Buying a home solo comes with unique questions, especially around what you can truly afford. In this episode, I sit down with Portland agent and two-time solo homeowner Lily Wyss to break down the real-life steps she used to buy her first condo at 23, build equity, and level up into a home she loves, without feeling house poor. We get practical about monthly payments, lender consults, emergency funds, and how to choose the right first property (even if it’s a stepping-stone).

In This Episode, You Will Learn

• Tell the difference between what you’re qualified for vs. what you can comfortably afford

• The quiet money habit that makes your payment feel easy.

• The one conversation to have early that prevents last-minute deal drama.

• How to choose a first home that supports your life now and later.

• A smarter way to think about “affordability” than just a pre-approval.

• The mindset shift that keeps solo buyers from feeling house poor.

• The shortcut to more confidence on a single income.

Resources + Links

Get Your FREE Homebuying Masterclass HERE

Follow 

Instagram: @iamstacierihl

Website: stacierihl.com

Follow Lily: @lilyrayresidential

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If you’ve ever wondered what to really look for during a home tour, or what red flags could cost you thousands after closing, this episode is for you. I’m joined by home inspector Vince Tecce. He inspected both of my own homes and countless client properties, and today he’s sharing insider advice that every first-time buyer should hear before making an offer. From spotting hidden water damage and understanding roof issues to knowing when to walk away after an inspection, this episode gives you the tools and confidence to make informed decisions without second guessing yourself.

In this episode, you’ll learn:

• The top red flags to look for when touring a home.

• How to choose a qualified, trustworthy home inspector.

• What “new construction” doesn’t always mean (and why newer isn’t always better.)

• The most common, and expensive, issues first-time buyers overlook.

• When to request a mold test and when to skip it.

• The biggest mistakes new homeowners make after closing.

• Simple ways to prevent water intrusion, foundation problems, and future headaches.

Resources + Links

Get Your FREE Homebuying Masterclass HERE

Follow 

Instagram: @iamstacierihl

Website: stacierihl.com

💌 Leave a review to help more first-time buyers find this show!

How do you actually know if you’re ready to buy your first home? In this kickoff episode of Your First Home Podcast, I’ll walk you through six must-check boxes that every future homeowner needs to confidently say “I’m ready.” From understanding your “why” behind buying a home to evaluating your finances, credit, debt, and income stability, you’ll learn what it really takes to make one of the biggest financial moves of your life without the overwhelm. If you’ve ever wondered whether now is the right time to buy, or how to know when you’re truly ready, this episode is your roadmap to clarity and confidence. 

In this episode, you’ll learn:

• The six key signs you’re ready to buy a home.

• Why your “why” matters more than your timeline.

• How to calculate what you actually need saved.

• What lenders really look for in your credit and income.

• The truth about equity, down payments, and long-term planning.

• Why it’s normal to never feel 100% ready (and what to do anyway.)

Resources + Links

Get Your FREE Homebuying Masterclass HERE

Follow 

Instagram: @iamstacierihl

Website: stacierihl.com

💌 Leave a review to help more first-time buyers find this show!

Welcome to Your First Home Podcast - I’m your host and homebuying expert Stacie Rihl and I’ve spent the last 8 years helping first-time homebuyers like you make their dreams of owning a home reality. 

Buckle up, because we’re about to demystify the process and learn everything we should have been taught in school about the biggest and most exciting purchase you’ll ever make.

Your first home. 

My husband is here to talk all things homebuying with your partner without the drama, second-guessing, or costly missteps. In this candid episode, Huang and I unpack the real lessons we learned across three home purchases, what went sideways, what we’d never do again, and what actually set us up to win the next time. If you want fewer fights, clearer decisions, and offers you can feel great about, this conversation will help you align your priorities, filter out bad advice, and move from “overwhelmed” to “on the same page.” 

In This Episode, You Will Learn

• A simple way to get on the same page before you start touring.

• How to separate love-at-first-sight emotions from smart, long-term choices.

• The must-have vs. nice-to-have filter that makes decisions 10x easier.

• When family and friend “advice” helps and when it quietly derails you.

• Why one trusted agent beats ten Zillow callbacks every time.

• A practical approach to setting a realistic budget you both feel good about.

• How to turn a stressful first purchase into a confident next purchase.

Resources + Links

Get Your FREE Homebuying Masterclass HERE

Follow 

Instagram: @iamstacierihl

Website: stacierihl.com

💌 Leave a review to help more first-time buyers find this show!