Helping first-time buyers is honestly one of my favorite parts of real estate 💙

But I see the same mistakes over and over—and they can cost you big time if you're not careful.

Here are the big ones:

1. Waiting Too Long
A lot of buyers think they need everything perfect before starting. Truth? You just need a plan. A plan such as contacting and interviewing agents, getting references of recommended trusted lenders, have a lender determine if you even qualify for a loan...if you do qualify for a loan the lender will let you know the price range that you are preapproved to shop for but this doesn't mean you should honestly buy a house for the max preapproved amount which is why it's important to hire an agent, such as myself, to help evaluate a flexible price range to stay within. Now if you don't qualify at the moment, a great lender will explain what you can do to get on the right track in which you'll meet with them again in the future to determine if in that point in time you are financially suited to get preapproved. WAITING ONLY BECAUSE your family member or friend said it's not a good time to buy is the absolute WORST thing you can do. It is SUPER IMPORTANT to take advice from hired professionals who work in the field regularly. We are trained, coached, and required to take updated continuing education classes to maintain our licenses, so we definitely have the best point of view. History has proven that home prices continuously appreciate, so keep that in mind or else you might be waiting forever and will never get to experience the benefits of home ownership or you might end up paying thousands more in the future. 

2. Underestimating Costs
Even though there are scenarios where some buyers can get what's called "concessions" from the seller which is essentially a credit towards your closing costs, there are many other fees to prepare for. It’s not just the down payment that you will need at closing day either. You'll be expected to deposit your earnest money with the title and escrow company that was chosen, after your offer is accepted-you'll have 4 days to do so. This earnest money is your proof that you are serious about buying the seller's property. This earnest money goes towards your balance at closing but you can risk losing it if you decided to do a mutual release [void the deal] without a solid reason such as an unreported structural issue...Keep in mind if you are buying a home "As Is" it will be a challenge to get your money back. Also, other fees involved to be aware of are the inspection fee [inspections typically aren't mandatory-may vary per lender though], appraisal fee(s), title and escrow fees, taxes, lender origination fees, insurances, moving expenses, and of course your representation fees for the realtor & broker. Preparation = Power - So SAVE SAVE SAVE and ABSOLUTELY NO BIG PURCHASES!

3. Falling in Love Too Fast, Getting Burnt Out From Looking, and/or Looking for PERFECTION
I get it—this is sometimes a very emotional decision and financially it's a huge investment that will impact your life greatly. But you need to think long-term and decide on something that is best for you while not passing up on great opportunities. My top goal is to find something that has majority of whats on my clients' wish list of criteria. Unfortunately and I hate to say this but sometimes buyers can be their own worse enemy when shopping if they are looking for perfection because honestly, even newly constructed homes have flaws - PERFECTION DOESN'T EXIST. Also, family members or friends who aren't planning to move in the house can sometimes have too much of an impact and convince a buyer to buy something that they don't actually want OR even walkaway from something they do want. Another huge mistake is looking at too many houses and simply burning yourself out. I have had clients say, "I can't even remember the last house we saw." I usually suggest them to fine tune what they really want, consider revisiting houses that they liked the most or be more realistic with what they're looking for because like I mentioned above, PERFECTION DOES NOT EXIST. 

4. Not Thinking Like an Investor
Even if it’s your first home, think about resale value, location, and it's potential.

As a mom, investor, and someone who manages and renovates my own properties, I guide my clients differently. I don’t just help you buy—I help you buy smart. 

My advice?
Start the conversation early with PROFESSIONALS and not the family member or friend who thinks they're a pro in real estate. Remember to ask many questions. 😉