Today, we’re talking about the biggest mistakes home buyers make, and it’s not just first-time buyers. I see these same issues with people buying their third and fourth homes, too. And they matter, because these mistakes can cost you real money, create unnecessary stress, and turn what should be exciting into a mess.

If you’d rather watch/listen to the full video, here you go: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=X2lbECnNyWk 

Let’s get into the most common (and most expensive) home-buying mistakes, and how to avoid them.

Mistake #1: Not Researching the Professionals You Hire

The biggest mistake I see consistently is buyers not researching the professionals they use, especially their real estate agent.

Here’s why this is such a big deal: in most states, your agent is negotiating a legal contract on your behalf. A great agent uses that contract to protect you. A bad agent (or one who’s only focused on their paycheck) can put you in a position where you’re stuck.

Before you commit, do basic due diligence:

• Check reviews and recent client experiences

• Ask how they handle competitive markets and negotiations

• Ask what protections they recommend and why

• Pay attention to how they communicate when you ask hard questions

And yes, you also want to research your home inspector and your mortgage lender, because the wrong pick in either role can cost you just as much.

Mistake #2: Not Understanding Your Contract (and Your Exit Options)

A lot of buyers sign without understanding what they’re agreeing to, and then they’re shocked when they can’t back out.

In many contracts, your ability to cancel (and get your earnest money back) depends on contingencies and deadlines.

Common contingencies include:

• Inspection contingency: protects you if inspections reveal major issues

• Financing contingency: protects you if your loan can’t be approved

• Appraisal contingency: protects you if the appraisal comes in low

In hot markets, some buyers waive protections, but you should only do that if you fully understand the risk and have the funds to back it up.

What to ask your agent:

1. “Will you walk me through the contract before I sign?”

2. “If something goes wrong (inspection, appraisal, loan), what are my options?”

3. “Once we’re in contract, will you send me a deadline sheet and stay on top of those dates?”

If an agent won’t do those things, that’s a red flag.

Mistake #3: Not Knowing Your True Monthly Payment and Costs

Another big mistake: buyers aren’t fully aware of the real financial obligation of owning the home.

Your monthly payment isn’t just principal and interest, you also need to understand:

• Property taxes (and the risk of increases)

• Homeowners insurance (especially state-by-state changes)

• Closing costs

• Whether negotiating seller-paid closing costs is smart in your situation

This is why I always recommend a fully underwritten pre-approval, not a quick “sure, you’re approved” letter that falls apart later. Knowing the numbers upfront keeps you protected and confident.

Mistake #4: Signing a Buyer Agreement Without Reading It

We are in the era of the buyer agreement, and this is one you cannot ignore.

A buyer agreement outlines how your agent gets paid — and in some cases, if the seller doesn’t cover it, you could be responsible for paying part (or all) of the commission.

That can be a surprise $5,000, $10,000, or $15,000 cost buyers didn’t plan for — simply because they didn’t read what they signed.

Before signing:

• Read it

• Ask what happens if the seller doesn’t pay the commission

• Ask what is negotiable

• If you feel pressured to sign without explanation, walk away

Bottom Line

A great home-buying experience starts with the right team and the right protections:

• Research your agent, lender, and inspector

• Understand your contract and deadlines

• Know your true payment and cash-to-close

• Read (and understand) the buyer agreement

If you want help getting fully underwritten and fully prepared before you shop, we’ve got you.

📞 Call or Text Me: (786) 933-2077
🏡 Get Pre-Approved: https://www.zerostressmortgage.com 
📅 Set Up a Time to Chat: https://calendly.com/jennifer-beeston .

If you’re buying soon (or even thinking about it), reach out, and we’ll help you avoid the expensive mistakes and make the process way less stressful.