03/12/2026
Buying your first home is exciting, but there are a few common mistakes we see buyers make that are easy to avoid with the right preparation.
Here are five things to keep in mind:
1️⃣ Looking at homes before getting pre-approved
Getting pre-approved first helps you understand exactly what price range and monthly payment makes sense for your situation before you start touring homes. It also makes you a stronger buyer when you find a property you like, because sellers will want to know you’re already qualified to move forward.
We also usually recommend working with a local lender instead of a large national bank. Local lenders tend to communicate more closely with agents, move faster during escrow, and many of them are available after hours or on weekends if something comes up while writing an offer. If you need introductions, we’re happy to share a few lenders we’ve had great experiences working with.
2️⃣ Focusing only on the purchase price
When a home is competitive, sometimes the offer price needs to be adjusted to win. What really matters is how that affects the monthly payment, which can sometimes be less — or more — than buyers expect.
3️⃣ Using all your savings for the down payment
It’s never a good idea to become house poor. After closing, you’ll still want savings for maintenance, unexpected expenses, and life in general… plus maybe furniture so you’re not sitting on the floor the first few weeks.
4️⃣ Underestimating closing costs and possible repairs
Closing costs are typically around 2–5% of the purchase price, and inspections can reveal items that may need attention. Planning ahead for those costs helps avoid surprises.
5️⃣ Waiting too long to make a move
It’s never smart to rush into a home. But buyer regret goes both ways. We’ve seen buyers pass on homes that check all their boxes because they feel early in the process, only to wish they had written an offer later.
Buying your first home should feel exciting and well-planned, not stressful.
💬 Comment “GUIDE” if you’d like the checklist we share with first-time buyers before they start touring homes.
