First time home buyers are facing a number of barriers to becoming first time home owners today. Included in these barriers is the current market, the increasing cost of a down payment and a lack of confidence in today's economy. These barriers are very real to everyone looking to buy homes; however, they are not insurmountable. Most adults admit to finding home buying intimidating and money related issues are a big concern that often makes the potential home buyer back off. Many have concerns about finding the right home and find the entire process to be intimidating. Being able to shop for homes online and obtain as much information about the home and the neighborhood without the pressure of a sales agent is appealing to the people intimidated.

Some of the top real estate agencies in the industries have addressed this concern by delivering a large and fresh collection of listings with new features that allow the buyer more options to remove the uncertainties they may have. By providing comprehensive information with relevant tools and links to local realtors online realtor sources help make the process of buying a home easy and less stressful.

The first time home buyer is looking at the area differently today. Naturally the rate of crime is still a top concern; however, being close to daily conveniences is a close second. This is due to environmental concerns as well as the ever increasing price of gas. The home buyer of today is willing to sacrifice cultural and recreational amenities for environmentally green features over buying other houses in today's housing market. The importance of community and concern over gas prices are evident as buyers look for accessibility with just a small percentage of home buyers being willing to sacrifice the closeness to work and shopping. Green features such as solar panels and energy saving appliances are more important than the more luxury amenities.

Understanding the mortgage as well as the entire financing process during times of change is a major issue and barrier of the first time home buyer. The majority wish the process of taking out a mortgage was easier to understand. Some of these buyers report that understanding financing and the uncertainty of the lending process is the most intimidating part of buying a home. The recent changes in the percentage of down payment required for a mortgage is a major issue for many buyers as well. The lack of money for a down payment prevents around a quarter of buyers from buying a home; more even than buyers with poor credit, low income or lack of confidence in the economy.

The majority of first time home buyers will make sacrifices to save money and earn extra money to be able to buy a home in today's housing market. These sacrifices include spending on personal luxuries, clothes, shoes and accessories. Buyers are willing to go out less often, clip coupons and even cancel vacations to buy that first home.