bribe your first home — or 2d , third , or fourth — comes with its share of stressors . Is the price right ? Does the holding check all the boxes on your indirect request list ? What if your crack falls through ?

Luckily , theright literal landed estate agentcan support you in your hunt . Between programing showings , coordinate review , and talk terms the best possible pass , an factor is a purchaser ’s best friend , helping ease any worries throughout the operation .

And once you step inside your ambition home , it ’s all worth it . Here , we partake in real - life lesson memorize during the buying process — from first - clock time emptor up against a elusive market place to an experient householder see to downsize for the later years of life — and how each got the house they now call plate .

House key and house with white picket fence

Credit:Grace Cary; Benjamin Ronde; Phamai Techaphan | Design: Kailey Whitman

Grace Cary ; Benjamin Ronde ; Phamai Techaphan | Design : Kailey Whitman

These Frustrated First-Time Buyers Reworked Their Wishlist—and Finally Found Their Dream Home

These high school sweetheart were ready to take the next stride with theirfirst home — but the market had other plans . Along with rising prices , they encountered stiff rivalry and were outbid not once but five meter in a dustup . Instead of losing hope , they crafted a plan to save up money ( which included moving in with their parents ) and return to their search eight months after . The payoff for their patience ? “ The Goldilocks of houses”—a 1970s rambler with sizeable square footage and a big , tree - filled backyard .

Jordan Lye ; chictype | Design : Kailey Whitman

A Florida Duplex Became a Peaceful Retirement Retreat for This Homebuyer

Nearing retirement age , and with New Jersey home prices prohibitively high , it was time for a change for this long - time homeowner . A dreamy duplex near the waterfront in Jacksonville , FL , offered the gross escape . See how he landed the first house on his list — a newly flipped 1913 bungalow with an ADU ( Accessory Dwelling Unit ) tacked on back in historic San Marco — with the supporter of his real landed estate agent .

DNY59 ; Robert Shafer | Design : Kailey Whitman

A Three-Story Brick Home Provided Room to Grow (and Entertain Guests) for Its New Owners

When this family of four make it by a “ For Sale ” mark in theirtree - line neighborhood , the possibility of more space was too tempting to turn down . A uncaused run - in with a classical brick home — complete with his and hers offices , a bathroom for each fellowship penis , a basement hangout , and plenty of space to entertain — became the catalyst for selling their house menage and starting a unexampled chapter .

More Expert Home-Buying Tips

Palm tree and roof line of a yellow house

Credit:Jordan Lye; chictype | Design: Kailey Whitman

Moving boxes and red brick house

Credit:DNY59; Robert Shafer | Design: Kailey Whitman

Flagstone patio with steps leading to the rest of the yard

Person holding papers with laptop and calculator app on phone

living room with white stone fireplace

Family with realtor viewing a house

White brick house with window boxes and red brick path to the front door