Awesome! Just don’t let the excitement push you into one of these all-too-common missteps. Whether you’re six months out or already scrolling listings, these tips will help you stay on track—and buy with confidence.
Top 5 Things You Need to Know and How to Prepare to Buy a Home
Buying a home is a big deal, and while the excitement is real, making sure you don’t fall into these common traps will set you up for success. Here are the top 5 things you need to know to stay on track and buy with confidence:
1. Waiting to Save 20% Down
- Why it trips people up: You sit on the sidelines for years while prices (and rents) climb.
- Quick fix: Most first-timers put down 8% or less. Talk to a local lender about 3%-down Conventional loans or 0%-down assistance through Washington’s Housing Finance Commission. Your future self will thank you.
2. House-Hunting Without a Pre-Approval
- Why it hurts: Dream home found—offer lost to someone who showed up with paperwork.
- Quick fix: A pre-approval letter is your golden ticket. It shows sellers you’re legit, sets your budget, and shields you from last-minute rate shocks.
3. Ghosting Your Credit Score
- Why it stings: Hidden errors or high balances = higher rates.
- Quick fix: Pull your credit six months out. Dispute mistakes, pay down cards, and ask your lender for fast score-boost tips.
4. Forgetting About “All the Extras”
- Why it’s sneaky: Taxes, insurance, HOA dues, and repairs add up fast.
- Quick fix: Plug everything into our Mortgage Estimator and build a two-month emergency cushion. Realistic numbers = stress-free Sundays.
5. Swooning Over a Fixer-Upper (Without a Budget)
- Why it backfires: Cheap list price, spendy surprise repairs.
- Quick fix: Get contractor bids before you offer—and add 15% for the “uh-oh” fund.
Ready to House-Hunt Like a Pro?
Avoiding these pitfalls is way easier with a guide in your corner. Are you or anyone you know ready to buy? Reach out to our team today, and we'll build your custom game plan—step-by-step. Let’s make your homeownership dreams a reality!
