Third Time’s the Charm: How I Bought My First Home

They say buying your first home is one of life’s greatest milestones, and let me tell you, that couldn’t be more true. But what many don’t see behind the Instagram-worthy keys-in-hand photo is the heartbreak, tough decisions, and resilience it often takes to get there. My journey wasn’t straightforward, but it made finally getting my dream home that much sweeter.

Strike One: The House That Got Away

The first home I offered on felt like “the one” at the time. I could already imagine myself living there, but sometimes reality is harsh... The sellers flat out refused my offer because they didn't like the price I offered. At the time, it felt like a rejection. Looking back, it was simply a lesson: not every house is meant to be yours, no matter how badly you want it.

Strike Two: The Deal That Fell Apart

Then came the second house. This time, we had an accepted offer. I thought, Finally, this is it. But during the inspection, we uncovered some serious structural issues that simply couldn’t be ignored. Walking away was tough, but it was the right call. One of the hardest lessons in real estate is knowing when to say no, even if your heart says yes.

Third Time’s the Charm

And then came house number three. By now, I’d learned to trust the process and give myself the same advice I give my clients: what’s meant to be will be.

This home came to me off-market, something that happens quite a bit behind the scenes when working with Team Broady. It wasn’t picture-perfect, but I could see the potential. It was the kind of house that, with vision and work, could truly become my dream home. And that’s exactly what I set out to do.

The Renovation Journey

I won’t sugarcoat it: renovating an older home is not easy. There are surprises, there are frustrations, and yes, there are moments where you wonder what you got yourself into. My inspector had flagged that I’d eventually need a French drain. Once excavation started, we discovered the foundation needed reinforcing, an unpleasant surprise, but one I tackled head-on. Now I know my house is sitting strong on a reinforced stone foundation. Peace of mind comes at a cost, but it’s worth every penny.

Renovations are like life: you celebrate the little wins along the way. Every completed project, no matter how small, brings you closer to the bigger picture. My business coach always reminds me to pat myself on the back and be grateful for the progress, and I carry that advice with me daily.

Lessons From My Own Journey

Being a realtor, I live surrounded by the emotions of buying and selling homes. I know how heartbreaking it can be when clients lose out on a house they love. I always tell them, “When you find the right one, you’ll be glad you didn’t get the last one.” During my own journey, I had to take my own advice, and thank goodness I did.

I bought my first home without legal warranty of quality, which meant accepting the risks of hidden defects. I leaned on due diligence, trusted professionals, and my own determination to make it work. And while it hasn’t always been easy, it’s been worth it.

Grateful for What’s Ahead

Now, I sit on my porch, watching the sun set over the water and feel nothing but gratitude. Gratitude for the journey, for the lessons, and for the future that lies ahead in my new home.

Buying a house isn’t just about closing a deal. It’s about resilience, vision, and trust in the process, in your decisions, and in yourself. And if my story proves anything, it’s that the right home always finds you.

From Realtor to Home Buyer and Back Again

Going through this process firsthand has given me a whole new perspective on what my clients experience. I’ve felt the same excitement, the same stress, and the same moments of doubt that every buyer goes through. It reminded me how deeply personal this journey is; it’s not just a transaction, it’s a major life milestone. Having stood in my clients’ shoes, I’m now even more attuned to their emotions, their fears, and their dreams. This experience didn’t just make me a homeowner, it has made me a better realtor.

At Team Broady, we understand that every real estate journey is deeply personal, full of excitement, emotion, and important decisions. Whether you’re a first-time buyer or a seasoned seller, we’ll guide you every step of the way with honesty, patience, and care.Reach out to us anytime at info@teambroady.ca or by phone at 514-613-2988.