10 FIRST TIME HOME BUYER MISTAKES 

Are you planning to buy a home soon? Congratulations! Buying a home is an exciting and rewarding experience, but it's important to be aware of the potential pitfalls that could come along the way. In this blog post, we'll highlight some common mistakes that home buyers make and how you can avoid them.

Not researching the neighborhood: When you're buying a home, the neighborhood it's in can be just as important as the home itself. Researching the neighborhood thoroughly can help you avoid potential problems down the line. Look into the crime rate, schools, transportation options, and other factors that could impact your quality of life. Take a walk around the neighborhood and try to get a sense of the community. This will give you a better idea of whether the neighborhood is a good fit for you and your family.

Not researching the neighborhood

When you're buying a home, the neighborhood it's in can be just as important as the home itself. Researching the neighborhood thoroughly can help you avoid potential problems down the line. Look into the crime rate, schools, transportation options, and other factors that could impact your quality of life. Call local organizations or even the police department for reliable details that will give you a closer look into the community. Take a walk around the neighborhood, this will give you a better idea of whether the neighborhood is a good fit for you and your family.

Overlooking hidden costs

It's easy to focus on the purchase price of a home, but there are many other costs to consider when buying a home. Property taxes, closing costs, escrows, and maintenance fees can all add up. Make sure to factor these costs into your budget before making an offer on a home and always consult with the correct professional. This will help you avoid any surprises down the line and ensure that you can afford to own the home.

Failing to get pre-approved for a mortgage

 Getting pre-approved for a mortgage is a crucial step in the home buying process. This will give you a better idea of what you can afford and help you avoid disappointment down the line. When you're pre-approved for a mortgage, you'll have a clear sense of your budget and can focus your search on homes that are within your price range. Use a general rule that  ⅓ of your gross income should cover your expenses for a home, this will generally qualify you for a loan. Be sure to ask the right questions, this can save you time and ensure that you're only looking at homes that you can actually afford to buy.

Skipping the home inspection

A home inspection is a crucial step in identifying any potential problems with the home. Skipping this step could lead to unexpected repair costs down the line. When you have a home inspection, a licensed professional will examine the home for any structural or mechanical issues. This will give you a better idea of what repairs may be needed and can help you negotiate a better price for the home if repairs are necessary. Not only that, it gives you better insight to the functionality of your home and provides you with in depth knowledge of the home you are purchasing.

Focusing on cosmetic features

 While it's easy to get caught up in cosmetic features like granite countertops or hardwood floors, it's important to focus on the structural integrity of the home. Look for any potential problems like leaks or cracks in the foundation. These issues can be expensive to fix and can impact the overall value of the home. It is hard to fight the urge to buy emotionally, don’t get caught up with the pretty houses with cosmetic updates. You will end up paying a premium for cosmetic features. Focus primarily on structural work and sound fundamentals of the property, you can always add cosmetic upgrades after purchasing the property.

Not working with a real estate agent

A real estate agent can be an invaluable resource when buying a home. They can help you navigate the home buying process, from finding the right home to negotiating the best price. They have access to information about homes that may not be available to the general public and can provide you with valuable advice and guidance throughout the process.

Making emotional decisions

 Buying a home is an emotional process, but it's important to keep a level head and not get too attached to a particular property. This could lead to overpaying for a home or overlooking potential problems. Take your time and evaluate each home objectively before making an offer. As mentioned earlier, Focus primarily on structural work and sound fundamentals of the property, you can always add cosmetic upgrades after purchasing the property.

Taking on too much debt

 It's important to stick to a budget and avoid taking on too much debt when buying a home. This could lead to financial stress down the line. Always talk to your loan officer before taking on new debt. Make sure to factor in all the costs associated with owning a home and ensure that you're not overextending yourself financially.

Rushing the process

Buying a home is a major decision, and it's important to take your time and do your due diligence. Rushing the process can lead to making costly mistakes or overlooking potential problems. Take the time to evaluate each home carefully and ensure that it's the right fit for you and your family.

Forgetting to factor in future needs

When you're buying a home, it's important to think about your future needs. Will the home be suitable for a growing family or potential changes in lifestyle? Thinking ahead can save you from having to move again in the near future. One important aspect to consider is the size of the home. If you're planning to start a family or already have children, you'll want to make sure there's enough space for everyone to live comfortably. This includes not only bedrooms but also common areas like the living room, kitchen, and backyard. Another thing to keep in mind is the location of the home. Consider the proximity to schools, parks, and other amenities that your family may need. If you're planning to have children, you may want to prioritize neighborhoods with good schools and safe play areas. 

I hope these tips help you avoid some common mistakes when buying a home. Remember, buying a home is a big decision, and it's important to be well-informed and prepared. Noune Karapetian can help you with the process from the beginning to the end, reach out with any questions and good luck! Watch the video about 10 common mistakes.