Choosing your first home as a newly married couple is one of the most meaningful decisions you’ll make together. It’s not just about the property, it’s about creating a foundation for your routines, your financial future, and the life you’re building in the DC metro area.
After helping newlyweds across Washington, DC, Maryland, and Virginia for more than two decades, I’ve found that the strongest choices come from a blend of practicality, shared priorities, and long-term planning. Here’s how to choose the right starter home with clarity and confidence.
Start With Your Daily Routines
A home should support the way you actually live. Talk through the habits, schedules, and lifestyle preferences that shape your day-to-day.
- Commutes and transit access
- Walkability and neighborhood feel
- Work-from-home needs
- Proximity to friends, family, and activities
Your routines offer the clearest picture of what “right” looks like.
Know Your Monthly Comfort Range
A starter home should fit comfortably within your combined financial picture, not push your limits. Lenders determine what’s possible, but only you can determine what feels sustainable.
Consider:
- Combined take-home income
- Student loan or credit card payments
- Savings and safety nets
- Plans for children, travel, or job changes
A comfortable monthly payment sets the foundation for a confident and low-stress search.
Choose the Right Home Type
The best starter home depends on your budget, lifestyle, and long-term plans.
Condos
Low maintenance, great for walkable locations, often a top choice for career-focused couples.
Townhomes
More space, private entrances, and strong long-term value, ideal for couples planning ahead.
Single-Family Homes
Room to grow, outdoor space, and long-term stability, though often with higher upfront costs.
Prioritize the Features That Matter Most
Every couple has must-haves and nice-to-haves. Start by identifying what matters most today, and what may matter in the next few years.
- A second bedroom or office
- Outdoor space for pets or future children
- Parking or garage access
- Updated kitchens or bathrooms
- Storage or functional layout
Clarity on your priorities makes your search more focused and efficient.
Look Ahead to the Next 5–7 Years
Most couples stay in their starter home for several years. Consider whether the home will support:
- Career changes or remote work
- Starting a family
- Hosting friends and family
- Saving for your next home
A home that grows with you prevents the need for an early move.
Match Your Neighborhood to Your Long-Term Plans
The right neighborhood is just as important as the home itself. Newly married couples often consider areas like:
- Arlington & Alexandria: Walkable, vibrant neighborhoods ideal for condo or townhome living.
- Navy Yard & Capitol Hill: Urban convenience with strong long-term value.
- Bethesda & Chevy Chase: Family-friendly with excellent amenities and transit
- Silver Spring & Takoma Park: More space and value with great community feel.
- Falls Church & Rockville: Quiet, established communities with room to grow.
Your Step-by-Step Starter Home Plan
Step 1: Align on priorities
Define what matters most in your first home together.
Step 2: Establish your financial comfort
A sustainable monthly payment guides the entire search.
Step 3: Explore neighborhoods
I help couples compare lifestyle, value, and long-term potential.
Step 4: Tour the best options
A curated selection saves time and ensures confident decisions.
Step 5: Make a strong offer
Newlyweds often succeed with clean, well-prepared offers.
Why Newly Married Couples Work With Me
Choosing a starter home is a meaningful milestone, and my role is to guide couples through the process with clarity and calm. I help you narrow your priorities, compare neighborhoods, and make decisions that support both your lifestyle and your long-term plans.
Final Word
Your starter home sets the tone for the life you’re building together. With the right plan and guidance, you can choose a home that feels comfortable today and supports your future for years to come.
About Matt Cheney
Matt Cheney is a top-producing real estate advisor with Compass in Washington, DC, guiding buyers and sellers across DC, Maryland, and Virginia through high-stakes moves, from luxury sales to estate settlements, downsizing, and divorce-related transactions. With over $771 million in career sales volume and 22 years of experience, including more than two decades working on complex and sensitive real estate situations, Matt is known for calm, strategic guidance and brings hundreds of successful sales to clients seeking clarity and support during life transitions.