First-Time Home Buyers in Murrieta: Start Here

Name: Team Integrity Realty
Address: 37290 Los Alamos Rd., Murrieta, CA, 92563, US
Telephone: (951) 704-4635

Your step-by-step path from first search to keys in hand.

Buying your first home is one of the most exciting milestones in life — and it's okay to have questions. We specialize in helping first-time buyers understand every step so you feel informed and confident, never pressured or confused.

Free First-Time Buyer Consultation

Team Integrity Realty — helping first-time buyers

Why First-Time Buyers Choose Us

Laura Holbert and Cheryl Shadden are licensed California real estate brokers with Team Integrity Realty. Laura is a full-time broker and a Murrieta resident since 1981, so she knows the local market, the neighborhoods, and the communities firsthand. Cheryl brings the same education-first, client-first standard to every transaction. Their California DRE license numbers are Laura Holbert, DRE #01932682, and Cheryl Shadden, DRE #01932888. Together, they offer honest guidance, transparent communication, and broker-level experience to first-time buyers from your very first conversation to closing day.

The Home Buying Process, Simplified

We break down each step so you always know what's happening and what to expect next. For a deeper dive on the step many buyers overlook, read why getting pre-approved should be your first step.

1. Check Your Finances

Before you start looking at homes, understand what you can comfortably afford. This means looking at your savings, monthly budget, credit score, and debt-to-income ratio. We can connect you with trusted lenders who will walk you through pre-approval without any pressure. As our client, you can be represented under a written buyer-broker agreement. Broker compensation is negotiable and not fixed by law: it depends on the transaction and may come from you, the listing side, or a seller concession, never assumed. It is confirmed in writing through the Buyer's Representation and Broker Compensation agreement.

2. Get Pre-Approved

A pre-approval letter shows sellers you're serious and helps you focus on homes in your price range. It also reveals any credit issues you can address before making an offer. If you are wondering which loan type fits your situation, our FHA Loan Guide is a great starting point.

3. Define Your Priorities

How many bedrooms? What neighborhood? What's your must-have vs. nice-to-have? We help you narrow down what matters most so you don't waste time on homes that aren't the right fit.

4. Tour Homes

We schedule showings that match your criteria and walk you through each property with a critical eye. We point out both the potential and the things to watch out for — helping you make informed decisions.

5. Make an Offer

When you find the right home, we craft a competitive offer that protects your interests. We explain every term, contingency, and condition so you understand exactly what you're agreeing to.

6. Inspections & Appraisal

Your home inspection reveals the property's condition. If there are issues, we help you understand what's significant and negotiate repairs or credits. Our Home Inspection Checklist helps you prepare for what to look for. The lender's appraisal confirms the home's value.

7. Closing Day

Review your final documents, do a walkthrough, and sign on the dotted line. We're right beside you to answer questions and make sure everything goes smoothly — then hand you the keys.

Tips for First-Time Buyers

Don't make large purchases or open new credit accounts during the process

Plan for closing costs; no single percentage applies to every buyer, so review your lender's Loan Estimate and escrow and title estimates for your specific deal

Ask about first-time buyer assistance programs

Don't skip the home inspection, even in a competitive market

Think about your 5-year plan — will this home still work for you?

Trust your agent to guide you — that's what we're here for

Common Questions from First-Time Buyers

How much money do I really need?

Down payments can be as low as 3% for conventional loans or 0% for VA loans. Closing costs vary by transaction and location, so no single percentage applies to every buyer; review your lender's Loan Estimate and escrow and title estimates for your specific deal. There are also first-time buyer assistance programs that can help with down payments and closing costs. Explore our guide to California homebuyer programs and down payment assistance for the full picture. We help you explore all your options.

What credit score do I need?

FHA loans are often available starting around 580 and conventional loans around 620 or higher, but those are lender- and program-dependent starting points, not guarantees. Current program rules and lender overlays apply, so a lender can confirm what may be possible with your actual credit profile. Learn more in our FHA Loan Guide. But even if your score isn't perfect, there are steps you can take to improve it before applying. We connect you with lenders who specialize in working with first-time buyers.

Should I get pre-approved before looking at homes?

Yes, it's one of the smartest things you can do. Pre-approval states what a lender may be willing to lend, and it shows sellers you're serious. A comfortable monthly budget also covers the full payment: principal, interest, taxes, insurance, HOA dues, Mello-Roos or special assessments, mortgage insurance, solar, utilities, maintenance, and repairs. We recommend getting pre-approved before you start touring homes so you can focus on the ones that are right for you. For a complete walkthrough of the entire purchase process from start to finish, see our Complete Buying Guide.

