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Rodrigues

@steph_raw

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CPA.
life is for living
i like pretty things

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In my element 🌊✨ taken in Mahon, Menorca by @steph_raw

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a year ago

I did something that scared me - and I’m growing into it. Buying my first home at 33 stretched me in ways I didn’t expect. It didn’t even feel real until weeks later, when I was organizing my closet. I think about the girl I used to be. She’d be proud. I’ll share more on what this process really looked like - the financial prep, the mindset shifts, and the lessons I’m still learning 🌱

#firsttimehomeowners #personalfinanceblogger by @steph_raw

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7 months ago

New York minutes 🚖 taken in New York, New York by @steph_raw

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2 years ago

Grazie for the peace & quiet. Sardinia has been on my list for a while. I’m on a personal mission to set foot on the world’s allegedly best beaches and see for myself 🙂‍↔️ taken in Sardegna, Italia by @steph_raw

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5 days ago

everything’s prettier in Portugal by @steph_raw

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23 days ago

I’ll be over there by @steph_raw

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a month ago

she

got

aura (+ good lighting) by @steph_raw

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3 months ago

Bye bye World Cup 2026. DALE PORFA 🇪🇸🫶🏼🇵🇹 by @steph_raw

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3 months ago

How does one top this? 🌃 taken in Aura Skypool Dubai by @steph_raw

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3 months ago

Four months ago, I bought my first home. Since then, I’ve been figuring out how to make it my own and practically learning something new each day. Looking back though, there are 7 lessons that have stuck with me the most in the home buying ✨journey✨

1. Get clear on what you actually want.

For months, every house felt almosttt right but not quite. Once I got super honest about my priorities and communicated them clearly to my realtor, the right home became obvious. Don’t be afraid to change your mind. The home I wanted in February wasn’t the home I wanted in December.

2. Reach out to multiple lenders.

Getting several pre-approvals early gave me more confidence and stronger negotiating power later on.

3. Research inspectors before you’re under contract.

I assumed finding a great inspector would be easy but the truth is the best inspectors get booked quickly and reading reviews takes time. So having a shortlist ready ahead of time can save unnecessary stress and pressure during closing.

4. Be prepared for your offer to be accepted…

Once you’re under contract, things move fast. Have your lender, inspector, and paperwork lined up before you need them.

5. Track every deadline.

Inspection periods, financing contingencies, earnest money deadlines etc. Put everything on a calendar and checklist. This isn’t the time to go with the flow 🙂‍↔️

6. Don’t do it completely alone.

Even though I bought solo, I leaned on family and friends I trusted for perspective. You don’t have to carry every decision by yourself. Soundboards are great so long as you know how to drown out the noise and get in tune with your gut ☝🏼

7. Shop around for your mortgage.

Compare loan estimates, fees, rates, and closing costs from multiple lenders. Don’t be afraid to negotiate. A mortgage is one of the biggest financial decisions you’ll make.

If you’re thinking about buying your first home, know that it’s one of the scariest commitments you’ll make but also one of the most rewarding. Homeowners, any gems I missed? 💎 by @steph_raw

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4 months ago

All a girl really needs tbh 🙂‍↔️🧡🌞 by @steph_raw

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5 months ago

One month into chapter 34 — the sweetest one yet 💗 by @steph_raw

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5 months ago