What I Wish I Knew Before Buying My First Home
By Cat Totty | The Totty Team at Cardinal Financial
I bought my first home at 23 years old.
My husband and I had been married for three years, we had a two-year-old son, and he had just transitioned out of the Marine Corps into civilian life. Like many young families, we were excited, hopeful, and ready to put down roots. We dreamed of having a yard, maybe a dog or two, and a sense of community — something more than our second-floor apartment near the interstate.
What I wasn’t prepared for was the mortgage process itself.
No one really explained what went into a mortgage payment, what closing costs were, or how much things could change from one step to the next. I didn’t fully understand how interest rates worked, why numbers moved, or what questions I should even be asking.
And honestly?
I didn’t always ask — not because I didn’t care, but because I didn’t want to sound inexperienced or “dumb.”
Looking back, I wish I had known this one simple truth:
It’s okay to ask questions — especially when you’re making one of the biggest financial decisions of your life.
You’re Not Supposed to Know Everything
Buying a home doesn’t come with a handbook. Most buyers don’t know:
What makes up a monthly mortgage payment
Why closing costs vary
How taxes and insurance affect affordability
Or how much flexibility they really have
And that’s okay.
What does matter is having people in your corner who are patient, honest, and willing to explain things without judgment.
That’s something I didn’t fully understand early on — the value of a trusted real estate agent and a trusted mortgage lender working together.
Why Trust Matters So Much in the Homebuying Process
A home purchase isn’t just paperwork — it’s emotional, financial, and often stressful.
When you trust your real estate agent and mortgage lender, you:
Feel comfortable asking questions (even the “small” ones)
Understand what’s happening at each step
Feel confident making decisions
Know someone is looking out for your best interest
Your lender and agent can’t read your mind — and they’re often helping multiple clients at once — but when you have a relationship built on trust and communication, everything becomes easier.
That trust is what allows you to say,
“Hey, can you explain this again?”
or
“Can you walk me through what this really means for my payment?”
And that’s exactly how it should be.
Questions Every First-Time Buyer Should Feel Comfortable Asking
If you’re buying your first home (or even your second or third), here are some questions you should always feel comfortable asking:
What will my total monthly payment actually be?
How much do I need for closing costs?
What happens if taxes or insurance increase?
What does my payment include — and what doesn’t it include?
How much should I keep in savings after closing?
What happens if something changes with my income?
Who do I call if I don’t understand something?
There are no “dumb” questions — only unanswered ones.
Why the Right Mortgage Expert Makes All the Difference
I’ve seen firsthand how much smoother the process is when buyers feel supported and informed.
A good mortgage professional doesn’t just run numbers — they help you:
Understand your options
Feel confident in your decision
Prepare for the long term, not just closing day
That’s the approach I take with every client. I want you to feel empowered, not overwhelmed.
Buying in Central Texas? You Don’t Have to Do It Alone.
Whether you’re buying in Georgetown, Round Rock, Jarrell, Belton, Killeen, Temple, Salado, Waco, or Austin, my goal is to help you feel prepared, educated, and supported — from the first conversation to the day you get your keys.
If you’re a first-time buyer (or even if you’re not), I’d love to be a resource for you. No pressure. No judgment. Just honest guidance.
Cat Totty
The Totty Team | Cardinal Financial
Because buying a home should feel exciting — not confusing.
