How Can First-Time Buyers Afford a Home?

By Cynthia Quarantello

Cynthia Quarantello is an award-winning Real Estate Agent specializing in buying and selling homes throughout the Triangle area. She holds advanced degrees in advertising, marketing, and business, which enable her to provide exceptional service to her clients.

What are the most common misconceptions first-time homebuyers have about purchasing a home? I recently spoke with Ashley Schatz, a trusted real estate advisor who hosted a homebuyer seminar and gained some eye-opening insights. If you’re thinking about buying a home, what I learned could completely shift how you view the process and make homeownership feel more attainable.

Many people believe they’re not ready to buy a home because they don’t have a perfect credit score or can’t afford a 20% down payment. But that’s not true. There are plenty of programs designed to make homeownership achievable, even if you don’t meet those high expectations.

Ashley explained how these myths prevent many first-time buyers from taking the leap. She is encouraging people to explore their options instead of assuming homeownership is out of reach.

One highlight of the seminar was when Collin, a lender, joined to answer questions live. For example, someone asked if they could still buy a house after recently purchasing a car. Collin broke it down clearly, offering reassurance and practical advice.

“Renting felt like throwing money away without building anything for ourselves.”

According to Ashley, this topic hits close to home for her because she recently bought her first house. After renting for seven years, they were tired of rent hikes. Last year alone, their rent went up by $200. It felt like throwing money away without investing anything for themselves.

“We wanted a place where we could add personal touches and feel secure, knowing our payments were an investment, not just an expense. Buying a home was one of the best decisions we’ve made. Now, we’re creating a home that reflects who we are, which feels amazing,” said Ashley.

Home-buying seminars like the one Ashley conducted remind us of how important it is to share knowledge about homeownership and how accessible it can be with the right guidance.

If you’ve ever thought about becoming a homeowner, don’t let fear or misinformation hold you back. You can contact Ashley Schatz at (336) 708-1018 or personally contact me at (919) 830-9051 or cynthia@cqrealtygroup.com for professional guidance. Owning a home gives you peace of mind, creative freedom, and the joy of investing in something that’s truly yours.