3 Common Home Buying Mistakes and How to Avoid Them

Buying a home is exciting, but it's easy to make costly mistakes if you don't know what to watch out for. Whether you're buying for the first time or making a move after years in your current home, there are a few pitfalls I see over and over again.

I'm Kallie Orr, a Northern California Realtor® who believes homeownership should be empowering, not overwhelming. Let’s go over three of the most common home buying mistakes and how to avoid them with confidence.

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Mistake 1: Skipping the Home Inspection

You’ve fallen in love with a home and want to make a competitive offer, but skipping the inspection is one of the biggest mistakes you can make.

A home inspection helps uncover potential problems like plumbing issues, roof damage, or electrical hazards. Even if everything looks fine, you’re only seeing the surface. An inspection might cost you $300 to $600 upfront, but it could save you thousands in repairs or give you the leverage to negotiate.

Pro tip: If the inspection turns up big issues, you can often renegotiate, ask for repairs, or walk away without penalty.

Mistake 2: Letting Emotions Drive the Decision

Falling in love with a home happens all the time. But when emotions run the show, buyers tend to stretch their budgets, overlook problems, or make hasty decisions.

Instead, take a step back. Create a list of your must-haves, compare each property to that list, and check in with your budget often. A home can be beautiful, but it still needs to make sense for your life and finances.

Mistake 3: Not Understanding Your Loan Terms

You’ve been pre-approved, found a home you love, and it’s time to lock in your mortgage, but do you really know what you’re signing?

Understanding your loan terms is critical. That means knowing your interest rate, repayment schedule, loan type, and any potential penalties. Adjustable-rate mortgages (ARMs), for example, can change after the initial term ends, and that can affect your monthly payment in a big way.

Always ask questions and compare offers from different lenders. A great lender will explain things clearly, and I can connect you with local pros I trust.

Let’s Navigate This the Right Way

Buying a home doesn’t have to be confusing. With the right information and guidance, you can move forward confidently and avoid the most common missteps.

If you're thinking about buying, I'm here to walk you through each step with clarity, care, and a clear plan. Reach out when you're ready.

Contact Me
Kallie Orr, Realtor®
Serving Citrus Heights, Folsom, Carmichael, Fair Oaks, Orangevale, and surrounding areas