The Pursuit of Ownership: First-Time Home Buyer's Guide: Essential Steps to Purchasing Your Dream Home cover art

The Pursuit of Ownership: First-Time Home Buyer's Guide: Essential Steps to Purchasing Your Dream Home

The Pursuit of Ownership: First-Time Home Buyer's Guide: Essential Steps to Purchasing Your Dream Home

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Trying to break into real estate can feel like you’re playing a game with rules no one bothered to explain. Prices climb, paperwork piles up, and even when you think you're making progress, it somehow slips through your fingers. In this episode of the Pursuit to Own podcast, Christopher Pitt teams up with guest Pamela Debnam to break down why so many people feel stuck when trying to buy a home. It’s not just about money—it’s about knowing the rules of the game. From confusing mortgage terms to credit score myths and tricky realtor relationships, Pamela shares what most first-time buyers get wrong. This conversation is all about flipping the script. Homeownership isn’t out of reach—it just takes a smarter strategy. If you’re ready to stop guessing and start building, this episode gives you the tools to take control. Quotes: "If you find a good realtor, they will nurture you. Between your lender—who, in most cases, has repair people or companies signed up with them—they can also tell you what to do to get your scores up." — Pamela Debnam "Don't be discouraged, and please don't rely on Credit Karma. I know a lot of those third-party credit monitoring apps are great for showing you. But if you think that's your actual score, when you pull your credit from a lender's perspective, it could be higher, it could be lower—it will not be the same." — Pamela Debnam "There are good realtors who focus only on ready-to-go buyers. They feel like they don't have the time to nurture someone. But there are also people in it not just for financial reasons—they truly want to guide and help actual people achieve homeownership." — Pamela Debnam "Commissions are negotiable—they always have been. But due to all the different lawsuits and changes in the market, everything has been fine-tuned in the hope of making it better." — Pamela Debnam "Do not feel obligated to anyone. You can get out of any agency agreement, and you can go to any new lender. Don't just go for something just to go for it." — Pamela Debnam Key Takeaways: Pull your official credit report from a direct lender, not third-party apps, to understand your true financial standing and potential home buying power. Schedule a strategy session with a realtor who demonstrates genuine commitment to nurturing your home ownership goals, not just closing quick sales. Map out a 12-month credit improvement plan with specific milestones, targeting realistic enhancements that will strengthen your mortgage qualification potential. Create a comprehensive budget worksheet comparing potential mortgage scenarios, interest rates, and total ownership costs to make an informed decision. Build a network of trusted professionals - a realtor, lender, and financial advisor - who are aligned with your specific home ownership objectives and willing to provide transparent guidance. Episode Timeline: [00:21] How to start the home buying process right [02:07] What to know before checking your credit [04:12] Why early realtor support really matters [06:36] How to spot a realtor who actually cares [11:12] What to ask about commissions and fees [15:59] Why your first loan offer isn’t always best [20:55] Final tips for a smart and stress-free purchase Conclusion: Buying a home is more than just a transaction—it’s a long-term financial move that calls for thoughtful planning. It starts with knowing where you stand financially and working with people who truly have your back. It’s not just about picking the right house, but making sure the whole process supports your bigger financial picture. Being informed, asking smart questions, and staying firm on what matters to you can make all the difference. The best outcomes come when you approach homeownership with clarity, confidence, and care. Tune in to the Pursuit to Own podcast for more inspiring stories and strategies on how to turn your struggles into a pursuit of ownership and success. Links: Pursuit to Own: Opportunity Ownership – https://pursuittoown.com/ Connect with Christopher Pitt on LinkedIn – https://www.linkedin.com/in/christopher-pitt-mba/ Watch Your Pain Can Provide The Blueprint To Your Success | Christopher Pitt | TEDxWilmington – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ULTBmmY1Uos&t=2s

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