Purpose Developer, Christopher Pitt. In this episode, Chris gets real about the urgency of preparing for a future reshaped by AI, job losses, and shifting economic realities. For 20 years, he’s been creating homeowners—just assisting—but now the math isn’t working anymore. Homeownership, job security, and generational wealth are under pressure like never before. Chris speaks directly to first-generation achievers and hardworking families—the “missing middle”—who are stuck between earning too much to qualify for help and...
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AI, automation, and digital currency are rewriting the economy in real time. For first-generation and working-class families, the system was already hard enough—and now it’s shifting under our feet. In this episode of the Pursuit to Own Podcast, Christopher Pitt delivers a wake-up call: jobs as we know them are disappearing, and survival alone won’t protect you. Raised in struggle and driven by purpose, he challenges listeners to stop waiting, start pivoting, and build something machines can’t replace. This isn’t about chasing hype. It’s about taking ownership of your future...
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Getting ahead is tough when you’re stuck in survival mode—grinding every day just to stay afloat. In this episode of the Pursuit to Own Podcast, Christopher Pitt gets real about what that mindset costs us. It’s not just about money—it’s about missing your shot at something bigger. He breaks down how generations are raised to hustle but never taught how to build, especially in a world reshaped by AI and rapid change. The shift? It starts with purpose. Christopher shares how finding clarity gave him the push to stop surviving and start building a life with meaning, not just...
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Most people are just trying to survive—but what happens when surviving isn’t enough? In this episode of the Pursuit to Own Podcast, Christopher Pitt opens up about the harsh reality facing so many: rising costs, unstable jobs, and systems that feel rigged from the start. He shares his own story of hitting dead ends, watching AI and economic shifts erase opportunity almost overnight. But instead of giving in, he chose to build something different. This isn’t about quick fixes—it’s about choosing purpose over panic. If you’re tired of feeling stuck, this conversation might help you...
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Flipping a rundown house for fast cash might sound like a dream—but most real estate “hacks” leave new investors spinning their wheels. In this episode of the Pursuit to Own Podcast, Christopher Pitt strips back the hype and talks real numbers, real neighborhoods, and real responsibility. Buying cheap property isn’t the magic move—it’s what you do with it that counts. Christopher shares how he’s turned overlooked lots into thriving spaces by focusing on long-term impact instead of short-term gain. It’s not about luck or quick flips—it’s about purpose. From rebuilding...
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Trying to break into real estate can feel like you’re playing a game with rules no one bothered to explain. Prices climb, paperwork piles up, and even when you think you're making progress, it somehow slips through your fingers. In this episode of the Pursuit to Own podcast, Christopher Pitt teams up with guest Pamela Debnam to break down why so many people feel stuck when trying to buy a home. It’s not just about money—it’s about knowing the rules of the game. From confusing mortgage terms to credit score myths and tricky realtor relationships, Pamela shares what most first-time...
info_outlinePursuit To Own Media
In a world where survival trumps dreams, you're either in pursuit or trapped in poverty. What if your current path leads to a dead end? In this episode of the Pursuit to Own Podcast, Christopher Pitt gets real about what it means to fight for a future in a world that’s changing fast. If you’re stuck surviving while the economy shifts and AI threatens your job, this message hits home. Christopher shares the hard truth: you’re either moving forward or falling behind. Raised in struggle, fueled by purpose, he urges listeners to stop waiting for a rescue. This isn’t about chasing...
info_outlinePursuit To Own Media
Are you tired of being trapped in a cycle of financial struggle, watching opportunities slip away while the world rapidly changes? In this episode of the Pursuit to Own Podcast, Christopher Pitt speaks directly to those raised to survive but never taught how to build. If you’re tired of watching life pass by while stuck in the same paycheck-to-paycheck loop, this one’s for you. Christopher unpacks what it means to be part of the “pursuit breed”—those wired to hustle without direction. He calls for a shift: from reacting to life to building something that lasts. It’s not just about...
