5 Essential Moves for First-Time Homebuyers A guide to going from "just browsing" to "keys in hand" — without the expensive surprises along the way. Buying your first home is one of the most exciting things you'll ever do. It's also one of the few major financial decisions most people make with very little practice. After nearly two decades helping buyers across the South Bay and greater Los Angeles, I've noticed that the people who feel calmest and most in control aren't the ones with the biggest budgets — they're the ones who got a few foundational things right early. So here are the five moves I walk every first-time buyer through. The first three build your financial foundation. The last two protect you once you're actually in a deal. Phase 1: Build Your Financial Foundation 1. Talk to a lender before you start browsing It's tempting to start with the fun part — scrolling listings, saving favorites, picturing your furniture i...
