W
hen I was 23, I made a decision that changed my life: buying my first home for $196,000. In October 2019, I closed on a three-bedroom, two-and-a-half bathroom ranch in Atlanta's south side. At the time, I earned around $100,000 a year as a management consultant, enough to qualify for a mortgage and get pre-approved with minimal hassle.

    Five years later, that single property has become more than just a place to live – it's shaped my finances, boosted my confidence, supported my family, and launched a new career. If you're considering buying your first home, here are the key lessons I learned:

    1. Start saving ASAP – every little bit counts. To save for my down payment and closing costs, I reduced my housing costs by renting out my apartment on Airbnb when I was away for work, and increased my income by offering marketing consultations and speaking engagements.

    In just six months, I saved around $10,000. It wasn't easy, but the short-term sacrifices set me up for long-term security.

    2. Educate yourself before you start looking. Before house hunting, I attended first-time homebuyer workshops and researched loan types, down payment assistance programs, and grant opportunities. This gave me clarity to make decisions rooted in confidence, not fear.

    3. Be strategic, not sentimental. My first home didn't need to be my dream home – it needed to present the best rental potential while allowing me to live comfortably. I prioritized a central location, multiple bathrooms, and a spacious backyard, which turned out to be crucial.

    Within a year, I added a backyard tiny home that brought in income and gave me flexibility. Buy with intention, focusing on what has the potential to grow with you, not just what looks good in the moment.

    4. Assemble the right team. When choosing a real estate agent, interview multiple options and ask questions – don't be afraid to request references or trust your gut. Your team matters, especially as a first-time buyer.

    That first home launched everything for me. I didn't do everything perfectly, but it created options and showed me how powerful real estate can be. Today, my sister and her family live in the tiny home, and we're able to support each other while placing ourselves in a secure financial position.