5 things I'd Never do when Buying a House

Buying a home is a BIG decision! Some seasoned Buyers know what to watch out for but many first timers aren't aware of potential risks until it's too late. As a Realtor here are the 5 biggest mistakes I see ...

1. Working with a *random* Realtor. How did you find this Realtor - referral from a friend?, clicked a tour request on Zillow? Saw a sign on your street? Whether the agent comes highly recommended or the connection was completely random, it's important to interview them, review their sales volume, read past customer testimonials and check out their online presence to determine if this is someone you can work well with and can trust to represent you in what will likely be one of the biggest purchases you'll ever make.

2. Similar to #1, Working with a *random* Lender. However you're connected with your Lender or Loan Officer it's important to interview them as well. What are their working hours? Will they be available for urgent questions or to revise a pre approval letter when the offer is due in on a weekend? Will they be 'hands-on' throughout the processing of your loan or who else will be working with you? Financing is a huge piece of the home buying process and the right team makes all the difference.

3. Changing your financial situation just before or during your home purchase. So you've gotten your pre approval or maybe you're already under contract and you run out one weekend to open a credit card at Home Depot or finance some furnishings in preparation for move in day - DON'T! Big purchases, changes in employment, withdrawing large amounts of money - all of these will at the very least raise eyebrows from your Lender and could easily throw off your Debt to Income ratio meaning you're no longer qualified for the loan! Best to fly under the radar financially during the home search and then begin all those fun home projects and shopping AFTER closing.

4. Skipping the Home Inspection. For obvious reasons it's a good idea to have a professional inspect the major systems of the home, crawl in the attic, turn on all appliances, sprinkler system etc,. BUT that's not the only reason I would never skip a home inspection. If you forego your right to inspect the home you've lost a major opportunity for negotiating. You don't know if the Seller is willing to make repairs or offer a credit towards your closing costs unless you ask - and the Seller will be much more inclined to agree if your Realtor can make a case for your request, think photos from the inspection, quotes from experts in the field, etc.

5. House hunting without a budget or clearly defined goals. Imagine beginning any big project without an end result in mind, it usually doesn't go as planned. With a comfortable budget and clearly defined wants and needs your home search will go much more smoothly. I can't tell you how many homes I've shown that the Buyers knew from reviewing the listing online that it wasn't a fit but thought just maybe it would be better in person... typically it's the other way around.

Questions about any of these? It's always better to have these conversations up front so you're ready to go when you find the home you love.

As always, thanks for being here!

- Lindsey