Buying a house takes grit, know-how \u2014 and, frankly, a good amount of cash.\nIn this episode of our \u201cHow the Nerds Do It\u201d series, mortgage Nerd Kate Wood talks about how she bought her first home, and why she almost fell for a house with a poisoned well. Kate also gives you her tips for buying a house, including the importance of finding a real estate agent whom you can trust.\xa0\nTo send the Nerds your money questions, call or text the Nerd hotline at 901-730-6373 or email podcast@nerdwallet.com.\nLike what you hear? Please leave us a review and tell a friend.