Buying a home can be a challenging experience. The process involves a decision with high stakes and the possibility of one making mistakes can be quite high. But, one can always learn from other people’s mistakes. A little research and planning can help one avoid potential pitfalls before finalizing and buying a new house. Spending enough time on it before than regretting the decision later is always the right choice.

Not getting a pre-approved mortgage
Some people start looking for homes before checking the loan amount they qualify for. This can put a huge dent in their plans later. It is advisable to start off with getting a pre-approved mortgage and then look for potential homes. This can homebuyers determine their affordability. They get to check the interest rate and loan amount they can qualify for. The process also lets people determine how much money they will have to pay upfront as a down payment and other closing costs. Having a pre-approved mortgage also lets the seller know that the homebuyer is serious. It lends one a competitive edge against other potential buyers. And since one is ready to purchase, some sellers might also be open to further negotiations. Further, do not stop with just one lender. Speak to a few and check what each one has to offer. This will provide a clearer picture of how they can set their budget.

Skipping property inspection
In the process of home buying do not make the mistake of inspecting it in person. An in-person visit may bring forward some concerns, problems, or defects that were formerly unknown to the buyer. A home inspection provides buyers the opportunity to speak to the sellers about possible repairs and renegotiate the deal. If the home visit reveals problems that cannot be ignored, the buyer will be able to pull out of the deal before it is too late. Skipping a home inspection before buying it can be one of the costliest mistakes to avoid before buying a new house. Visits also let people determine the duration and money they need to put into the repair and renovation of the property. They can have time to plan ahead for the renovations and the move and negotiate the timeline accordingly.

Not hiring a real estate agent
Some homebuyers may decide to purchase a home by themselves to save money, while some people make this choice to cut down on the time they will be saving in the process. But, it can prove to be a huge mistake. Hiring a professional real estate agent might be expensive but it also is a decision that benefits the homebuyer. They can bring some valuable insights, guidance, resources, and expertise along with them . A professional real estate agent knows more about properties, neighborhoods, and school districts than other individuals. They will also help buyers negotiate a deal that suits them. Further, with an agent on board, homebuyers don’t need to worry about handling the legalities, paperwork, or any other concerns.

Only being concerned about the house
Considering certain aspects when buying a home is a good thing. But only being worried about the appearance and the face value of the house is not the right way to go. It is okay to want a house that meets all the things on the homebuyer’s wishlist, but that does not mean they should be ignoring other important details. Choosing the right neighborhood and location is just as important as selecting the right house. No one wants to live in a home that adds to their commute work to school and work. Look for a location that makes life easier and matches the homeowner’s cultural and moral requirements. Even if one is low on budget, they can compromise on a few other things and trade up for a different place later.

Overshooting the budget
It is easy to fall for a potential house that costs more than the set budget. But, homebuyers need to make sure they are not buying a house simply based on emotions. At times, it is okay to extend the budget a bit. But any place that could make one spend their emergency funds and savings is not a good purchase. This decision might put one at risk of foreclosure in the event of financial troubles. It will also leave little in the person’s monthly budget to be able to afford anything else. Instead of accounting for the loan amount homebuyers can qualify for, it is important that they also consider the maximum monthly loan repayment they can afford.

Neglecting hidden costs
It is always safe to assume that the house purchase will be costlier than one is anticipating it to be. People are often shocked by the interest amount and the principal sum they need to pay. But, the calculations are still missing the amount they will owe for the extra expenses. There are utilities, property taxes, home decor, household essentials, insurance, and a lot more to account for. When homebuyers do not consider these expenses, they are at the risk of losing their cushioning fund or rainy day savings, soon putting themselves in a difficult position. One should also remember to put aside money for the move and other upfront costs.