How to Find the Best Realtor for First-Time Home Buyers
Why Choosing the Right Real Estate Agent is Critical for First-Time Buyers
Buying your first house is overwhelming — financially and emotionally. Most agents won’t guide you until you’re ready to write an offer. Until then, you’re stuck doing the research alone, hoping you don’t make a costly mistake.
That’s where we’re different.
Our Unique Approach: We Vet the Best Local Real Estate Experts for First-Time Buyers
At How to Buy a Home, we know the system is stacked against first-time buyers. Too many agents see you as “too much work” or just a small commission — and you deserve better.
✅ We personally vet local Realtors with proven experience guiding first-time buyers
✅ We screen out agents who treat first-time buyers like a hassle or “just a low-commission deal”
✅ We connect you with Unicorn Agents — trusted real estate and lending experts who work for you, not their paycheck
✅ You get strategy, protection, and a custom plan from day one — not just help when it’s time to sign a contract
What Happens When You Find the Right Realtor
“My advice? Start off with the Unicorn. You don’t have to go through the bad experience to learn it — just listen to this podcast.”
Stephanie
The Challenge
Stephanie and Kenton started their California home buying process working with a random agent they met at an open house — a common first-time buyer mistake.
The agent pushed them into risky deals, including one where the sellers tried to use their earnest money deposit to fund their next home purchase — a massive red flag.
They felt pressured, unsupported, and almost ended up losing thousands.
The Solution
Frustrated, they found How to Buy a Home and connected with our vetted Unicorn Realtor and expert lender team.
✅ Their new expert protected their budget, restructured offers, and brought insider negotiation skills
✅ The agent prioritized their needs, respected their time, and focused on strategy — not just closing fast
✅ With expert guidance, they re-offered on a home they previously lost and won it after the flippers finished renovations — on their terms
The Result
✔️ Stephanie and Kenton secured their dream home — a charming, renovated 1948 house
✔️ Their new expert team helped them navigate inspections, negotiate credits, and protect them through every step
✔️ One year later, they’re proud homeowners, saving money after refinancing — and even won a “Beautiful Anaheim” curb appeal award for their front yard!
"They asked me questions I didn’t even know to ask — and I knew I was in good hands. This was life-changing."
Ann
The Challenge
After a breakup, Ann — a single mom — faced the end of her lease and the fear of navigating home buying alone. She started with a Zillow agent who didn’t listen, sent wrong listings, couldn’t answer basic questions, and pushed a Zillow lender.
With zero strategy or guidance, Ann knew she couldn’t trust that agent with her future.
The Solution
Ann found How to Buy a Home and connected with a vetted Unicorn Realtor team and expert lender:
✅ They asked questions Ann didn’t know needed asking — uncovering what truly mattered
✅ They built a strategy around her budget, timeline, and future goals
✅ Expert lender shopped multiple products, secured credits, and protected Ann from condo financing pitfalls that cost others thousands
✅ Negotiated seller credits plus a home warranty and ensured the HOA was financially solid
The Result
✔️ Under contract in 11 days — in her dream neighborhood, previously thought unaffordable
✔️ Bought with 3% down, protected by PMI — not a roadblock, but a strategic move
✔️ Locked a fixed payment, stopped paying rent, and began building equity
✔️ Moved into a two-bedroom top-floor condo with space, views, and a vibrant community
✔️ Avoided condo financing traps and special assessments — because her team did the research most agents skip
“Our Realtor was the reason we got this house. She knew exactly what to do — and we trusted her 100%.”
Kristen
The Challenge
Sam and Kristen were ready to buy but quickly realized that buying your first home in a high cost of living area like Long Island is a whole different game.
They lost out on multiple homes and even faced a $44K appraisal gap that forced them to walk away — proof that without the right strategy, this market can eat you alive.
What they needed wasn’t just any Realtor — they needed an expert who understood how to navigate competitive, high-cost markets where first-time buyers often get priced out or ignored.
The Solution
Through How to Buy a Home, they were connected with a vetted Unicorn Realtor — someone experienced, local, and laser-focused on first-time buyer success.
✅ Their Realtor advised them on where to stretch, where to hold firm, and how to win
✅ Navigated a multiple-offer situation — their Realtor’s reputation and negotiation skills won them the home without being the highest bidder
✅ Kept them calm, informed, and strategic — balancing finances, a wedding, and life changes without pressure or surprises
✅ Protected their money by avoiding risky offers and explaining every step so they felt confident
The Result
✔️ Sam & Kristen secured a $752K home in a market where most buyers lost out to cash or waived contingencies
✔️ Only 11% down — their agent knew exactly how to position their offer
✔️ Seller chose them over higher offers — because their agent knew how to build trust and present a strong, clean offer
✔️ They moved into their forever home — with a yard for their dog, Miles — without overpaying or being pushed into a bad deal
🚨 Why You Should Avoid “Pay-to-Play” Realtor Referral Sites
Most online Realtor directories or referral sites are just “pay-to-play” platforms. Agents aren’t vetted for skill — they buy their way in by paying the site to call them a “Preferred Realtor” or “Local Expert.”
Zillow built this model years ago, charging agents for exposure with zero regard for their qualifications — and now, copycat sites do the same.
The result? You’re trusting the biggest financial decision of your life to whoever paid the most — not who’s best for you.
Why Finding the Right Realtor is NOT Like Shopping Online
Picking your Realtor isn’t like comparing prices on Amazon. You’re not buying sneakers — you’re making one of the biggest financial decisions of your life.
The Right Expert Realtor Will:
✔️ Understand your goals, timeline, and financial situation
✔️ Navigate local market risks, taxes, and competition
✔️ Help you avoid costly mistakes most first-time buyers make
✔️ Negotiate to protect your money, not rush you into a sale
We Do the Heavy Lifting — So You Can Focus on Buying Your First Home
Did you know?
87% of Realtors leave the business within 5 years — meaning most agents lack experience
47% of licensed agents didn’t sell a single home last year
That’s why we connect you with vetted local pros who actually love working with first-time buyers — no rookies, no pressure, and no random assignment.
Our Network of Trusted Unicorn Agents is:
✔️ Hand-selected based on experience, strategy, and empathy
✔️ Committed to educating you — not rushing you into a sale
✔️ Ready to guide you from planning to closing — and beyond
💬 Get Expert Help Buying Your First Home — Without the Guesswork
We’ve done the work — so you don’t have to gamble on finding the right pro.
Why Unicorn Realtors Are Different
There are 3 million licensed real estate agents in the U.S. — but only 250 hand-picked Unicorn Realtors make our list. That’s why we call them Unicorns — they’re rare, hard to find, and honestly… a little magical. The kind of agent who doesn’t just open doors but actually knows what they’re doing once you walk through one.
✅ Each is personally vetted — not just once, but constantly earning the Unicorn title
✅ They’re dedicated to first-time buyers — even in high cost of living areas where unique challenges and tougher competition make expert guidance essential.
✅ They’ll meet with you months or even years before you buy — because your success starts long before the offer
✅ They connect you with a local, first-time buyer expert lender — building a unified team who guides and protects you through every step