Buying your first home can feel like assembling furniture without the instructions. So the National Association of REALTORS® created an actual television series to help first-time buyers decode the process. First-Time Buyer follows real buyers as they face inspections, financing, bidding, unexpected twists, and plenty of nail-biting decisions.

Now streaming on Hulu, YouTube, and at firsttimebuyer.realtor lets viewers peek behind the curtain of one of the biggest purchases of their lives. Season Five is now out and features new buyers in New York and Connecticut, each with their own hopes, budgets, and curveballs.

Why This Series

Housing affordability has become an uphill climb. NAR research shows first-time buyers today make up a smaller share of the market than ever, and rising prices keep shifting timelines. Many buyers are discovering the process later in life and with much more competition.

This real-world context makes First Time Buyer timely, not just entertaining. Viewers see how professionals help buyers navigate tight inventory, negotiations, inspections, and realistic budgeting. The series quietly reinforces something REALTORS® already know: expert guidance is not optional for most consumers.

What Viewers Can Learn

• Real experiences. Cameras follow real buyers, not actors, so the learning comes from genuine wins and setbacks.
• The power of having a REALTOR®. Every episode shows how a knowledgeable professional helps buyers understand contracts, appraisal surprises, and those dreaded inspection reports.
• Modern rules in action. The show reflects current best practices, including buyer broker agreements and required disclosures. No dry lecture required.
• Financial realities. First-time buyers rarely get a perfect home. They make tradeoffs, adjust expectations, and learn how to stay grounded through the process.

Who Should Watch

Future buyers will get a realistic preview of what their journey could look like. Current buyers may pick up tips that make the process less overwhelming. Even seasoned real estate professionals can appreciate watching consumers navigate the market they serve.

Anyone curious about homeownership, or simply trying to understand why people have been stressing over mortgage rates, might find themselves unexpectedly hooked.

Homeownership can be complicated, frustrating, and incredibly rewarding. This show captures all of it without sugarcoating the details. You get authentic stories, useful information, and a reminder that having an experienced REALTOR® in your corner truly matters.

Also, it is fun to casually mention in conversation that your trade association has a TV show on Hulu. That alone might be worth a watch.