5 Things I Wish I Knew Before Buying My First Home

Buying your first home? Here are 5 things I wish I’d known at 21, shared by a broker who’s been there.

When I bought my first home at 21, I wasn’t a mortgage broker. I was just a clueless, overwhelmed, and completely underprepared first-time buyer with no real idea how the process worked. I found the house first and only then tried to figure out if I could even get a mortgage. Looking back now, as a broker who helps people through this every day, here are 5 things I wish I’d known at the time.

1. Preparation makes the process easier

I did no preparation before buying my first home. I didn’t check how much I could borrow, what lenders would look for, or even what the process involved. It left me feeling lost. Today, I know that preparation is the single biggest way to take control. Understanding your borrowing power, knowing the steps ahead, and setting realistic expectations makes the journey much smoother.

2. Speak to a broker before you start house-hunting

I fell in love with a property first and only then tried to sort the mortgage. It worked out, but it could have gone very differently. Speaking to a broker first would have given me clarity, confidence, and avoided a lot of stress. Now, this is the advice I give to every first-time buyer: talk to someone before you go looking for homes.

3. The process feels overwhelming without guidance

Every step felt confusing and stressful. I didn’t know what would happen next or who was responsible for what. Waiting for completion was especially hard. We bought a new build and the date kept shifting, which created constant uncertainty. Now, I focus on guiding clients step by step, so they always know what is happening and feel supported through the waiting.

4. Affordability is about more than income

At 21, I assumed it was all about salary. I had no idea lenders would look at spending, debts, and lifestyle choices too. Learning this changed how I understand affordability. Today, I explain clearly to clients that outgoings matter just as much as income. It is one of the areas where I see first-time buyers most often caught off guard.

5. Rushing makes you miss the joy

I was so focused on just getting through the process that I did not take time to enjoy it. Buying your first home is a huge milestone and it should be exciting, not only stressful. If I could go back, I would slow down, enjoy the process, and celebrate each step. It is something I now remind my clients to do, so they look back on buying their first home with pride rather than only stress.

Your home may be repossessed if you do not keep up repayments on your mortgage or other loan secured against it.

• What’s the first step I should take as a first-time buyer?

  Speak to a broker before you start house-hunting. It gives you clarity on what is realistic.

• Do I need a big deposit to buy my first home?

  Not necessarily. Family help or smaller deposit mortgages can work, but affordability checks are key.

• How can I make the process less stressful?

  Preparation and guidance. Having a broker walk you through each step makes a huge difference.