What Actually Works for Buying a Home in 2025: First-Time Buyers Share Story
A recent homebuying journey that proves buying your first home is still possible.
In today's challenging housing market, many would-be homebuyers feel discouraged by high interest rates and soaring home prices. But Jade and Branden, recent first-time homebuyers, took a different approach - they ran the numbers and made it happen. Jade explains, "The prices were too similar to actually owning a home, or even higher in some cases for renting."
"We had to decide - do we want high rent or a high mortgage?"
Beyond the Market Headlines
While many focus on interest rates, Jade and Branden looked at the total picture. With a solid household income and a plan to improve their credit, she and her husband saw a clear path forward to buying their first home.
"We knew we could handle the mortgage if we just made sure we got some old accounts cleaned up," Jade shares. However, she's quick to add an important reality check: "I don't want anybody going through this process thinking you can make $50-60,000 household income and get a $400,000+ home. You have to have the income."
»MORE: Use this calculator to find out how much home you can afford based on your budget.
Unexpected Homebuying Hurdles and Solutions
Their homebuying journey wasn't without surprises. "They go through this with a fine-tooth comb," Jade recalls about the mortgage process. Even with good income and job stability, past issues needed addressing:
- Old credit accounts from years ago
- A previous business loss on tax returns from a side hustle
- An old rental dispute that required court documentation
»MORE: Buying a home with your spouse? Check out the Couple's Discussion Guide to get the conversation going.
Smart Homebuying Moves That Worked
Jade's successful homebuying strategy included:
- Starting credit improvement early (in 2021)
- Opening small credit cards to build payment history
- Organizing documentation meticulously for their mortgage company
- Taking advantage of Builder incentives like $10,000 toward closing cost, rate buy-down to 4.99%, and an appliances package
The result? They successfully reduced their closing costs and down payment from $22,000 to around $16,000.
Homebuying Timeline Reality Check
"For families making under about $125,000 a year, you need about a year or two," Jade advises about the saving process. "But if you're making over that, you can shrink that timeline." Their journey from serious saving to closing took about four months, but only because they had sufficient income to accelerate the process.
Remember, everyone's journey is different. The key is to have a realistic plan based on your specific situation.
Ready to start your own success story? Let's figure out your path to homeownership.
»NEXT: Check out our Free First-Time Home Buyer Guide(with timelines) to get prepped for your next step!