Top 4 Home Buying Mistakes to Avoid

Home Buyer Mistakes Whether you are a first-time buyer or have owned before, buying a home is a major challenge. It is easy to become overwhelmed by all of the details involved. Since the purchase of a home is such a big step, it is possible to make mistakes that could have serious consequences.

We’ve put together a list of four home buying mistakes that are easy to make—if you're not careful to avoid them.

1. Buying Without Professional Help

Today, there are many resources available to help you find the home of your dreams. You may think that it is possible to find and even purchase a home all on your own. However, this is one of the biggest mistakes you could make.

Real estate agents have access to more home listings and can help you view homes as soon as they are available for showings. Getting a timely first-hand look at new listings can be the key to finding a home perfect for your needs—before it's snatched up by someone else.

More importantly however, and more valuable, an agent has significant experience with the negotiation process, and local market nuances. Ultimately, buyers who are working with an agent from the start, are more more likely to get a fair deal and have a more pleasant home-buying experience, than trying to do it alone.

2. Rushing Into Home Buying

While it is not always possible, it is best to take your time when shopping for a home. If you rush, you may buy something that doesn’t really suit you. Even worse, you may end up spending too much or even selling the house a short time later because it just doesn’t feel like “home.”

Long before beginning the home search, take your time to explore what's available; also focus on separating your true wants. vs. needs to avoid diving into the purchase process too quickly. Planning well in advance will help ensure you find something special, and at an affordable price - and it will give you time to get finances in order as well.

3. Waving a Home Inspection

Getting a home inspected can be expensive. It's also tempting to waive an inspection in seller's markets when competing with other buyers on the terms of a deal. However, if there are any serious problems with the house, you want to know about them before committing to a purchase. 

An inspection is absolutely worthwhile because you can then decide how you want to deal with any issues found.  A seller could even be willing to discount the property substantially due to such problems. An inspection. though costly, can prevent a serious misstep in the home buying process.  

4. Buying Without an Emergency Fund Available

Buying a home is a big investment. Not only do you have to worry about the cost of the home itself, but you also need to pay closing costs, moving expenses and maybe even buy new furniture and appliances. You can quickly drain your savings account when you move into a new home.

It is unwise to consider purchasing a new place unless you will still have an emergency fund available. Unfortunately, you never know what might occur. What would you do if the water heater suddenly broke or a storm caused damage to your roof? An emergency fund is a MUST.

Now that you are aware of these potential mistakes, you can prepare yourself and avoid them. Ideally, you will want to talk to a real estate agent in your area before you begin your search. Consulting a professional can help you decide on the best way to proceed and help make certain you do not get in over your head.

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Dylan Snyder is a seasoned real estate professional serving the Jupiter real estate market, Palm Beach real estate market, Palm Beach Gardens real estate market, North Palm Beach real estate market, and the surrouding Palm Beach County area. Along with being a top producer in Jupiter real estate, Dylan's professionalism and expertise in luxury and waterfront real estate sets him and his team of real estate experts apart from the competition. For more information on Jupiter and Palm Beach real estate for sale, contact Dylan at (561) 951-9301.

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