Your First Home

Stacie Rihl
  • 5.0 (16)
  • HOW TO
  • UPDATED WEEKLY

Welcome to Your First Home Podcast - I'm your host and homebuying expert Stacie Rihl and I've spent the last 8 years helping first-time homebuyers like you make their dreams of owning a home reality. Buckle up, because we're about to demystify the process and learn everything we should have been taught in school about the biggest and most exciting purchase you'll ever make. Your first home.

  1. 5D AGO

    Is an FHA Loan Right for You? What First-Time Buyers Need to Know

    A lot of buyers hear "FHA loan" and assume it's automatically the best option for first-time homebuyers, but that's not always true. In this episode, I break down what FHA loans actually are, who they're designed for, and the biggest myths that cause buyers to make the wrong choice. I share why FHA loans aren't just for first-time buyers, how they really compare to conventional loans, and why a lower interest rate doesn't always mean a lower monthly payment. Plus, I also talk about credit score flexibility, mortgage insurance, and why FHA offers can be harder to get accepted in competitive markets. Get ready to learn whether FHA is helping or hurting your buying power.   In This Episode, You Will Learn The role FHA loans play in today's housing market. Why FHA loans are not just for first-time homebuyers. The hidden trade-off behind FHA's lower interest rates. Why FHA mortgage insurance sticks around longer than most buyers expect. The specific credit and debt situations where FHA actually works best. How FHA loans can impact your leverage when you're competing for a home. Resources + Links Get Your FREE Homebuying Masterclass HERE  Send me a question using THIS LINK   Follow  Instagram: @iamstacierihl Website: stacierihl.com   💌 Leave a review to help more first-time buyers find this show!

    22 min

  2. JAN 28

    The First-Time Buyer's Guide to Turning Your Home Into an Investment

    A lot of people buy their first home thinking, "Maybe I'll rent this out someday." But then a few years later, they realize the numbers don't work, the location isn't right, or the property just isn't built for renting. In this episode, I share how Hoang and I intentionally bought our first home with the plan to turn it into a rental and what that decision taught us about money, stability, and long-term wealth. I give tips on how we chose the right neighborhood, how we ran the rent-versus-mortgage numbers, why living in the home first gave us a huge advantage, and the pros and cons of becoming a landlord. Get ready to rethink what your first home can do for you, not just today, but for your future.   In This Episode, You Will Learn Why buying with a future rental plan has to start before you ever make an offer. How to evaluate whether the rent in an area can realistically beat your mortgage. The trade-off between living where you want vs. where the numbers actually work. Why living in the home first makes becoming a landlord easier and less risky. The financial advantages of owner-occupied loans compared to investor loans. What it's really like to find tenants and manage a rental. The pros and cons of being a landlord. How to know if buying to rent later fits your lifestyle and future goals.   Resources + Links Get Your FREE Homebuying Masterclass HERE   Follow  Instagram: @iamstacierihl Website: stacierihl.com   💌 Leave a review to help more first-time buyers find this show!

    22 min

  3. JAN 21

    How to Not Go Broke Buying a House in 2026

    So many future homeowners tell me, "I'm scared to buy a house because I don't want to end up house poor." And honestly? That fear is a good thing. It means you're thinking ahead and doing this the right way. In this episode, I break down what to do before, during, and after buying a home so you can protect your finances and still enjoy your life. I talk about how to practice your future mortgage payment, how much cash you really need saved (hint: it's more than just your down payment), what to look for in a home so surprise repairs don't derail you, and why you should slow down on decorating after you move in. Get ready to buy a home you love without becoming house poor.   In This Episode, You Will Learn How to "practice" your future mortgage before you ever buy. Why total cash-to-close matters more than just your down payment. The hidden costs first-time buyers forget to plan for. How to spot homes that could drain your savings fast. What to ask about roofs, systems, and property taxes before you fall in love. Why waiting 2–3 months to decorate can save your sanity and your bank account. How to build a real safety net with an emergency fund that works for homeowners.   Resources + Links Get Your FREE Homebuying Masterclass HERE Follow  Instagram: @iamstacierihl Website: stacierihl.com   💌 Leave a review to help more first-time buyers find this show!

    20 min

  4. JAN 14

    Do You Have Enough of a Down Payment Saved?!

    One of the biggest questions first-time buyers ask me is, "How much money do I really need before I buy?" And honestly, the answer isn't a one-size-fits-all number. In this episode, I'm breaking down why the old 20% rule no longer works for today's market, how waiting too long can actually hurt you financially, and what matters way more than your exact down payment percentage. I also talk about monthly affordability, emergency funds, and how to know when you're truly ready to leap into homeownership. Get ready to stop second-guessing and feel confident about when your time to buy really is.   In This Episode, You Will Learn Why the 20% down payment rule isn't always true. How rising home prices impact the cost of waiting. The difference between minimum down payment vs. smart down payment. How PMI really works and when it actually matters. How different down payments affect your monthly payment. Why your down payment can impact your offer strength. How to know if you can truly handle homeownership financially. The mindset shift that makes buying feel less scary.   Resources + Links Connect with a first-time buyer agent in your area HERE! Check out this Mortgage Calculator! Get Your FREE Homebuying Masterclass HERE   Follow  Instagram: @iamstacierihl Website: stacierihl.com   💌 Leave a review to help more first-time buyers find this show!

