First-Time Homebuyers

Purchasing your very first property is an incredibly exciting milestone, but it can also feel completely overwhelming. From deciphering mortgage language and analyzing neighborhood metrics to reviewing stacks of legal disclosures, the learning curve is steep. Without the right representation, it is easy to make costly mistakes that impact your long-term wealth.

Mysti Matthews specializes in transforming first-time buyers into confident, savvy market participants. We don’t believe in high-pressure sales tactics or rushing your decision. Instead, we treat your first purchase as an educational journey and a foundational financial investment. We take the time to break down the entire process step-by-step—ensuring you understand your budget, your contract rights, and your future layout potential before you ever sign on the dotted line.

From pairing you with trusted local lenders who specialize in low-down-payment programs to fiercely negotiating repairs during escrow, we act as your protective shield. With the Matthews Realty Team, you get a dedicated partner who honors your timeline, answers every question, and ensures your first step into the property market is secure, profitable, and stress-free.

Our Strategic First-Time Buyer Framework

Comprehensive Buyer Education: We provide clear, plain-language breakdowns of closing costs, escrow timelines, and contract contingencies so you are never left guessing.

Strategic Lender Alignment: We connect you with top-tier mortgage professionals to explore optimal financing structures, including down-payment assistance programs, FHA loans, and conventional options.

Fierce Contractual Advocacy: Mysti meticulously structures your offers to protect your deposit, ensuring strict inspection contingencies give you the power to renegotiate if hidden issues arise.

01.
How much money do I actually need for a down payment on my first home?

One of the biggest real estate myths is that you absolutely need a 20% down payment. While a larger down payment is great, many excellent first-time buyer loan programs (like FHA or conventional options) allow down payments as low as 3% to 3.5%. During our initial consultation, we will connect you with premier lenders to see which program fits your savings goals best.

02.
What are "closing costs," and should I budget for them separately?

Yes, closing costs are completely separate from your down payment. They include lender fees, title insurance, escrow service fees, property taxes, and homeowners insurance setup. They typically average between 2% and 5% of the total purchase price. We will provide you with a detailed breakdown early in the process so there are absolutely no financial surprises at the closing table.

03.
Can I still buy a home if I have student loans or car payments?

Absolutely. Lenders evaluate your financial health using a metric called Debt-to-Income (DTI) ratio, which compares your monthly debt obligations to your gross monthly income. Having debt doesn't automatically disqualify you; it just impacts the total amount a bank will lend. We can help you look at your complete financial layout to map out a comfortable price range.

04.
How much do I have to pay to hire Mysti Matthews as my agent?

As a homebuyer, hiring Mysti Matthews to represent you costs you absolutely nothing out of pocket. In standard real estate transactions, the seller pays the commission fees for both their own listing agent and the buyer’s agent. You get elite, personalized protection and guidance entirely free of charge.

05.
How do we get started with finding my first home?

We start with a relaxed, zero-obligation strategy session. We will sit down to discuss your lifestyle goals, review the current local inventory, map out the home-buying timeline, and establish a clear checklist of your "must-haves" and "nice-to-haves" so we can execute a highly targeted search.

Get in touch with our property experts today.

For sales enquiries call

+925-305-4248