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Home
buying isn't a transaction. It's
the prologue to
the story of
You.
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Your Home Buying Navigator
Your Step-by-Step Guide to Buying Your First Home in Pittsburgh, PA
Dream of owning a home in Pittsburgh? The journey to your first Pittsburgh home can be incredibly exciting, and with our step-by-step guide for first-time homebuyers, it can also be stress-free. From understanding Pittsburgh's real estate market to navigating first-time buyer programs in Allegheny County, we'll walk you through every crucial stage. Scroll down to discover what to expect, reduce anxiety, and confidently secure your Pittsburgh property. Let's make your homeownership dreams a reality in the Steel City!
Moving Together:
Let's Write Your Next Chapter
Home is deeply personal. It's where memories are made, milestones celebrated, and the story of you unfolds. I'd be honored to be part of your next chapter.
Who you bring along on this journey matters.
I still remember buying my first home just six years ago — the excitement, the stress, the hope. That experience shapes how I support every client today: with empathy, experience, and a genuine commitment to helping you feel confident, informed, and inspired every step of the way.
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STEP 1:
Determining If you Can Afford A Mortgage
Sure this sounds obvious...
"I pay $2000 a month in rent, of course I can afford a mortgage!" The problem is, lenders don't see that simple correlation and look at a lot more than just what you pay in rent. Unlike a landlord that can evict you if you don't pay, mortgage lenders take on a more risk and in turn, have stricter requirements.
This first exercise will help you get an idea if you can afford a mortgage in the eyes of a lender before you start applying for a loan. A lender also looks at your Debt To Income Ratio (DTI) and something like that pesky student loan can put you over.
STEP 2:
Saving For Your Mortage Down Payment
Once you determine a mortgage is possible with your income and debt payments, now you need to sack away money for that down payment...
The good news, you can get pre-approved with as little as 4% of the purchase price, but more is better.
The below calcuator can help you figure out realistically how much you can save each month.
How Do I Save The Money In The Best Way?
Glad you asked! A high yield savings account. You'll get high daily compounding interest... and have a portion of your pay's direct deposit sent directly there or automate a transfer on payday.
STEP 3:
Understanding Different Morgage Types
The biggest mistake you can make it to run out and start applying for a mortgage pre-approval without arming yourself with the power of knowledge!
The below tool gives you information on the various type of mortgage loans and types of interest rates.
First Time Home Buyer Mortgages (FHA)
Did you know? A first time home-buyer is someone who has not purchase a home in 7-years or more. That means you may still qualify for an FHA loan even if it's not your first home.
What’s an FHA Loan?
FHA loans are mortgages backed by the Federal Housing Administration, designed to make homeownership more accessible—especially for first-time buyers. They typically allow lower credit scores and require a down payment as low as 3.5%, making them a popular option if you're just starting out or don’t have perfect credit.
Pros and Cons at a Glance
The biggest advantage of an FHA loan is flexibility: lower upfront costs and more forgiving credit requirements. But there are trade-offs. FHA loans require mortgage insurance premiums for the life of the loan, which can bump up your monthly payment. Plus, the home has to pass a strict FHA appraisal with safety and livability standards—meaning some fixer-uppers or older homes may not qualify. That can limit your options, especially in competitive markets.
That Moment When You Find The One
(Not that one — I can’t help with your dating life. But the house? I’ve got you.)
You get more than showings — you get strategy:
• Long-term value over listing fluff
• Red flags caught before inspection
• Smart pricing insights, not just vibes
As a homeowner myself, I know how thrilling — and stressful — this moment can be. I’m here to guide you through it with clarity, calm, and a solid sense of humor.
STEP 4:
Get Pre-Approved: Talk to A Lender
This is the big one—the step that takes you from browsing to buying.
If you're serious about buying a home in Pittsburgh, getting pre-approved is a must. You'll need it to work with a real estate agent and to have your offer taken seriously by sellers. Without it, your dream home could be gone before you even get a chance.
It shows you're a qualified buyer who can back up your offer—not just window shopping without financing in place.
Need a lender? You can talk to one of ours or find your own—whatever works for you.
What About
Online Lenders?
Are they good options or should I use a person face to face?
Online lenders can be great options—but as I mentioned earlier, make sure you educate yourself on the different types of mortgages, how they work, and what it means to buy points.
My recommended online mortgage broker is Better Mortgage because unlike others, Better sources your mortgage through other banks, which means you’ll see a healthy range of options and rates—plus the ability to buy points to lower your interest rate even further and without being spammed by 100 third parties when you put your info in. You deal with Better and only Better through the transaction in an easy to use portal.
I used Better.com when I bought my own home and had a great experience, and I had a pre-approval letter in five minutes—ready to hand to my agent and include with my offer. This is not an official endorsement, simply a mention of my own experience. There are other options like Rocket Mortgage to consider as well. Just remembers it costs you nothing but time to talk to a human face to face and compare.
That said, a word of caution: I have formal education in accounting and finance, and I’ve had a lot of experience with loans—which isn’t typical and I still got overwhelmed. For most people, it’s easy to see a low rate or estimated payment and think, “Gee, that looks great!” without realizing there may be hidden fees or terms that make it more expensive than a mortgage with a slightly higher rate. (Yes, really.)
You can also take your quotes to our in-house lender, West Penn Financial for a free, no obligation second look to see how that online offer compares. Learn more.
Find
Fabulous
Fixers
View a curated listing of Fixxer-Uppers for sale on the market.
*Chip & Joanna not included.
STEP 5:
Find A Realtor, Not Just An Agent.
Spoiler alert: You already have.
Well… maybe.
If I were one of those pushy salespeople chasing a commission, I’d be telling you to call me right now and sign on the dotted line. But I’m not that guy.
The truth is, buying a home can take two days or two years—it all depends on you, your timing, and your situation. What matters most is finding the right person to guide you. You’ll be touring homes, navigating hurdles, and making big decisions together. You need someone who truly has your back, knows how to negotiate, understands the market, and keeps your best interests front and center.
Whether your budget is $120,000 or $1.2 million, every client gets the same white-glove service, sharp eye for detail, and full-on commitment. No shortcuts. No ego. Just real results.
If you’re looking for someone like that—someone who will tell you not to buy the wrong house, to walk away after a rough inspection, and still keep a sense of humor through it all—well, good news: You just found him. Well us, because... Peanut.
Ready To Get Started?
Start Your Buying Journey Below
Complete the form below and we'll email you some information and scheduling options. We're happy to connect in-person, on the phone, or on video.
