5 Signs You’re Ready to Buy Your First Home (Even If You’re Nervous)
- Joshualee
- Sep 22
- 2 min read
Updated: Sep 24
By Josh Lee | San Mateo Realtor | First-Time Buyer Specialist
Buying your first home is exciting but let’s be real, it can also feel overwhelming.
Most people don’t wake up one day and feel 100% “ready.” In fact, many of the first-time buyers I work with start off unsure, nervous, or convinced they’re not quite ready until they realize they are.
If you're on the fence, here are five signs you may be more ready than you think.
1. You’re Tired of Paying Rent (and Want Something to Show for It)
If you’ve been thinking, “Why am I paying someone else’s mortgage?” you’re not alone.
One of the most common motivators I hear is the desire to build equity instead of writing checks to a landlord. If you’re thinking long-term and want your money to work for you, that’s a great first signal.
2. You’ve Started Looking at Homes Online… a Lot
Be honest do you check Zillow like it’s Instagram?
If browsing listings has become a daily scroll, you’re probably already starting to imagine what life could look like in a home of your own. That curiosity means your priorities are shifting and that’s the beginning of the readiness process.
3. You’ve Got a Stable Income (Even If You Don’t Have a Huge Down Payment)
You don’t need 20% down to buy a home anymore. In fact, many of my first-time clients purchase with 5% or less and some qualify for down payment assistance.
If you’ve got steady income and manageable monthly expenses, it’s worth having a conversation with a lender (and me) to see what’s possible.
4. You Want to Put Down Roots (Even for the Next 3–5 Years)
You don’t have to live in your first home forever. But if you’re ready to stay put for at least a few years, buying could be a great financial and lifestyle move.
Especially in a market like ours, real estate can be one of the most powerful long-term wealth-building tools if you go in with a clear plan.
5. You’re Open to Learning the Process (With the Right Help)
Here’s the truth: no one expects you to know how this works right away.
That’s why working with the right agent someone who will educate, support, and guide you through each step makes all the difference. I’ve walked many first-time buyers through the process, and I’ll do the same for you.
Ready to See What’s Possible?
You don’t have to figure this out alone. Let’s chat and explore your options with a low-pressure, 1:1 buyer consult.
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Josh Lee
DRE #02163289
San Mateo Realtor | First-Time Buyer Specialist
(650) 881-2972
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