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Struggling to escape the rent cycle while everything around you keeps getting more expensive? In this episode of the Pursuit to Own Podcast, Christopher Pitt and Aaliyah Hackney get real about what it actually takes to buy a home through NACA’s program. From overwhelming paperwork to juggling multiple jobs, they don’t sugarcoat the grind—but they also show it’s possible. Aaliyah shares how she’s breaking generations of renting in her family by treating homeownership like a mission, not a maybe. If you’re tired of feeling stuck, this episode shows how structure, grit, and belief...
info_outlineTrying to break into real estate can feel like you’re playing a game with rules no one bothered to explain. Prices climb, paperwork piles up, and even when you think you're making progress, it somehow slips through your fingers. In this episode of the Pursuit to Own podcast, Christopher Pitt teams up with guest Pamela Debnam to break down why so many people feel stuck when trying to buy a home. It’s not just about money—it’s about knowing the rules of the game. From confusing mortgage terms to credit score myths and tricky realtor relationships, Pamela shares what most first-time buyers get wrong. This conversation is all about flipping the script. Homeownership isn’t out of reach—it just takes a smarter strategy. If you’re ready to stop guessing and start building, this episode gives you the tools to take control.
Quotes:
"If you find a good realtor, they will nurture you. Between your lender—who, in most cases, has repair people or companies signed up with them—they can also tell you what to do to get your scores up." — Pamela Debnam
"Don't be discouraged, and please don't rely on Credit Karma. I know a lot of those third-party credit monitoring apps are great for showing you. But if you think that's your actual score, when you pull your credit from a lender's perspective, it could be higher, it could be lower—it will not be the same." — Pamela Debnam
"There are good realtors who focus only on ready-to-go buyers. They feel like they don't have the time to nurture someone. But there are also people in it not just for financial reasons—they truly want to guide and help actual people achieve homeownership." — Pamela Debnam
"Commissions are negotiable—they always have been. But due to all the different lawsuits and changes in the market, everything has been fine-tuned in the hope of making it better." — Pamela Debnam
"Do not feel obligated to anyone. You can get out of any agency agreement, and you can go to any new lender. Don't just go for something just to go for it." — Pamela Debnam
Key Takeaways:
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Pull your official credit report from a direct lender, not third-party apps, to understand your true financial standing and potential home buying power.
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Schedule a strategy session with a realtor who demonstrates genuine commitment to nurturing your home ownership goals, not just closing quick sales.
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Map out a 12-month credit improvement plan with specific milestones, targeting realistic enhancements that will strengthen your mortgage qualification potential.
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Create a comprehensive budget worksheet comparing potential mortgage scenarios, interest rates, and total ownership costs to make an informed decision.
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Build a network of trusted professionals - a realtor, lender, and financial advisor - who are aligned with your specific home ownership objectives and willing to provide transparent guidance.
Episode Timeline:
[00:21] How to start the home buying process right
[02:07] What to know before checking your credit
[04:12] Why early realtor support really matters
[06:36] How to spot a realtor who actually cares
[11:12] What to ask about commissions and fees
[15:59] Why your first loan offer isn’t always best
[20:55] Final tips for a smart and stress-free purchase
Conclusion:
Buying a home is more than just a transaction—it’s a long-term financial move that calls for thoughtful planning. It starts with knowing where you stand financially and working with people who truly have your back. It’s not just about picking the right house, but making sure the whole process supports your bigger financial picture. Being informed, asking smart questions, and staying firm on what matters to you can make all the difference. The best outcomes come when you approach homeownership with clarity, confidence, and care.
Tune in to the Pursuit to Own podcast for more inspiring stories and strategies on how to turn your struggles into a pursuit of ownership and success.
Links:
Pursuit to Own: Opportunity Ownership – https://pursuittoown.com/
Connect with Christopher Pitt on LinkedIn – https://www.linkedin.com/in/christopher-pitt-mba/
Watch Your Pain Can Provide The Blueprint To Your Success | Christopher Pitt | TEDxWilmington – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ULTBmmY1Uos&t=2s