Save a fortune at the closing table and beyond—and dodge the common financial pitfalls of first-time homeownership—with “exceptionally practical” and “clear” advice (Grant Sabatier, bestselling author of Financial Freedom).

No matter how much you want to escape the renter’s cycle, buying a house isn’t always a good investment. Your home can make or break your chance to generate wealth and freedom—and this book will show you how to make the right decisions to give you the most financial flexibility possible.

Scott Trench and Mindy Jensen of the BiggerPockets Money Podcast have been buying and selling houses for a collective thirty years. In First-Time Home Buyer, they’ll give you a “real-world masterclass” in the home-buying process (Brad Barrett, co-host of the ChooseFI Podcast)—so you can consider all of your options and avoid common mistakes before you jump into the life-changing role of homeowner. Buy your first house with your eyes wide open, and learn the strategies that will help you build a strong financial foundation for life.

In this book, you’ll learn:

How to find and analyze the homes you can actually afford
When to buy a house instead of renting—and what to look for and avoid
How to improve your financial fitness before your next big purchase
Which early decisions and steps will help you turn your first home into a future cash-flowing investment
Whether fixer-upper houses and home renovations are really worth it
How to choose a real estate agent and a lender who have your best interests in mind
An expert’s view of the housing market and buying process—from loan pre-approval to submitting offers, home inspections, closing, and everything in between!