Buying a home can be a stressful thing for anyone who does it, especially if you are doing it for the very first time. On this weeks episode of the Stephen Cooley Real Estate Show, Stephen Cooley and real estate agent Mitch Vail talk about common mistakes that first-time buyers make.
- Get pre-qualified – Getting pre-qualified allows you to know what you can actually afford and will help your realtor narrow down your search to find you better prospects.
- Bring all decision makers – In today’s world, a home isn’t purchased by just one person. A lot of times there are multiple people in the decision-making process. Bring all decision-makers throughout the entire process can be beneficial so that they can see why your final choice is the best pick for you.
- Not relying on the internet – There are many great websites that allow you to look at 1000’s of homes, but the only accurate website is the MLS system that only licensed agents have access to. Your agent can send you potential listings from the MLS and all the information will be correct.
- Buying the wrong type of home – Sometimes first-time homeowners search for the wrong type of house. For example, not everyone should buy a home that needs to be remodeled because not everyone has the skills, budget, or desire to do renovations after purchasing a new home.
- Know about the HOA – Most neighborhoods have an HOA that has its own rules and restrictions. Before buying a home, you should ask your agent for a copy for the restrictions to make sure you will be able to comply.