First-Time Buyer Frustrations? - Here's How I Can Help You Move Forward

May 21, 2025

By: Mary Murphy

Buying your first home should feel exciting, not exhausting. But if you're like many first-time buyers in today's market, you may be feeling more frustrated than fired up. Between rising prices, limited inventory, and the overwhelming amount of information online, it’s easy to feel like your dream of homeownership is out of reach. The good news? You don’t have to navigate this journey alone.

That’s where I come in, to not only simplify the process, but to help you find creative solutions that make owning your first home a reality. Here are some of the most common obstacles first-time buyers face- and how my team and I help you overcome them:

1. We can’t afford a move-in ready home.

It’s a common scenario: you fall in love with a turnkey home only to be priced out by the time you're ready to make an offer. Mary helps buyers reframe the conversation.

My Solution: Consider a fixer-upper in a desirable location. With the right guidance, a "project home" can be transformed into your dream space, and at a lower entry price. We can connect you with trusted contractors, lenders who understand renovation loans, and properties with untapped potential.

 

2. The interest rates are too high.

Rates have climbed, and that monthly payment doesn’t look as friendly as it used to.

My Solution: My team and I negotiate strategic buy-downs with sellers, which can significantly reduce your interest rate (and monthly payment) for the first few years. For example, some sellers are offering $10K+ toward rate buydowns - a huge help for first-time buyers getting started. Buydowns help reduce your interest rate over a period of time, for example a 3-2-1, would reduce your interest rate by 3% the first year, 2% the second and 1% the third year by which stage you will be able to negotiate your interest rates.

 

3. We don’t have a big down payment.

Saving for a down payment while renting and covering daily expenses is not easy.

My Solution: I connect buyers with first-time homebuyer programs that offer down payment assistance, grants, or low-down-payment loan options. I also partner with lenders who specialize in helping buyers qualify with as little as 3% down.

 

4. We’re overwhelmed and don’t know where to start.

Buying a home is a big decision, and the process is filled with unfamiliar steps.

My Solution: My team and I act as your guide, educator, and advocate. From the first conversation to the closing table, we break things down in clear, simple terms and make sure you feel confident every step of the way.

 

5. We’re afraid of making the wrong decision.

Many buyers worry they’ll regret their purchase, whether it’s choosing the wrong neighborhood, overpaying, or buying a home with hidden issues.

My Solution: I bring years of experience, neighborhood expertise, and a deep understanding of market trends. I help you spot red flags, weigh pros and cons, and make a smart, informed choice.

 

Ready to Take the Next Step?

You don’t need to have it all figured out. You just need someone who knows how to get you from dreaming to door keys.

If you’re a first-time buyer feeling stuck, I’ll help you explore your options, overcome obstacles, and find a home you love, without the overwhelm.

Let’s make home happen.

 

 

Mary Murphy

650-773-4999
[email protected]

 

 

 

 

Latest Post

 

Featured Blog Posts

Mary Murphy

First-Time Buyer Frustrations? - Here's How I Can Help You Move Forward

May 21, 2025

By: Mary Murphy

Mary Murphy

Small Space Optimization

March 20, 2025

By: Mary Murphy

Venetia Williamson Noble

Parapet Inspections, what?

March 13, 2025

By: Venetia Williamson Noble

Jennie Pastor

London vs. New York: The Reality of Life in Their Wealthiest Suburbs

February 25, 2025

By: Jennie Pastor

Amanda Botwood

A Brit’s Guide to Living in Princeton, NJ: Real Estate and Architecture

February 25, 2025

By: Amanda Botwood

Mary Murphy

Hosting a Winning Open House

October 28, 2024

By Mary Murphy

Mary Murphy

Navigating Your Home Buying Journey with an Accredited Buyer’s Representative (ABR®)

October 29, 2024

By Mary Murphy

Mary Murphy

The Benefits of Working with a Team in Real Estate

October 29, 2024

By Mary Murphy

Mary Murphy

The Ultimate Guide to Hosting a Cozy Thanksgiving Event

November 7, 2024

By Mary Murphy

Mary Murphy

Sell Your Home Hassle Free, Faster and For a Higher Price

November 15, 2024

By Mary Murphy

Mary Murphy

Guiding Your Parents Through the Downsizing Journey

December 5, 2024

By: Mary Murphy

Mary Murphy

Future-Proofing Your Home

December 23, 2024

By Mary Murphy

Mary Murphy

How to Build Wealth Through Residential Property Investment

February 3, 2025

By Mary Murphy

Mary Murphy

Why Choosing an SRES® Agent Matters

October 29, 2024

By Mary Murphy

David Krohne
Colorado

Why Denver, CO is a Fantastic Choice for British Expats

February 13, 2025

By: David Krohne

Karen Tyrell

Bernardsville: A Charming Borough with a Rich History, just an hour west of New York City

February 13, 2025

by: Karen Tyrell

Ginge Calhoun

The Best Home Improvements for Return on Investment

February 6, 2025

By: Ginge Calhoun

Level Up
David Newcombe

Five Years of Change - Market Growth and the Real Estate Boom

February 6, 2025

By David Newcombe

Matt Dixon

Epic Universe: The Game-Changer for Orlando's Economy and Tourism Scene

January 31, 2025

By Matt Dixon

Amanda Botwood

Insightful Eyes: The Crucial Role of Home Inspections in the New Jersey Real Estate Market

October 28, 2024

By Amanda Botwood

Amanda Botwood

Buying Your First Home in Princeton, NJ

October 28, 2024

By Amanda Botwood

Venetia Williamson Noble

Row House Rambings

October 18, 2024

Andrea West

Scarsdale - Westchester, NY

September 18, 2024

By Andrea West

Nicholas Brown

Atlanta

March 7, 2024

Residents enjoy mild weather year-round, with plenty of outdoor activities in the city's numerous parks and green spaces.

Venetia Williamson Noble

Rowhouse Ramblings

August 26, 2024

By Venetia Williamson Noble

 

Get in Touch

 

Work With Us

The Brits Of Compass are passionate about upholding the highest standards of professionalism and integrity in the real estate industry. Our core focus is to provide exceptional service to every community throughout the U.S and beyond, as well as assisting British companies entering or expanding their presence in the U.S.
Contact us to learn more!

Contact Us

Follow Us on Instagram