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After a disastrous foray into real estate, this first-time buyer didn't let fear hold her back

“I didn't fall in love with the house when I walked in,” said Ashley Pincenti, a first-time homeowner in Bartlett, Illinois. “I had signs telling me: ‘This is your house.’”

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Ashley Pincenti closed on a home earlier this year after a challenging first attempt at buying.
Ashley Pincenti closed on a home earlier this year after a challenging first attempt at buying.
Scott Olson/Getty Images

Buying a house is often a long and stressful process. Between offers falling through, getting outbid, or not finding a house that matches your needs, any number of things can complicate the process.

For first-time buyer Ashley Pincenti of Bartlett, Illinois, that certainly was the case. She put an offer on a house in 2025 that ended up failing its inspection.

“There was leaks and potential asbestos and problems with the siding and there were bees,” said Pincenti. "It was just one thing after another, and, as a first-time homeowner, it was too much for me to handle.”

Listen in the player above to hear what gave her the courage to try again.

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