Your First Home

You've probably seen the headlines: home prices are shifting, interest rates have been bouncing around, and it feels like every article is telling you something different about whether now is the right time to buy. But unfortunately, most of that information is based on data that's already two months old, so it's not as accurate as we'd hope. In this episode, I'm breaking down the real numbers behind the 2026 housing market: what's happening with interest rates, where home prices actually stand, why media headlines are misleading, and what all of it means for you if you're a first-time homebuyer trying to figure out your next move. Ready to take the first step of finding your first home? Connect with a FAME agent in your area — it's free. What you'll learn today: What happened when interest rates dropped below 6% in February, and why they rose again before spring Why most housing market headlines are based on outdated data and how the two-month sales lag works What mortgage purchase applications tell us about buyer demand right now (and what they don't) How current housing inventory compares to the 2008 crash, and why we're nowhere near those numbers Where home prices actually are in Q2 2026 and how they compare to inflation and wage growth Why the national market doesn't tell you much, and how regional markets like the Northeast vs. Florida are moving in opposite directions How to find an agent who knows your local market so you're not overpaying or underbidding Resources mentioned: Connect with a FAME agent in your area (free) Free homebuying masterclass Freddie Mac Primary Mortgage Market Survey Redfin housing market data Connect with me: Follow me on Instagram Visit my website CHAPTERS: 00:00 — Why most housing market headlines are wrong 01:01 — Recap: what we predicted for 2026 at the start of the year 02:06 — How interest rates, home prices, and wages were expected to move together 05:33 — What actually happened: rates dropped below 6% in February 06:55 — The Iran conflict and the rate spike that followed 07:47 — Why we can't see real pricing data for two months 08:53 — What mortgage purchase applications tell us about demand 10:04 — Current housing inventory vs. the 2008 crash (70K vs. 400K listings) 11:28 — The spring market: where prices stand right now 12:34 — Why the national market doesn't matter — your local market does 14:05 — Regional breakdown: Northeast vs. Florida vs. Arizona 14:50 — How a FAME agent helps you navigate your local market

Is it actually smarter to rent right now instead of buying a home? With higher interest rates at 6.5% and rising home prices, I sat down and ran the numbers, and what I found honestly surprised me. In this episode, I share what the data really says about renting vs. buying in today's market and the 3 questions you need to ask yourself before deciding whether to buy or rent, so you can choose what's right for your life. Get ready to decide if homeownership is worth it for you! In This Episode, You Will Learn What the numbers say about renting vs. buying in 2026. The 3 questions to ask before deciding to buy or rent. What most people get wrong when comparing buying vs renting. The smartest strategy that combines both owning and investing. How homeownership fits into a bigger financial strategy over time. Resources + Links Get Your FREE Homebuying Masterclass HERE Connect with a first-time homebuyer agent in your area HERE Follow Instagram: @iamstacierihl Website: stacierihl.com 💌 Leave a review to help more first-time buyers find this show!

Thinking about relocating and buying a house at the same time? In this episode, I break down the 3-step plan to help you navigate both without feeling rushed or making a decision you regret. I also share how to decide whether to buy or rent first, how to get set up financially in a new area, and how to approach house hunting when you're not local. Tune in to learn how to relocate and buy a home in a way that protects your budget and helps you avoid costly mistakes. In This Episode, You Will Learn How to decide whether to buy right away or rent first when relocating. Why the location matters more than the house itself when you're moving. What you need to get pre-approved when relocating to a new state. Why your job location and income matter for loan approval. The best way to approach house hunting when you're not local. Why seeing a home in person can make a big difference before you buy. Resources + Links Get Your FREE Homebuying Masterclass HERE Connect with a first-time homebuyer agent in your area HERE Follow Instagram: @iamstacierihl Website: stacierihl.com 💌 Leave a review to help more first-time buyers find this show!

Wondering what you should actually do before you start touring homes? In this episode, I share the 7 steps my husband and I took before buying our home and why doing this prep work ahead of time made the entire process smoother and less stressful. When we bought our first home, we made a lot of mistakes. The second time, we approached the process very differently. We started planning about a year in advance, set a clear budget, researched neighborhoods, and got realistic about what we could actually afford in a high-cost market. Tune in to learn the exact steps we followed so you can prepare ahead of time and avoid common mistakes. In This Episode, You Will Learn How calculating your debt-to-income ratio helps estimate your price range. Why testing your future mortgage payment helps you set a realistic budget. How setting a savings goal early can make buying a home much easier. How to use Zillow as a research tool before you start seriously looking. Why visiting open houses early can reset your expectations about price and location. How creating a list of must-haves, nice-to-haves, and deal breakers speeds up your search. When to connect with a real estate agent and lender so you're ready when it's time to buy. Resources + Links Get Your FREE Homebuying Masterclass HERE Connect with a first-time homebuyer agent in your area HERE Follow Instagram: @iamstacierihl Website: stacierihl.com 💌 Leave a review to help more first-time buyers find this show!

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!

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!

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!

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!

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!

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!

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!

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!

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!