Buying A House In Today’s Market - The Long Game Podcast - Ep. #102

Most people think the homebuying process starts with finding a house. It doesn't. In this episode of The Long Game Podcast, Ryan shares exactly what he'd do if he were buying a house in 2026, drawing on his experience as a mortgage lender and purchasing six properties of his own in the last three years. Most prospective buyers walk into the process with false assumptions about what they can afford, how much cash they actually have available, and what they truly need in a property versus what they've just convinced themselves they need. Getting honest about all three before anything else happens is what separates a smooth homebuying process from a stressful one. What You'll Learn: Why a financial audit is the right first step before talking to anyone else in the homebuying process How to identify a comfortable monthly mortgage payment before a lender tells you what you qualify for, and why that number matters more Why qualifying income and livable income are not the same thing, and how that gap catches buyers off guard What a real mortgage consultation looks like compared to an online application, and what questions should actually be asked first How to find the right real estate agent for your property type, market, and stage of the homebuying journey How to separate must-haves from nice-to-haves so you don't box yourself out of properties that would actually work Why leaving a consultation with a specific action plan and a deadline is the difference between a goal and a timeline If you're thinking about buying a home in the next six to twelve months and don't know where to start, this episode gives you a clear, honest, and practical roadmap for getting ready before you ever make an offer. Interested in connecting? HOST Ryan Richards | Branch Manager, Northpoint Mortgage | NMLS 1987735 [email protected] | www.financewithteamrichards.com  204 Turnpike Rd, Westborough, MA 01581 Licensed in CT, FL, MA, ME, NH, RI, NC, PA, TN, VT Follow us on Instagram @financewithteamrichards @the.longgamepodcast #TheLongGamePodcast #FinanceWithTeamRichards Chapters: 00:00 Buying in 2026 Overview 00:33 Feasibility Study Basics 01:21 Run a Financial Audit 01:56 Test Your Payment Comfort 02:38 Cash Reserves and Repairs 03:26 Mortgage Advisor Consultation 05:01 Programs and Price Point 05:31 Choose the Right Agent 06:46 Must Haves vs Nice 07:37 Compromises and Commutes 08:24 Build a Timeline Plan 09:04 Wrap Up and Next Steps