How to Avoid Mistakes First-Time Home Buyers Make

Buying your first home is one of life’s biggest milestones — right up there with adopting a dog, getting married or getting married and then adopting a dog. But with all the excitement comes a long list of decisions… and potential missteps.

To help you avoid the classic “I-wish-someone-would’ve-told-me” regrets, here are 7 of the most common mistakes first-time home buyers make — and how you can steer clear of them.

1. Falling in Love With a House Before Getting Pre-Approved

We get it. You toured one house, made eye contact with the kitchen island, and now you’re naming your future children after the street it’s on.

But here’s the deal: Without a pre-approval, your offer won’t carry much weight — and you could be shopping outside your budget. A pre-approval not only tells you what you can afford but shows sellers you’re serious.

How to avoid it:
Meet with a reputable lender before house hunting. Know your numbers so your dreams don’t get crushed by math.

2. Blowing the Budget on the Purchase Price Alone

Your mortgage is just the start. Homeownership comes with all kinds of new expenses: insurance, property taxes, utilities, maintenance, and the unexpected “what’s-that-sound-in-the-wall?” fund.

How to avoid it:
Factor in all monthly costs before setting your price range. Leave room in your budget for repairs, upgrades, and, yes, furniture that isn’t from your college apartment.

3. Ignoring the Neighborhood

You can change carpet. You can’t change your next-door neighbor’s love of 3 a.m. fireworks.

How to avoid it:
Visit the neighborhood at different times of day. Drive the commute. Talk to the HOA. Check out local schools, even if you don’t have kids (hello, resale value). Trust your gut — if it doesn’t feel right, it probably isn’t.

4. Underestimating How Much Maintenance Costs (and Effort!)

There’s no landlord now. You are the landlord. Congrats?

How to avoid it:
Set aside 1–3% of your home’s value annually for repairs. Start learning basic home maintenance (YouTube is your new best friend), and don’t wait until a pipe bursts to find out where the water shutoff is.

5. Waiving the Home Inspection

It’s tempting in a competitive market to waive inspections to make your offer more appealing. But unless you enjoy expensive surprises (mold! termites! a roof from the Reagan era!), don’t skip this step.

How to avoid it:
Always get a home inspection — and actually read the report. Then, ask your agent about negotiating repairs or credits. A little due diligence now can save you thousands later.

6. Opening New Credit Accounts Before Closing

That celebratory furniture shopping spree on a new credit card? It can tank your credit and derail your mortgage approval faster than you can say “I just needed a sectional.”

How to avoid it:
Hold off on opening new lines of credit, financing furniture, or buying a car until after your loan closes. Your lender will check your credit again before final approval — and changes can be a deal-breaker.

7. Trying to Do It All Alone

Between listings, lenders, inspections, offers, and contracts, buying a house can feel like a full-time job (plus a part-time panic). A good real estate agent is more than just someone who opens doors — they’re your advocate, strategist, negotiator, and occasional therapist.

How to avoid it:
Work with an agent you trust. Ask questions. Lean on their expertise. And please, don’t believe everything you see on HGTV.

Buying your first home doesn’t have to be a minefield of mistakes. With the right preparation (and a little humor), you can avoid the common pitfalls and focus on the best part — turning the key to your very own place.

Thinking about buying?
Let’s chat. We’ll guide you through the process, keep you informed, and help make your first home purchase a smart — and exciting — success.