You may have seen the headlines lately:“Home prices are dropping.”“Denver is leading the decline.”“More than half of major metros saw year-over-year price drops…
Buyers: Controversial Tips to Land the Home You’ve Been Dreaming Of
Dated: August 27 2025
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When it comes to buying a home, there’s no shortage of advice out there. Some tips are tried-and-true, while others might make you raise an eyebrow at first. Today, I’m sharing a few of the more “controversial” tips I often discuss with my clients (always in partnership with their lender and financial advisor, of course 🧠💰).
Whether you’re buying your first home or planning your next move, these nuggets of wisdom can help you make confident, strategic decisions — both now and for your long-term future.
1. Get a Credit Card (or Two)
Wait… more credit cards? Isn’t that the opposite of what we’ve been told?
Here’s the thing: lenders don’t just want to see that you avoid debt — they want to see that you can manage it responsibly. Having one or two credit cards (and using them wisely) helps build a strong credit history, which can boost your credit score and show you’re a reliable borrower.
2. Don’t Rush to Pay Off All Your Debt
This one sounds even more shocking, right? But not all debt is created equal. Student loans or low-interest debt don’t necessarily hurt your ability to qualify for a mortgage. In fact, if you use a big chunk of your savings to pay off debt right before buying, you might weaken your financial position by reducing your available cash for a down payment or reserves.
The smarter move? Talk with your lender about which debts matter most to your loan approval and which ones can wait. Sometimes keeping certain balances makes more sense than draining your savings.
3. Look at Homes Early
Many buyers wait until they’re “100% ready” before touring homes. But shopping early can be a major advantage. Why?
- You’ll learn what’s realistic in your price range.
- You’ll get a feel for neighborhoods and layouts you like.
- You’ll be more confident when the right home comes along — because you’ve already done your homework.
Think of it as practice reps before the big game. When it’s time to submit an offer, you’ll be ready to move quickly and decisively.
The Big Picture
Real estate isn’t just about finding the perfect kitchen or the best backyard. It’s about building long-term stability and wealth. Sometimes the smartest moves aren’t the ones you’d expect — and that’s where good guidance from your agent, lender, and financial team comes in.
Ready to Talk Strategy?
Curious what these tips could look like for you and your situation? Let’s connect. I’d love to help you map out a buying plan that balances today’s goals with tomorrow’s opportunities.
Angelica Olmsted
Angelica’s path into real estate is rooted in a life full of diverse experiences and a deep appreciation for what “home” means. Growing up as an Air Force brat meant constant moves, and later, h....
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