Your feed is flooded with it. “Influencers” screaming that homeownership is a dying dream. TikToks of people laughing at the idea of anyone who isn’t a boomer ever affording a home. It’s enough to make you give up and just accept that you’ll rent forever.

I’m here to give you some hope. I mean, hey! Just the fact that you’re reading this goes to show that you’re serious about achieving your dreams. That is absolutely necessary.

This guide exists for one reason: to cut through the BS and show you the actual path to homeownership. No sugarcoating, no false promises either. Just the real, actionable steps that are helping young people right now get their first set of keys.

Myth Busting: Let’s Get These Out of the Way

Before we dive into the "how," let's dismantle the three biggest myths holding you back.

Myth 1: “You need a 20% down payment.” FALSE. This one is the biggest dream-killer out there, and it’s simply not true for most first-time buyers.
Myth 2: “You need perfect credit.” FALSE. While you need decent credit, you don’t need an 800+ score. There are programs for scores in the 600s.
Myth 3: “Buying young is impossible.” The most FALSE of all. It’s not at all impossible; it just requires a different strategy than our parents used.
Myth 4: “I have to wait until my lease ends.” More on this later.

The Money Part: How Much Do I Really Need?

Let's talk real numbers. The down payment is often the smallest part of your initial cash needed. Here’s a quick breakdown of low-down-payment loan options:

FHA Loan: 3.5% down. On a $300,000 house, that’s $10,500.
Conventional 97: 3% down. That’s $9,000 on that same house.
USDA Loan: 0% down. For eligible suburban and rural areas.
VA Loan: 0% down. For veterans, active service members, and eligible spouses.

When you factor in down payment assistance programs (more on that later), your true out-of-pocket cost to get in the game can often be in the $8,000 – $12,000 range. It’s a chunk of change, but it’s not a mythical $60,000.

Your Step-by-Step Roadmap

This isn’t as chaotic as it seems. Here’s your game plan:

Find the Right Agent: 👋 Hey, that’s me. You need a guide who understands your goals and speaks your language. (If you speak Portuguese, then I literally speak your language.)
Get Pre-Approved: Not pre-qualified—pre-approved. This is your financial green light and shows sellers you’re serious. Most importantly, this will give you the confidence to move forward.
House Hunt: Pretty self-explanatory. For more information on this process, turn on HGTV.
Offer & Negotiate: I usually handle this process. I’ll fight to get you the best possible price and terms.
Inspections & Appraisal: Do your due diligence so there are no alarms and no surprises after you move in.
Closing Day: Sign the papers. Get the keys. Congratulations! You’re a sigma.

Hacks for the Gen Z & Millennial Buyer

We have to play the game smarter. Here’s how:

Down Payment Assistance Programs: These are state and local grants or second loans that give you money for your down payment. Yes, free money. Most people don’t even know to look for them.
Side Hustle Income Counts: Do you freelance, drive for DoorDash, or have a small Etsy shop? That income can often be used to qualify for your loan.
House Hacking: Buy a 2-4 bedroom property, live in one bedroom, and rent out the others. Your tenants' rent can pay for most, or even all, of your mortgage. This is great for singles.

The Hidden Costs Nobody Talks About (But We Will)

Your down payment isn’t the only cost. You also need to budget for:

Closing Costs - 2-3% of the home price (This can be negotiated, I can help you!)
Home Inspection - $300-$500
Appraisal Fee - $500-$700
Moving Expenses - $500-$2000+

It sounds scary, but it’s manageable. We can often negotiate for the seller to help pay most or all closing costs, and we’ll create a full budget plan so nothing blindsides you.

Pro tip: Most new construction builders are willing to pay for all of these costs.

Your Action Plan: What to Do THIS WEEK

Everyone’s biggest mistake is just waiting for "someday." Start today.

Check your credit score for free on Credit Karma or your bank’s app. (DM me if you don’t know where to look.)
Open a savings account and label it "Home Fund" or “Labubu Fund”, it doesn’t really matter. Set up a small, automatic transfer every pay period.
Get your questions ready.

Let’s Make It Happen (And How I Can Remove a HUGE Barrier)

You can do this, but you shouldn’t have to do it alone. My job is to be your coach and guide through every single step.

And here’s one more way I help remove a major obstacle: I offer a FREE Lease Satisfaction Program. Worried about your lease? I can use my commission dollars to cover the costs of breaking your lease early. My team does this every day.

Ready to start your journey? Let’s talk. Book a free, no-obligation call with me. We’ll review your specific situation, run the numbers, and create a personalized plan to get you from renting to owning.

[Click Here to Book Your Free Homebuying Strategy Call]

By Daniel Lopes
Concierge Agent
(407) 505-5391
daniellopes@hometosell.com

(321) 320-7373
info@hometosell.com

11 S Bumby Ave
Ste 200
Orlando, FL 32803

Your Realtor for Life | Our Client for Life