Thinking about buying a home? Before you start touring, it helps to know the mistakes that trip up buyers most often. In this video, Katherine Brough with Seven Gables Real Estate walks through seven common homebuyer mistakes, why each one costs time, money, or stress, and what to do instead.
Topics covered
- Get pre-approved first. Why a mortgage pre-approval comes before the first showing, not after you fall for a house.
- Set a realistic budget. The payment is only part of the cost; property taxes, insurance, and maintenance belong in the number too.
- Don't skip the inspection. Skipping the home inspection or overlooking a property's history can lead to expensive surprises.
- Avoid the perfect-home trap. How to choose a home that fits your needs without holding out for one that does not exist.
- Hire the right agent. What to look for in a real estate agent and why the fit matters.
- First-time buyer tips. Saving for the down payment, improving your credit score, and getting organized before you shop.
This is one of two videos Katherine has made on buyer mistakes; the later one, 10 biggest mistakes first-time home buyers make, goes deeper on the cost of ownership and what not to do during escrow. A good first step either way is knowing your ceiling: the Orange County affordability calculator shows what your income qualifies for and which cities are realistic.
If you're getting ready to buy in Orange County and want to avoid these pitfalls from the start, reach out — Katherine is happy to help.
Source: the topics above are the ones listed in the video description. General educational information, not lending or financial advice; loan programs and qualification requirements vary by borrower and lender.