Published September 8, 2025

Your First Step in Georgia Homeownership & Personal Wealth

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Written by Ann Milano

Attention first time homebuyers

Attention first-time homebuyers of all ages! 

What is a starter home? Buying your first home is an exciting milestone, and the term "starter home" often comes up in conversations about real estate if you are a first-time home buyer. The younger you are for that first purchase, the faster you will be able to build personal wealth to eventually get the home of your dreams by making your money work for you. Instead of looking at it as putting down roots, which goes hand in hand with the thought of marriage and children, look at it as the beginning of your financial portfolio, just like a 401k but better!

UNDER $425k East Atlanta, GA



Exactly what is a starter home, and why is it an important concept?

Typically, a starter home or first home is geared towards first-time homebuyers. It is a smaller, more affordable property that serves as an entry point into homeownership and building an asset-based financial portfolio. These homes are typically modest in size and price, making them accessible to buyers who are just beginning their business careers and starting their real estate journey. The idea is to provide a comfortable, manageable home with a financially manageable monthly payment that fits a first-time buyer’s budget and lifestyle, while also offering the opportunity to build personal wealth through equity and experience the benefits of owning a home. Since you are at the beginning of your career journey, typically with a modest savings account, first-time homebuyers enjoy being able to put a down payment of as little as 3.5% to 5% of the purchase price! The trick is to first decide on what you want your monthly payment to be. That will decide the price of the home that you can afford. Now you know the amount that you will need to put down on the home. Supper simple!



Single Family... Townhouse... Condo... which one is right for me?

Starter homes come in many forms. Your choices are the single-family house, a townhome, or a condominium. They are often located in up-and-coming neighborhoods or established communities with amenities, sometimes including swimming, tennis, or exercise facilities. They may not have the size, yard, and all the luxury features of that dream home, but they offer a solid foundation for future growth, both personally and financially. The starter home can begin with very little down payment, such as 3.5% to 5% of the purchase price, making it easier for younger buyers to enter the world of homeownership. The goal is to help you transition from making monthly rental payments, which go up, and up, and up, every year, to building personal wealth by investing in an asset through monthly mortgage payments that stay the same for your budget over the life of the mortgage, typically 30 years, unless you refinance to a lower rate thus lowering that monthly payment. TRULY a win-win all the way around for any homeowner.

Why consider a starter home?

For many, it’s a financially strategic move to help them eventually get to that dream home. Purchasing a starter home allows buyers to enter the market, build credit, and accumulate equity or personal wealth. Over time, homeowners can leverage this equity to upgrade to a larger home by using their equity they have accumulated, and as a bonus, with enough equity can sometimes keep their payment the same in the bigger home! Additionally, owning a starter home can provide stability and a sense of community, which renting does not offer because of its transient nature.

If you’re thinking about buying your first home, I would highly recommend working with a really good, highly experienced real estate professional. They will provide you with the information that you will need to make a truly informed decision on what will be one of the best choices you will ever make towards your financial future. It will make all the difference!

Who is Ann Milano?
Why would she be a good choice to help you build your real estate portfolio? 


With over 30 years in the industry, Ann Milano understands the nuances of finding the right starter home that will fit your needs and goals. She will guide you to the right loan officer, inspector, closing attorney, and other vendors to help you with your real estate purchase. Ann and the House America Group are here to guide you every step of the way. With a motto of "Luxury at Every Price," Ann and her team are dedicated to helping find your perfect home. Reach out today to discover how you can become one of Ann's clients and receive the experience and expertise of a Top Realtor.


Ready to take that next step toward homeownership?

Reach out today, and let’s find out if homeownership is the right step for you. Let's find the perfect starter home for you, offering you a seamless and luxurious experience, whatever your price range! Whether you’re interested in exploring single-family properties, a townhome, or a condo, Ann is here to guide you every step of the way. Interested in finding a home for sale in Greater Atlanta? Just click the link, and it will take you to All Currently Available Homes. If you would like to register on our website, we will send you live updates the moment a home becomes available in this spectacular neighborhood.

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