5 Mistakes to Avoid When Buying a Home

Here are 5 mistakes that are commonly made by homebuyers, but can easily be avoided.

Mistake #1

Not knowing how much you can afford to pay for a home before you make an offer.

You can avoid this mistake by going through the process of getting pre-qualified and then pre-approved with a mortgage lender. You will then receive a certificate of eligibility to go house shopping and make offers with your realtor.

(Get pre-qualified today)

Mistake #2

Not finding out in advance who the real estate agent represents.

This mistake can be avoided by….Asking your realtor! People think their agent is working for them, but unless the agent is working as your buyer representative, then he or she are representing the seller.

Mistake #3

Not realizing that the wrong mortgage can cost thousands of dollars in unnecessary interest and taxes.

This mistake can be avoiding through consulting with a mortgage consultant before making a final decision on which mortgage to choose. You can never ask too many questions in the home buying process.

Mistake #4

Not looking for hidden defects before buying a home.

A home inspection should always be conducted by a professional before purchasing.

Mistake #5

Not knowing how your debt can affect your ability to buy or refinance a home. Be 100 percent honest about your debts when buying a home. You need a good credit profile in order to purchase a home, so start working on it a year in advance of when you want to buy. Speak with a mortgage professional to help give you guidance and improve your credit.

Also, on a side note, if you are in the process of buying a home, DO NOT add any new debts to your credit! Don’t open credit cards, don’t buy a car, don’t do anything until your transaction has closed and you have the keys in your hand.

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