5 Fatal Mistakes To Avoid When Buying Your First Home

Buying a home is a major accomplishment in life. However, you don’t want the mistakes you make during the process to be as memorable as the purchase itself.What mistakes could be that bad, you ask? These ones that could kill your home purchase – or at the very least set you back financially in a major way.Spending Money Before the Transaction ClosesYou never want to make any major purchases or open any accounts before the sale closes. Doing so could cause the underwriter to reevaluate whether you’re a good candidate for a mortgage. This could happen even after you have been approved for a loan. Making a major purchase is one of the 3 bonehead buyer moves that could kill your deal during closing, so get informed.

Doing the Math Wrong

When you become a homeowner, there’s a lot more than just the mortgage payment that gets added to your monthly expenses. The principle and interest you pay the lender each month is only part of what it costs to own a home. If you get yourself in deep with a new loan and life you can’t afford, homeownership can quickly blow up in your face.You also have to consider taxes, utilities and various types of maintenance. If you buy a home with a pool, consider costs for chlorine and other supplies. If you now have a lawn, you will need a mower. As your first home is likely to be older, you should probably budget to fix the roof or buy a new water heater within a few years of buying it.

You Don’t Shop Around For a Loan

No two lenders are the same. They may both look at your credit profile and offer different interest rates or other loan terms based on nothing but their internal criteria. Those with borderline credit or assets may want to look at a credit union instead of a large bank. A specialist with Assurance Financial Group says the right loan officer can help you navigate the unfamiliar territory of home buying, so make sure you find one you can trust.

Neglecting to Inspect

Some homes only require fresh paint and new carpet to meet your needs. However, the home may have mold, termite damage or a leaking roof. You won’t know unless you get an inspection done, which is the best $500 you will spend during the buying process.You don’t want to get stuck with a money pit or with the headache of performing a lot of unexpected repairs. Keeping your feelings in check until you have a full picture of the house’s physical condition and the soundness of your potential investment will help you avoid making a serious financial mistake.

Choosing the Wrong Real Estate Agent

Does your real estate agent want to serve you or are they just out to collect a commission check? If your agent doesn’t have your best interests in mind, you may look at the house you don’t like or make offers that commit you to paying more than you can afford.You don’t need to rush into your first home purchase. Instead, take your time to find the right agent, the right loan and the right house that will meet your needs both today and years into the future.Start chatting with and interviewing agents today to find the perfect match for you. You can search for a First Team agent on our site or reach out and we’ll connect you with an expert in your neighborhood. This guest post is written by Emma Sturgis a freelance writer based in Boston, MA. When not writing, she enjoys rock climbing and reading. Say hi on Twitter @EmmaSturgis2