If you’re dreaming of buying your first home, you might think that the journey begins with saving for a down payment or getting pre-approved for a mortgage. But here’s the surprising truth: the first steps to buying a home isn’t about money. It’s about mindset.
Yes, saving is essential, but without the right mindset, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed by the process. Your mindset is the foundation for your entire homebuying journey—and shifting how you think can actually make homeownership feel achievable, even if it seems far off right now.
Believe Homeownership is Possible
For many people, the biggest hurdle to buying a home isn’t financial—it’s believing that homeownership is even possible for them. If you’re constantly telling yourself “I’ll never be able to afford a home,” you’re already putting up mental roadblocks. The truth is, homeownership is possible, but it starts with believing that it can be your reality. This is one of the most important first steps for buying a home.
When I moved from my 250-square-foot apartment in Manhattan to Venice, California, in 2016, I felt worlds away from homeownership. My tiny rent-controlled bungalow with flamingo pink tiles was the fresh start I needed after finding myself $23,000 in debt from my carefree NYC lifestyle.
As I walked through the serene streets of Venice, surrounded by lush palm trees and charming bungalows, I couldn’t help but dream of owning one of those homes. I’d pass by houses with outdoor kitchens and roof decks, wishing I had made different financial choices so that I could afford one. What I didn’t realize then was that those walks were the beginning of my homebuying story. They planted the seed of belief that homeownership could one day be possible for me, and that belief gave me the motivation to make big changes.
Focus on Long-Term Goals, Not Short-Term Obstacles
Buying a home is a long-term goal, and sometimes it can feel like you’re not making progress. That’s why it’s crucial to focus on the bigger picture. The small sacrifices you make now, like cutting back on unnecessary spending, will pay off in the long run. Understanding this is part of the essential first steps for buying a home.
When I moved to Venice, I began imagining myself sipping coffee in a hanging chair surrounded by fuchsia bougainvillea or cooking for loved ones in a sunny kitchen with white quartz countertops. I held on to this vision during my daily walks, and it fueled my determination. Setting clear goals and regularly reviewing them is key to keeping that long-term vision in focus and making steady progress toward homeownership. Learn more about goal setting here.
Over the next three years, I dove into personal finance books, focused on earning more and spending less, and paid off my debt. In the end, I saved over $40,000. Holding that long-term vision of my future home gave me the focus I needed to achieve my financial goals.
Break Free From Fear of the Unknown
The homebuying process can be intimidating—especially if you’re not sure where to start. Many first-time buyers are worried they’ll make mistakes or that they don’t know enough about mortgages, credit scores, or the market. But here’s the thing: you don’t have to know everything upfront.
Give yourself permission to learn as you go. Start by gathering information little by little, whether that’s through reading blogs like this one, taking a homebuyer course, or meeting with a real estate agent for advice. The more knowledge you gain, the more confident you’ll feel, and the less intimidating the process will become. These first steps for buying a home are critical in building your confidence.
Pro tip: Check out the free Map Out Your Dream Home workbook or take the What’s Your Homebuyer Superpower? quiz to start building your confidence today.
Visualize Your Dream Home
One powerful mindset shift is to start visualizing what your future home will look and feel like. This might sound simple, but having a clear vision of the kind of home you want can actually make a huge difference in your motivation and decision-making.
For me, creating a vision board was a game-changer. In 2019, as my husband Kyle and I prepared for our wedding, I turned to my childhood love of collaging to help bring my homeownership dreams to life. I spent hours cutting out images of bright kitchens, cozy outdoor spaces, and phrases that reflected the kind of life I wanted to live. Each morning, I’d spend a few minutes reviewing my vision board, reminding myself of what I was working toward. It became a powerful tool to keep me focused and excited during the process. And sure enough, those little steps led us closer to our dream home.
Pro tip: Try creating a vision board for your own homeownership journey! It’s a fun and creative way to stay connected to your goals. Learn how here.
Be Kind to Yourself on This Journey
Finally, remember that buying a home is a process, and it’s okay if you’re not ready tomorrow. There’s no need to rush or compare your progress to others. Be patient with yourself, take small steps, and celebrate each win along the way—whether that’s opening a savings account, improving your credit score, or simply getting more educated on the homebuying process.
With the right mindset, you’ll not only feel more empowered but also more prepared to handle whatever challenges come your way.
Ready to Take the First Step?
If you’re feeling more motivated now to start your homebuying journey, that’s great! Remember, it all starts with mindset. Once you have that foundation in place, the rest of the process becomes a lot more manageable. For more tips and step-by-step guidance, check out my homebuyer coaching services and courses, where I can help you map out your plan to become a homeowner with less stress and more confidence.