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First-time homebuyers face challenges with affordability and low inventory due to rising interest rates.

An increasing number of buyers are older, often prioritizing financial security and lifestyle fit before purchasing a home.

Experts advise first-time buyers to get pre-approved for a loan and work with a trusted real estate agent.

MONROE COUNTY, MI —Buying a home for the first time can be overwhelming. There’s a laundry list of things involved from assessing finances and securing a mortgage to finding a home and closing the deal.

The Monroe News asked Realtor Corey Welch of Welch Real Estate about the challenges and shifts in today’s housing market, and what advice he can offer to first-time buyers. Welch is a licensed realtor in both Michigan and Ohio with a

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