Why Big City Living Isn’t Out of Reach: Five Ways to Buy Your First Home

There’s a common belief that buying a home in a major city is impossible for first-time buyers—that affordability is gone and ownership is out of reach. The truth? It’s not about whether it can be done—it’s about how you approach it. Real estate is about strategy, timing, and creativity, and those who think outside the box often find opportunities that others miss.

I know this firsthand. In 2007, we bought our first home at a $200,000 discount. That wasn’t luck—it was paying attention to the market and moving strategically when others were hesitant. That decision laid the foundation for everything we’ve built since. And the same opportunities exist today for those willing to rethink the way they approach homeownership.

Here are five ways to buy your first home—even in a big city where the odds may seem stacked against you:

1. Consider the Relationships in Your Life

One of the fastest ways to strengthen your buying power is to pool resources. For many, this starts with a committed partner—combining incomes, savings, and credit can make a huge difference in qualifying for a loan and affording a down payment. But if that’s not your current situation, there are other creative routes to consider.

2. Buy with Friends—Strategically

More first-time buyers are teaming up with friends to purchase a property together. While this isn’t the traditional path, it can be incredibly effective in splitting costs, building equity, and entering the market sooner. The key is to protect yourself legally. This might include establishing a trust, drawing up co-ownership agreements, and clarifying responsibilities from the start. A skilled real estate professional has trusted attorneys and financial experts on standby to guide you through the right structure so everyone’s interests are protected.

3. Start Small, Think Long-Term

Forget the idea that your first home needs to be your dream home. Start with a condo, a small single-family property, or even a fixer-upper in a neighborhood that’s on the rise. The goal is to get in the game, start building equity, and leverage that investment toward your next property. Every successful real estate journey begins with a first step, not the finish line.

4. Look for Undervalued Opportunities

Markets are always shifting, and homes are constantly coming on the market at less-than-peak pricing. Pay attention to properties that have been sitting a little longer, those with cosmetic updates needed, or those listed by motivated sellers. With the right guidance, you can identify undervalued opportunities and negotiate strategically—just like we did in 2007. Even in hot markets, discounts are there for buyers who know where to look.

5. Build the Right Team Around You

Buying your first home isn’t a solo sport. Surround yourself with the right professionals—a real estate agent who knows the local market, a lender who can help you explore creative financing options, and legal and financial experts who can make sure your investment is structured correctly. The right team doesn’t just make the process smoother—they protect you from costly mistakes and open doors you may not have considered on your own.

Why the Fallacy of “Unaffordable” Hurts Buyers

When people assume it’s impossible to buy in a big city, they delay taking action. The longer you wait, the harder it becomes to enter the market. By starting small, rethinking ownership, and staying strategic, you open up opportunities that others overlook. Big city living isn’t out of reach—it just requires a shift in mindset and a willingness to approach ownership differently.

Reach out here to start your path to homeownership with a trusted San Diego real estate professional.