Get Matched With a Trusted Unicorn Realtor

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.

Find a Realtor successful buyers

✅ 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

🚀 Start Your Journey With a Unicorn Realtor

Homebuyers that Found a Perfect Realtor

What Happens When You Find the Right Realtor

Stephanie & Kenton — From Horror Story to Dream Home

“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!

Ann — Single Mom, Breakup, and Homeowner in 30 Days

"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

Sam & Kristen — Winning in a Competitive Market with the Right Realtor

“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.

Copy of unicorn realtor

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

Still Not Sure? Ask David Your Question