Common Mistakes First-Time Buyers Make and How to Avoid Them
Common Mistakes First-Time Buyers Make and How to Avoid Them by Brenda Ferrandes, Realtor Buying your first home is an exciting milestone, but it can also be filled with challenges and pitfalls if you're not prepared. As a seasoned realtor, I’ve seen many first-time buyers stumble into common traps that can delay the process or even impact their financial stability. Here’s a rundown of the most frequent mistakes and how you can steer clear of them to make your homeownership journey smoother and more successful. 1. Not Getting Pre-Approved Before House Hunting Many buyers jump into the market without securing mortgage pre-approval. This can lead to wasted time touring homes outside your budget or, worse, discovering you can’t qualify for a mortgage after finding your dream home. Solution: Get pre-approved early. It gives you a clear understanding of your budget, strengthens your offer, and speeds up the financing process once you find the right home. 2. Overextending Financial...