In theory, shopping is easy. You see something you like, shop around for deals, then settle on something that makes you happy. The process isn’t complicated, but when it comes to purchasing a home, it can get tricky. Buying a house, whether it’s your first, second, or third time, isn’t about instant gratification. Unlike buying a new fragrance or special outfit, home buying is an investment that will pay off for years to come.

That said, you want to do your research first and educate yourself on what to know for your area. Even if this isn’t your first go-around, it’s important to gather as much information as possible. Trends, prices, availability, and many other factors change fast in real estate. Staying on top of things isn’t just good practice but also your best bet to finding your dream home.

Learning how to navigate the market in 2025 is just the first step. Along with finding a location and bank for necessary loans, you’ll need great advice from a good realtor. Luckily, we’ve got you covered. Below, we tapped several Black realtors for their best tips when searching for and buying a home.

Be Flexible

“I tell my clients to pick their top three must-haves and be flexible about the rest. For example, if your top three are to be in a certain location, stay within a certain budget, and have a garage, you should be flexible on whether the kitchen has your favorite appliances or not. Having a clear vision like this makes the home buying process a lot easier and reduces buyer remorse.”—Trisha Penn, New York City, New York 

Consider New Construction

“I am constantly connecting my clients with builders that are offering generous incentives. For example, I have a client closing in 2 weeks who is receiving $25k in closing costs and a 4.75% interest rate on their home. To put things in perspective, market interest rates are hovering around 7%. With these incentives, this client is saving hundreds each month on their mortgage plus $25k in upfront costs. It’s very rare to find deals like that outside of new construction, but builders are almost always running an attractive incentive.”—Nia Jordan, Atlanta, Georgia

Prioritize Your Needs

“First, prioritize your needs vs your wants. Create a list to help guide your search. I always advise my clients that if a property checks off three or four of the necessities on the list, it’s worth considering.”—Traci Byers, New York City, New York

Save Your Coins

“In today’s economy, having adequate savings is essential to avoid unnecessary stress during the home-buying process. Your savings impact your loan options, preferred locations, and the type of community you can choose. Keep in mind that deposits are required for both resale and new construction homes. While these deposits are often credited back to you at closing, they must be paid upfront. Many buyers underestimate how much they need to save, so planning ahead is key!”— Tiffany McLaurin, Raleigh, North Carolina

Go for Value Over Trend

“Focus on properties with long-term potential, such as fixer-uppers or multi-family homes. Emerging neighborhoods with planned development, access to transit, and properties can often benefit from future appreciation. As a Black homeowner, building generational wealth starts with investing in areas aligned with your vision and values and creating equity. “—Lisa James & Anthony L. Morris (The Morris Team), Brooklyn, New York

Don’t Skip the Inspection

“Don’t skip the inspection. Knowing the condition of the property before making a commitment is crucial. It’s easy to fall in love with a property’s appearance, but an inspection will reveal important details beyond the surface.”—Byers

Check Approval Rates

“Get pre-approved before shopping for a home. It makes no sense even seeing properties before knowing how much you can afford.”—Penn

Look Into Home Buying Programs

“Inquire about renovation loans, like FHA 203K, residential renovation loans, or other first-time home buyer financing programs, which ask for a 3.5% down payment or less.”—The Morris Team

Be Open-Minded

“Real estate is still a powerful way to build your net worth. Yes, home prices have gone up, but keeping an open mind about where you live can pay off big in future equity. Many smaller cities near major metros are not only more affordable but are also appreciating faster than the big cities themselves. Consider making a strategic plan to buy in one of these ‘pocket cities,’ build equity over a few years, and then use that equity to transition back to a major city when the time is right. In real estate, strategy and timing are everything.”—McLaurin

Combine Costs to Save on Future Expenses

By combining the cost of buying a home and funding renovations into one mortgage, eliminating the need for separate loans or out-of-pocket expenses for repairs.”—The Morris Team