Homeowners insurance is one of the costs first-time buyers often overlook until late in the process. To know what to expect and why it belongs on your early checklist, read what you should know about homeowners insurance in Murrieta.

What if the inspection reveals problems?

Almost every home inspection reveals something — that's normal. We help you understand which issues are significant and which are cosmetic, and we negotiate repairs or credits on your behalf. Our Home Inspection Checklist gives you a head start on what inspectors evaluate. You'll never have to face this alone.

How do I choose the right agent as a first-time buyer in Murrieta?

Start by interviewing more than one agent. Ask about their experience working with first-time buyers, and read their reviews on their Zillow profile. Confirm that any agent you are considering is a licensed California broker by checking their DRE license number. And ask them to walk you through the Buyer-Broker Agreement before you sign anything, so you understand exactly what you are agreeing to.

Got more questions? Check out our full Buyer FAQ for answers to the most common homebuying questions in Murrieta and Temecula.

Real First-Time Buyer Reviews

Honest words from real first-time buyers Laura and Cheryl have guided to the keys of their first home.

Bought and sold a Single Family home in 2025 in Murrieta, CA.

5.0

"As a first-time homebuyer, I had no idea what to expect from the process. My sister-in-law recommended the realtor she had used, saying she had a wonderful experience, and I'm so glad I took her advice! Laura and Cheryl turned out to be the best choice we could have made. They not only found the perfect home for our growing family, but Laura went above and beyond every step of the way. She wasn't just our realtor, she was a true support system. She patiently answered all our questions, kept us updated, handled all the paperwork, and expertly negotiated on our behalf. Most importantly, she made us feel valued and cared for, not just like another set of clients. Thank you, Laura, for everything! I truly feel like I gained a lifelong friend. A few years later, when we needed to move back to LA County, we didn't hesitate to call Laura and Cheryl again to help us sell our home. Just like before, they made the entire process smooth and stress-free. If you're looking for realtors who are professional, caring, and genuinely invested in their clients, you won't regret choosing Laura and Cheryl!"

Local knowledge Process expertise Responsiveness Negotiation skills

Cindy Hernandez

10/30/2025

Bought a Single Family home in 2025 in Hemet, CA.

5.0

"We heard about Laura and Cheryl through friends and family. Our experience with Laura and Cheryl was awesome. We greatly appreciate their knowledge and educating us to what it takes to purchase our first home. As first time home buyers we are forever grateful for Laura and Cheryl for looking out for us and guiding us to finding our perfect home. If you face any issues such as finding the right home insurance company, calling the right roof and home inspector, or have questions about anything, you can rest assured they have their resources and answers to your questions. We highly recommend Team Integrity Realty."

quadsrock1008

6/12/2025

Bought a Single Family home in 2024 in Menifee, CA.

5.0

"Working with Laura was a dream. She helped us to purchase our first home and it went so smoothly. She was so easy to get in touch with, she communicated and got things done promptly, and she went above and beyond to make this a seamless process. I was worried that buying a home would be difficult since that what everyone says, but Laura took the stress out of all of it! She was thorough when explaining every step we needed to take, so we would understand all that we signed. She even helped us to negotiate better terms! She was professional, kind, and so pleasant to work with. We couldn't have imagined a better experience than working with her and Cheryl. They really treated us like family. I would absolutely recommend her."

hayleigh marrs5

11/23/2024

See more reviews on our Zillow profile

10 Common Buyer Mistakes
and How to Avoid Them

We have walked hundreds of first-time buyers through this process, and the same pitfalls come up again and again. Knowing what to watch for now can save you time, money, and a lot of stress down the road.

Skipping Mortgage Pre-Approval

This is the number one mistake we see buyers make, and it can cost you time, heartache, and even a home you love. Getting pre-approved before you start touring properties is one of the smartest steps you can take. A pre-approval letter tells sellers you are serious and financially prepared, which gives you a real edge in a competitive market. It also keeps you focused on homes that align with what a lender may be willing to lend, so you are not falling in love with properties that are out of reach. Just remember that pre-approval does not set your budget: a comfortable monthly payment also includes property taxes, homeowners insurance, HOA dues, Mello-Roos or special assessments, mortgage insurance, solar, utilities, maintenance, and repairs. As a first-time buyer, this step is especially important because it helps you understand your financing before you start looking.

Ignoring Hidden Costs

Your monthly payment is not just the mortgage principal and interest. Property taxes in Southwest Riverside County, homeowner's insurance, HOA fees, maintenance, and repairs all add up. For first-time buyers, these extra costs can feel like a surprise — but they should not be. We make sure you understand the full picture of homeownership costs before you commit, so there are no unwelcome discoveries after closing. We walk through realistic numbers so you can budget with confidence and actually enjoy being a homeowner.

