Buying Your First Home? Start Here.
At The Sixpence, we walk alongside many newly engaged couples as they plan their wedding and their life after. One of the big changes on the horizon for many couples is buying a home, either before or after the wedding.
We connected with Shannon Gilland, a realtor in Central Indiana who specializes in working with first-time home buyers, to get the scoop on first-time home buying: what you need, what counts as a luxury, and what tips she recommends for couples starting the process.
Haleigh & Evan captured by The Lang Co.
Just like in wedding planning, home buying can be broken down into four initial steps:
- Connect with a lender. A lender will help you understand the numbers, how much you can afford, and what your monthly payment goals should be.
- Shop around for a realtor. Find someone who understands your dreams and financial goals. Set up a consultation, lay the groundwork, and make sure it’s someone you vibe with – your realtor is your guide to finding your dream first home.
- Prioritize your wants and needs. Think about what matters most to you in a first home and communicate that clearly. Is it a big backyard? A certain number of bedrooms? A specific location? What are your non-negotiables, and what are your nice-to-haves?
- Consider your timeline. Are you currently renting? When does your lease end? What’s your ideal move-in date?
Setting your budget and priorities early makes all the difference – just like in wedding planning!
Shannon emphasized that these four steps can be taken six or more months before you’re even ready to buy, setting you up for a smoother journey.
Neighborhoods to Watch
We asked Shannon to give us the lay of the land and what neighborhoods she’s excited about for first-time buyers.
She highlighted these new construction areas:
- Abbott Commons (Fishers)
- Cyntheanne Woods (Fishers)
- The Timbers (Noblesville)
- Harvest Trail (Westfield)
For more established neighborhoods, consider:
- Fishers: Sunblest Farms, Sandstone, Plantana
- Noblesville: Deerpath, Waterman Farms
- Westfield: Grassy Branch, Maple Village, Carey Commons
- Carmel: Cool Creek North, Townhomes at Monon
Home Features: What’s Worth It?
We asked Shannon which features are worth the investment and which might not be essential for a first home.
Features worth the investment:
If you’re building:
- Extra outlets and lighting
- Large island
- Double vanities
- Super shower
- Sunroom or covered patio
If you’re buying pre-owned:
- Updated HVAC and roof
- Extra storage
- New countertops
- Updated flooring (LVP)
- Fenced-in yard
Features that may not be worth the splurge:
- Custom closets
- Whole-home audio systems
- High-end appliances
- Formal living rooms
- Bold countertops or wallpaper
These can increase your price point without necessarily improving your long-term satisfaction.
How Much Space Do You Really Need?
Shannon recommends 1,500–2,000 square feet as ideal for couples. And if you’ve got a dog? Make sure to prioritize a backyard!
Shannon’s Final Advice for First-Time Buyers
She left us with three smart reminders:
- Getting pre-approved isn’t as scary as it sounds. Pre-approval is required to submit an offer, and it typically lasts 90–120 days.
- You’ll get a “gap month” before your first mortgage payment. For example, if you close in June, your first payment isn’t due until August – helpful if you’re still paying rent!
- Don’t rush it. This is a big decision. It’s okay to view a home two or three times before making an offer.
Shannon Gilland was one of our sponsors at our Spring/Summer Open House on June 1st!
👉 Catch a recap of the stunning day here: instagram.com
As the co-owner and designer of The Sixpence, Shelby Dempsey brings her extensive background in wedding photography and videography to create a purpose-built venue that blends aesthetics with functionality. After capturing nearly 400 weddings across the country and internationally, Shelby designed The Sixpence with a photographer’s eye, ensuring that every space not only looks beautiful but also serves the practical needs of both couples and photographers on their special day.
