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 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
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.