Any advice would be greatly appreciated. Owning a home seems daunting without a second income. Seems practically impossible for me. Are any of you handling a home mortgage on one income? Aren't there first time home buyer programs to help?

Heather, when I lived in Winchester I owned a townhome on single income. I used a loan from the USDA/FMHA which was for first time buyers with low income. I have no clue why the US Department of Agriculture has these loans available for people besides farmers, but I took advantage of it and my payments were really low like 356.00 per month! Heather it can be done on 1 income if you search hard enough for a decent loan. Good luck !

Thanks for the vote of confidence, Romulus. I wish I had that much confidence in myself to do it. Real estate scares me! I have no idea what I'm doing.

Heather - It can be done on one income! I did so several years ago after getting out of college. There are several different kinds of loans for first time buyers. Get online a do some searching. But be very careful that you know of any restrictions on the loans. One I looked at said that I had to occupy the property for at least 9 years before selling. I knew this wasn't for me.

Heather - It can be done on one income! I did so several years ago after getting out of college. There are several different kinds of loans for first time buyers. Get online a do some searching. But be very careful that you know of any restrictions on the loans. One I looked at said that I had to occupy the property for at least 9 years before selling. I knew this wasn't for me.

Good luck!

Thanks for the advice and encouragement, mstubble. I've been on the internet researching and it all just boggles my mind. I wish I had a house buying fairy godmother to hold my hand through the whole process! It's just all so overwhelming to me.

Heather find a good realtor and they will help hold your hand through the process. My Realtor (Sharon Stine Realty) knew I was a first time buyer and she did everything in her power to make sure I wasn't getting the short end of the stick. Remember that realtors get paid off what they sell and will do their best to sell it. So call a realtor let them know your a first time buyer and you want to purchase a house on a single income. They can simplify all the legal/technical mumbo jumbo that is involved in a house purchase. Never hurts to have a relative in Realty either, or a family friend.

Heather, there IS hope! Contact a realtor that you think is reliable, and make sure you tell them all your requirements (price, location, dimensions, etc.) AND that you want to purchase a house that will conform with FHA guidelines. It's a federal program to help first time home buyers. Another source of information that you may want to consult is HUD. I think their website is www.hud.gov

Good luck!

Can I have more than one realtor?

Dont sign anything with either if you do.