The Renter’s Game Plan to Buying Your First…or Next Home
So you’re thinking about buying a home. Amazing. Exciting. Slightly overwhelming. Totally normal. It doesn’t have to feel that way though.
The key? Treat this like a game plan, not a guessing game. The key is to be educated on the process and learn what to expect.
Here’s how to move from “I pay rent” to “I have keys, and I OWN THIS PLACE!”
Phase 1: The Reality Check (0–2 Months)
Know where you stand before you try to change up your life.
Before you scroll listings at midnight on Zillow and fall in love with a house that has a reading nook and “character,” let’s ground things in reality. Sorry, not sorry. I know you love to daydream…but you are setting yourself up for heartbreak.
Your mission/homework:
Figure out your income vs. expenses Be VERY honest with yourself on this
Check your credit score
Look at your current savings
Goal: Understand what’s doable, not just what’s dreamy.
If your finances were a GPS, this step is figuring out your current location. No judgment, just data. Right now you are strictly gathering data.
Phase 2: The Financial Glow-Up (2–6 Months)
Make yourself irresistible… to lenders.
This is where you tighten things up and start looking like a very responsible adult on paper. Best bet? Build this game plan with a lender.
Surprisingly enough, lenders actually want to see you win. They know the playbook inside and out and can guide you on exactly what you need to do. Whether that’s boosting your credit score, finding smart ways to grow your down payment, or walking you through your loan options so there are no surprises later.
Your mission:
Pay every bill on time (yes, even that one)
Reduce credit card balances…but don’t close them!
Avoid big purchases (now is not the time for a new car and a house)
Optional but powerful:
Start saving the difference between your current rent and a future mortgage payment, your “practice payment.”
Goal: Boost your credit, grow your savings, and show consistency.
Phase 3: The Pre-Approval Power Move (Month 3–6)
This is where things start feeling real.
Getting pre-approved isn’t just a checkbox. It’s your buying power, clarified.
Your mission:
Talk to a mortgage professional
Get pre-approved for a realistic price range
Understand your monthly payment comfort zone…don’t buy more house than you can truly afford!
Goal: Know your numbers before emotions enter the chat.
Because they will. Oh, they will. Especially once you see the perfect home!
Phase 4: The Strategy Session (Month 4–7)
Define what “home” actually means to you.
Now that you know your budget, it’s time to get intentional.
Your mission:
List your must-haves (location, bedrooms, commute)
Identify nice-to-haves (finished basement, dreamy kitchen, etc.)
Decide what you’re willing to compromise on
Think about the kind of lifestyle you want to live!
Goal: Avoid falling for the wrong home for the right reasons (looking at you, pretty backsplash).
Phase 5: The Home Search (Month 5–8)
Now we shop, but strategically.
This is the fun part… with a side of patience.
Your mission:
Start viewing homes with your Realtor
Compare options, not just vibes
Stay within your pre-approved range
Goal: Find a home that fits your life, not just your Pinterest board.
Phase 6: The Offer + Closing Game (Month 6–9)
Where things get real, fast.
You’ve found “the one.” Now it’s time to move with purpose.
Your mission:
Submit a strong, informed offer - Your Realtor is skilled in this area!
Complete inspection, financing, and legal steps - You don’t have to know each of these steps, but make sure you educate yourself
Prepare for closing costs and logistics
Goal: Get those keys without surprises.
Phase 7: The Ownership Era (Ongoing)
Congratulations, you’re officially the landlord now! Do a happy dance!
No more rent. No more permission to paint. But also… no more calling someone else when something breaks. Sorry, you’re the adult here!
Your mission:
Build an emergency fund for home expenses
Learn basic home maintenance
Start building equity (your future self says thank you)
Goal: Turn your home into both a lifestyle upgrade and a long-term investment.
Final Thought: This Isn’t a Sprint, It’s a Strategy
The biggest myth? That buying a home happens all at once.
In reality, it’s a series of smart, intentional steps.
Follow the plan, stay flexible, and remember:
Every homeowner you know once Googled “can I actually afford this?” at least five times.
You’re not behind, you’re just getting started. The biggest way to support your future self is by just get STARTED! It doesn’t have to be perfect. You just have to start somewhere!
XOXO
Deb Oliviara
