First-Time Home Buyer Mistakes to Avoid

Home-price adjustments in markets around the country have opened doors of opportunity for many renters. If you are transitioning from renter to homeowner, the prospect of making such a large investment may be exciting, while at the same time overwhelming. But it doesn’t have to be.

Five Common Mistakes to Avoid

  1. Not understanding the home-buying process. Educate yourself. Find a home-buying seminar that you can attend or research online. The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development website (www.hud.gov) has an entire section devoted to common questions of first-time home buyers. Likewise, our company's website offers pages of information, free home searches, and customer service representatives available five days a week that can be contacted through e-mail, a phone call, or text messaging, to help answer any questions you have.
  2. Not asking questions. There are many facets and intricacies to the home-buying process, so although you may gain a basic knowledge, you will still have questions. Don’t hesitate to let your real estate professional know that you are new to the process. Make sure you choose a sales professional who is willing to spend time with you and walk you through the entire process. He or she will expect you to have questions at every step—from house hunting, to making an offer to the closing. Remember, this is one of the largest financial transactions of your life, so you want to have a clear understanding of what’s going on.
  3. Buying on impulse. Don’t feel pressured into making an offer on the first home you see. Buyers, especially first-timers, may be impressed by the first two or three homes they view. Look at a good selection. List the positives and negatives about each home. Narrow the prospects to three or four and then return for a closer look. When you decide to bid on a property, work with your real estate professional to get all of your questions answered before making an offer.
  4. Looking outside your price range. Before beginning your home search, consider getting pre-qualified to get an idea of how much you may be able to borrow. Use this information as a starting point in determining your price range. Then take into consideration other factors that will affect your monthly budget once you are a homeowner, such as property taxes, homeowners insurance, utilities, and maintenance.
  5. Not planning ahead. Think about personal changes you are planning in the next five to seven years. For example, are you starting a family, and if so, is the home large enough and will it continue to be? If this will be a starter home or if you think you’ll be relocating in a few years, you’ll probably want to pay closer attention to appreciation and resale value.

Above all, remember that knowledge is the key. No question is a silly question. Your real estate professional can be an invaluable asset throughout the process. Making smart home buying decisions will make the home-buying process less scary and your first home purchase a rewarding experience.

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