3 Mistakes First-Time Buyers Make (and How to Avoid Them)
Buying your first home is exciting, emotional, and—let’s be honest—a little overwhelming. Between scrolling listings at midnight and imagining where your couch will go, it’s easy to miss some important details.
The good news? Most first-time buyer mistakes are totally avoidable… if you know what to look for.
Here are three of the most common mistakes I see—and how you can sidestep them like a pro.
1. Starting the Search Before Getting Pre-Approved
This is by far the most common mistake.
It’s tempting to jump straight into home tours and open houses, but without a pre-approval, you’re basically shopping without knowing your budget. Even worse—you could fall in love with a home that’s out of reach.
Why it matters:
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Sellers take pre-approved buyers seriously
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You’ll know your true price range (monthly payment, not just purchase price)
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You can move quickly when the right home pops up
Pro tip:
Connect with a trusted lender early. A quick conversation can save you a lot of time—and heartbreak.
2. Underestimating the True Cost of Homeownership
A lot of buyers focus only on the down payment and monthly mortgage. But there’s more to the story.
Other costs to plan for:
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Closing costs
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Property taxes
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Homeowners insurance
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Maintenance and repairs
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HOA fees (if applicable)
That “perfect” home can start to feel stressful if your budget is stretched too thin.
Why it matters:
You don’t just want to buy a home—you want to comfortably live in it.
Pro tip:
Leave yourself breathing room. Owning a home should feel exciting, not financially suffocating.
3. Letting Emotions Take Over
This one is sneaky.
You walk into a home, the light is perfect, you can already picture your morning coffee on the patio… and suddenly, logic goes out the window.
Falling in love with a home isn’t the problem—making decisions only based on emotion is.
What this can lead to:
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Overpaying
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Ignoring red flags (inspection issues, location concerns)
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Rushing into a decision
Why it matters:
A home is both a lifestyle decision and a financial investment.
Pro tip:
Have a clear list of “must-haves” and “deal-breakers” before you start looking—and stick to it.
Final Thoughts
Buying your first home doesn’t have to feel overwhelming. With the right preparation (and the right people in your corner), it can actually be a really fun and rewarding process.
Avoid these three common mistakes, and you’ll already be ahead of most buyers out there.
Sally Heldman
Broker Owner
Metro Brokers / Heldman Real Estate
303.475.4508 CELL
sally@sallyheldman.com