Home Buyer Mistakes to Avoid

A great way to make the home-buying process flow smoothly is to educate yourself and learn from mistakes others have made - this can make the difference between buying the home of your dreams and buying a "lemon."

Not getting pre-qualified
If you receive pre-qualification or pre-approval from a reputable home loan lender, your negotiating position is strengthened. It shows agents and home sellers you are serious about buying a home.

Choosing just any real-estate agent
Don’t jump from real estate agent to real estate agent just because you saw their name on a sign outside of a house you like. Interview at least three relators and choose the one you feel most comfortable with ~ who will focus on your home buying needs. Find a realtor you respect and trust and allow them to help – it will benefit you in the end.

Not getting enough information about the property
Obtain market statistics and sales records for the area you are considering buying a home in so you know how things (prices, conditions, list-to-selling price ratios) stack up in your neighborhood. Also, look at many new home options ~ The more you see, the more you’ll learn about what you want and what each house is worth.

Not asking enough questions
Don’t be afraid to ask questions! You’re not supposed to know everything about buying a home. Remember, this is potentially the biggest purchase you will make in your life – don’t get caught in a "lemon" because you didn’t ask enough questions! Think too about ALL thecosts involved in buying a home. Asking the right questions can help you purchase the best new home in your price range.

Not looking past the cosmetic improvements
Don’t choose a house because you like the interior decorating – that is not what you are buying and it will probably go with the seller when he moves. Check out the actual structure of the house! Go through the house with a fine-tooth comb. You don’t want to find out after you’ve bought the house that the roof is leaking. Open cabinets, turn on every switch, notice details, move stuff away from the walls, look in the attic, turn on faucets.

If you’re a first-time home buyer, looking to take advantage of current home buying opportunities in Ann Arbor, Dexter, Saline, Ypsilanti or Plymouth/Canton, contact the Wickland Group of realtors at 734.216.2498. We will make your home buying experience a pleasant one - because…. Your Move Matters To Us!


by Tammy Mayrend