Being Too Emotionally Attached

It is completely natural to fall in love with a home — especially when it is your first. But when you become too attached to one property, you can lose perspective. You might overlook issues, overpay, or rush into a decision before you are truly ready. That is where we come in. We help you stay grounded with real market data and a clear-eyed view of value, so you can make decisions that feel right today and still make sense years from now. Your first home should be a foundation, not a regret.

Failing to Research the Neighborhood

A home is more than four walls — it is the street, the schools, the commute, and the community around it. We always encourage our buyers to visit neighborhoods at different times of day. Drive through on a weekday morning and again on a Saturday night. Check school ratings, commute times to work, and nearby amenities like parks, shopping, and dining. Murrieta, Temecula, and Menifee each have their own personality, and we know these communities inside and out. As a first-time buyer, getting the neighborhood right is just as important as getting the house right.

Skipping a Home Inspection

We know the market can feel competitive, and it is tempting to waive the inspection to make your offer stand out. Please do not do that — especially as a first-time buyer. A professional inspection is your safeguard against unexpected and costly surprises. Even new construction can have issues that a trained eye will catch. The inspection report is not something to fear — it is a tool that gives you information you can use to negotiate repairs, adjust your offer, or walk away from a home that is not the right fit. We will be right there with you to make sense of every line.

Making Large Purchases Before Closing

We know — you are excited, and you want to start furnishing your new home before you even get the keys. But any new debt between pre-approval and closing can jeopardize your financing. A new car, furniture on a credit card, even opening a new store account — lenders re-check your finances before closing, and big changes can cause delays or even denial. Our advice is simple: hold off on major purchases until you have those keys in hand. If you are unsure whether something will affect your loan, always check with your lender first.

Overlooking Resale Value

Even if you plan to stay for years, life has a way of changing. A job transfer, a need for more or less space, or a desire to relocate can shift your plans. That is why it is smart to think about how a home will serve different types of buyers, even when you are buying your very first home. Rather than predicting future values, we help you compare objective features and market factors that buyers in our area tend to value, such as layout, location, schools, commute, HOA structure, and property taxes. It is not about being pessimistic; it is about being wise from the start.

Failing to Understand the Market

Every market is different, and even within Southwest Riverside County, conditions can vary from neighborhood to neighborhood. What is happening in Murrieta may not be the same as Temecula or Menifee. That is why having a realtor who knows these local markets deeply is so important — especially when you are a first-time buyer navigating unfamiliar territory. We keep you informed about inventory levels, pricing trends, and how quickly homes are moving so you can act thoughtfully and strategically. You deserve to understand the landscape before making this big step.

Not Reading the Fine Print

Real estate contracts are full of legal language, contingencies, and deadlines — and every word matters. This is especially important for first-time buyers who may be seeing these documents for the very first time. One of the most valuable things we do is make sure you understand every document you sign. We walk you through your rights, your responsibilities, and the deadlines you need to meet. You should never feel confused or rushed about what you are agreeing to. If something does not make sense, we explain it until it does — no jargon, no judgment.

Overextending Financially

Just because you qualify for a certain loan amount does not mean you should spend it all. As a first-time buyer, it is especially tempting to stretch toward the top of your budget. We encourage you to set a comfortable budget that leaves room for the unexpected — because with homeownership, unexpected costs are not a matter of if, but when. A new water heater, a plumbing issue, rising insurance premiums — these are real costs. We help you think beyond the monthly payment and consider the full picture, so you can enjoy your new home without financial stress. A little breathing room goes a long way toward peace of mind.

Buying Your First Home? Let Us Be Your Guide.

You have got questions — that is completely normal, and it is exactly what we are here for. Laura and Cheryl have helped countless first-time buyers navigate this process with confidence, and they would love to do the same for you. Reach out for a free, no-pressure conversation about your goals and your next steps.

Schedule a Free Consultation (951) 704-4635

Worried about buying at today's rates?

Check out our analysis: The Real Cost of Waiting for Better Interest Rates — you may be surprised by what the numbers actually show.

Serve your community? You could buy a HUD home at 50% off.

Teachers, law enforcement officers, firefighters, and EMTs may be eligible for the HUD Good Neighbor Next Door program, which lets eligible public servants buy select HUD homes at half the list price in exchange for a three-year residency commitment.

Your First Home Is Closer Than You Think

Let's have a no-pressure conversation about your goals, your budget, and what you need in your first home. We're here to help you feel confident every step of the way.

Free Buyer Consultation (951) 704-4635