First-Time Home Buyer Guide in Edwardsville, IL (2026)

Feb 20

Spring is right around the corner, interest rates have started to come down, and I am already seeing more people start to think about buying. This is usually the time of year where it all begins. People start browsing, saving homes, and wondering if this might be the year they finally go for it. If that is you, and you are thinking about buying your first home in Edwardsville, Glen Carbon, Troy, or anywhere in the Metro East, you are probably asking yourself what this process actually looks like.

I promise it is way more doable than it feels right now. Let’s walk through it together.

Step 1 Know what you are comfortable spending

Before you start looking at homes, we want to get really clear on your numbers.

Not just what you can get approved for, but what you actually feel good about spending every month.

This includes:

Your monthly payment
Property taxes which can vary depending on the area
Insurance and utilities

Buying in Edwardsville or the surrounding areas can look different depending on the neighborhood, so this step really sets the tone for everything else.

Step 2 Talk to a lender and get pre approved

This is one of the most important steps and honestly one of the most overlooked.

Your lender is a huge part of your team.

I always recommend working with a local lender when buying in the Metro East. They understand the market here, they can move quickly, and they are much easier to communicate with when things get busy.

They will walk you through:

What you can afford
Loan options
Down payment expectations
Monthly payment estimates

And they will get you pre approved so when you find a home you love, you are ready to move.

Step 3 Start the home search

Now we get to the fun part.

Looking at homes is exciting, but it can also feel a little overwhelming at first. There are so many options and it is easy to second guess everything.

This is where having a local realtor really matters.

I help my buyers:

Narrow down areas like Edwardsville, Glen Carbon, Troy, and Maryville
Spot homes that are actually a good investment
See potential in a space, not just what it looks like today

It is not just about finding a house. It is about finding the right fit for your life.

Step 4 Making an offer

When you find a home you love, we put together an offer that gives you the best chance of getting it.

That includes:

Price
Terms
Timeline

Every situation is a little different, and this is where strategy really comes into play. It is not always about offering the highest price. It is about putting together the strongest offer overall.

Step 5 Inspections and closing

Once your offer is accepted, we move into inspections and final details.

You will:

Have the home inspected
Work through any repairs or negotiations
Finalize your loan

Then comes closing day which is the best part. You get the keys and officially become a homeowner.

How I help my first time buyers

This process can feel like a lot, especially the first time around.

My goal is to make it feel simple and manageable. I walk you through everything, answer all the questions, and make sure you feel confident in every decision you are making.

I also bring a design perspective into the process which a lot of my buyers love. I help you see what a home could look like with a few changes so you are not just focused on how it shows today.