    18 min

  5. JAN 7

    Should You Wait to Buy a Home? 2026 Market Predictions Explained

    Home prices today can feel downright shocking, especially when you see what the same house sold for just a few years ago. In this episode, I talk about what's really happening behind those price jumps and what experts are actually forecasting for 2026. I also dive into why the last few years were anything but normal, why trying to time the market is risky, and what "normal" finally looks like again after the chaos of the COVID-era real estate. I break down predictions from Redfin, Realtor.com, and Zillow in plain English and explain how to use this information without letting it paralyze your decision-making. Get ready to stop overthinking the market and start making grounded, confident decisions.   In This Episode, You Will Learn Why today's prices feel so different from pre-2020 homes. What experts really mean by a "housing market reset". How interest rates are expected to behave in 2026. How wage growth changes the affordability conversation. Why national headlines don't tell the full story. How to buy smart without waiting for a perfect market.   Resources + Links Connect with a first-time buyer agent in your area HERE Get Your FREE Homebuying Masterclass HERE Connect With a FAME Agent (Free) HERE   Follow  Instagram: @iamstacierihl Website: stacierihl.com   💌 Leave a review to help more first-time buyers find this show!

    18 min

  6. 12/31/2025

    The 3 Biggest Mistakes First-Time Homebuyers Make

    I still can't believe we were never taught how finances work or how to buy a house in school. In this episode, I break down the 3 most common mistakes I see first-time homebuyers make and how to avoid them before they turn into expensive regrets. I talk about why timeline matters more than people realize, how winging the process leads to rushed decisions, and why buying a home you can't truly afford is the fastest way to turn a dream into stress. Tune in to learn how to protect yourself, plan intentionally, and buy a home that supports your life instead of stretching it too thin.   In This Episode, You Will Learn The risk of buying a home without thinking through how long you'll live there. Why selling too soon can cost you money instead of building equity. Why browsing homes without a plan creates emotional pressure. How being matched with the wrong agent can impact your entire experience. Why focusing on your monthly payment matters more than the purchase price. How to buy a home without sacrificing peace, stability, or your future goals.   Resources + Links Listen to the "Your 6 Step Action Plan for Buying a House in 2026" Episode HERE Check out this Mortgage Calculator! Get Your FREE Homebuying Masterclass HERE Connect With a FAME Agent (Free) HERE   Follow  Instagram: @iamstacierihl Website: stacierihl.com   💌 Leave a review to help more first-time buyers find this show!

    19 min

  7. 12/24/2025

    The Step-by-Step Guide to Buying a House

    When people first start thinking about buying a house, the most common question I hear is, "Where do I even begin?" In this episode, I break down the entire homebuying process, from the very first steps to getting your keys on closing day. I talk about when to bring in a realtor and lender, how to move from browsing online to serious house hunting, what really happens during offers and negotiations, and what to expect once you're under contract. Tune in to learn exactly what happens from your first showing to getting the keys.   In This Episode, You Will Learn Where to start when buying your first home. When to begin touring homes based on your move timeline. How offers, counteroffers, and negotiations work. What it means to be under contract and what protections you have. How earnest money fits into your down payment. What happens during inspections and post-inspection negotiations. How the mortgage approval and appraisal process works. What to expect on closing day and when you officially get your keys.   Resources + Links Listen to the "6-Step Action Plan for Buying a House in 2026" Episode HERE Get Your FREE Homebuying Masterclass HERE Connect With a FAME Agent (Free) HERE   Follow  Instagram: @iamstacierihl Website: stacierihl.com   💌 Leave a review to help more first-time buyers find this show!

    18 min

  8. 12/17/2025

    How much do you need saved to buy a house?

    How much money do you actually need saved to buy your first home? In this episode, I break down the "it depends" answer with a simple framework you can use to set a realistic savings goal for 2026, 2027, or whenever you're ready. You'll learn the three categories of money you need to plan for, what makes the number change based on your market and lifestyle, and how to think about your down payment in a way that supports your real life, not just a generic rule of thumb.   In This Episode, You Will Learn A clear framework to calculate your personal homebuying savings target. The 3 categories you need to save for (and why most buyers only plan for one.) How to decide what down payment amount makes sense for your goals and season of life. What influences closing costs and why location can change the number dramatically. What "cash to close" really means so you can plan with confidence. The often-forgotten post-closing expenses that can surprise new homeowners. How to set a savings goal based on timeline, lifestyle, and monthly payment comfort. What to consider if you want to explore down payment assistance in your area. A sanity-check baseline estimate to help you stop guessing and start planning. Resources + Links Check out this Mortgage Calculator! Check out the Average Closing Costs by State (use percentage, NOT dollar amount)  Get Your FREE Homebuying Masterclass HERE   Follow  Instagram: @iamstacierihl Website: stacierihl.com   💌 Leave a review to help more first-time buyers find this show!

    17 min
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About

Welcome to Your First Home Podcast - I'm your host and homebuying expert Stacie Rihl and I've spent the last 8 years helping first-time homebuyers like you make their dreams of owning a home reality. Buckle up, because we're about to demystify the process and learn everything we should have been taught in school about the biggest and most exciting purchase you'll ever make. Your first home.

Information

  • Creator
    Stacie Rihl
  • Years Active
    2025 - 2026
  • Episodes
    20
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Show Website
    Your First Home