So, you’re thinking about buying a home? Congratulations! This is a huge milestone in your life. Before you start house hunting, though, there are a few things you should avoid doing if you want the process to go smoothly.

Here are 10 things not to do when buying a home:

1. Don’t buy the first home you see.

Just because a home is on the market doesn’t mean it’s the right fit for you. A home is a big investment, so take your time and look at as many homes as possible before making your final decision. Especially, when you are buying your very first home there are first-time home buyers’ pros and cons. As a first-time home buyer, you have the advantage of being able to take advantage of many programs and benefits that are available to help you purchase your first home. One of the biggest advantages is the availability of low-down payment programs. Many standard mortgages require a 20% down payment, but as a first-time home buyer, you may be eligible for programs that only require a 3% or 5% down payment. In addition, first-time home buyers can also take advantage of government-backed mortgages such as FHA loans and VA loans, which can make the process of buying a home easier and more affordable. However, there are also some disadvantages to being a first-time home buyer. One of the biggest disadvantages is that you may not have built up any equity in your previous home, which means that you’ll likely have to pay Private Mortgage Insurance (PMI) on your mortgage. In addition, first-time home buyers may also find it difficult to get approved for a mortgage due to their lack of credit history. While there are advantages and disadvantages to being a first-time home buyer, working with an experienced real estate agent can help you navigate the process and find the best program for your needs.

2. Get a professional home inspection.

Once you’ve found a home you’re interested in, it’s important to get a professional home inspection to make sure there are no hidden problems that could end up costing you a lot of money down the road.

For example, buying a house with a sagging roof may seem like a good deal at first, but if the roof needs to be replaced, you’ll be stuck with a big bill. A professional home inspector will be able to identify any potential problems with the home and give you an estimate of how much it will cost to fix them. Popular questions about roofs are:

Should I buy a house that needs a new roof?

The average cost to replace a roof is $7211 for 1500 square-foot house. If the roof needs replacement, then you will have to factor that into your immediate spending after you purchase your house.

How old should a roof be when buying a house?

Usually, sellers believe that their 20 years roof is just fine because they never experienced any roof leakage. However, the average roof lasts about 20-30 years. If the roof is close to or at the end of its lifespan, then you should be prepared to replace it in the near future. So, it’s reasonable when a buyer wants the seller to pay for a new roof.

3. Do not change job while in the process of buying a home.

One of the most common questions we get from home buyers is, “Can I change jobs while I’m in the process of buying a home?” The answer is, “It depends.” If you’re planning on changing jobs while buying a house, it’s important to talk to your lender beforehand. In general, lenders like to see stability in employment, so if you’re planning on changing jobs while buying a house, it’s important to make sure that your new job will offer the same or better income and benefits than your current job, also, it’s very important to stay in the same professional field when changing jobs while buying a house.

Can I switch jobs after closing on a house?

Once you’ve closed on your home, you can switch jobs without any problems. In fact, many people do switch jobs after they’ve bought a house.

4. Do not buy furniture while in the process of buying a home.

A lot of people think they need to buy all new furniture for their home, but this isn’t the case. Wait until after you close on your home to make any big purchases, extra debts on credit cards may change your mortgage eligibility.

Another common question we get from home buyers is, “How soon after closing can I buy furniture?” The answer is, “It depends.” In general, lenders like to see that you have a good amount of money in savings after closing on your home. They want to know that you’re not going to spend all of your money on new furniture and then not have any money left over for repairs or unexpected expenses. So, if you’re planning on buying furniture after you close your home, it’s important to talk to your lender beforehand and make sure that you have a plan for how you’re going to pay for it.

5. Do not overvalue the size of the house.

When you’re buying a home, it’s important to remember that size doesn’t always matter. it’s not about how big the house is, it’s about how well the house is designed and how well it suits your needs. So, if you’re looking at a small house and you love it, don’t be afraid to make an offer. The same goes for a large house. Just because it’s big doesn’t mean it’s the right house for you.

6. Do not underestimate the down payment assistance.

The down payment is one of the most important parts of buying a home, and it’s also one of the most difficult. Many people think they need to have a 20% down payment saved up before they can buy a home, but this isn’t always the case. There are many programs available that can help you with your down payment, and you may be surprised at how much assistance you can get. So, if you’re having trouble saving for a down payment, don’t be afraid to ask for help.

7. Don’t be afraid to negotiate.

With any big purchase, it’s always worth it to try and negotiate the price, fixtures, or other details. Home buyers often think that they need to accept the first offer they receive, but this isn’t always the case. If you have your heart set on a particular home, it’s worth it to try and negotiate the price. In many cases, you may be able to get the seller to pay for some of your closing costs.

8. Don’t skip the home inspection.

A home may look perfect on the surface, but there could be hidden issues that an inspection will reveal. It’s always better to be safe than sorry!

9. Don’t forget about closing costs.

In addition to your down payment, there are other costs associated with buying a home such as a loan origination fees, appraisal fees, and more. Be sure to factor these into your budget so you’re not caught off guard!

10. Don’t start a home search without pre-approved for a mortgage.

Before you start house hunting, it’s a good idea to get pre-approved for a mortgage. This will give you an idea of how much money you can borrow and will help you narrow down your search to homes that are in your

Conclusion:

Home ownership is a great milestone, but it’s also a big responsibility. There are lots of things to consider before buying a home, from negotiating prices and getting an inspection to monitoring curb appeal and resale value. And don’t forget about homeowners’ insurance! Protect yourself and your investment by following these tips and avoiding these 10 common mistakes. You’ll be on your way to happy homeownership in no time!