Buying your first home is exciting — but it’s also unfamiliar territory. Most first-time buyers don’t make mistakes because they’re careless…they make them because no one ever explained how the process actually works.

Over the years, I’ve seen a few patterns come up again and again. The goal of this list isn’t to overwhelm you — it’s to help you learn from others so you don’t have to learn the hard way.

Let’s dive in!

1️⃣ Focusing Only on the Down Payment

Many first-time buyers think the down payment is the main number they need to worry about.

In reality, buying a home also includes:

• closing costs
• inspections and appraisal fees
• prepaid taxes and insurance
• first-year homeownership expenses

When buyers only plan for the down payment, the rest can feel like an unpleasant surprise. Understanding the full picture early makes the process far less stressful.

2️⃣ Shopping Before Understanding Their Numbers

Scrolling listings is easy (and fun!) — but it can get confusing fast if you don’t know what actually fits your budget.

A common mistake is:

• falling in love with a price range
• before knowing monthly payments, taxes, or HOAs

This comes up often with buyers looking in areas like South Austin, Kyle, and Dripping Springs, where prices, taxes, and HOA structures can vary widely.

Clarity first makes house hunting much more enjoyable.

3️⃣ Assuming “Pre-Approval” Means Comfort

Getting pre-approved is an important step — but it doesn’t automatically mean that number is comfortable for your lifestyle.

Many buyers are approved for more than they’d realistically want to spend month to month.

The key question isn’t: “What can I qualify for?”

It’s: “What feels sustainable and comfortable long-term?”

4️⃣ Skipping Important Inspections to Stay Competitive

In competitive moments, some buyers feel pressure to waive inspections to “win.”

This is one of the riskiest mistakes first-time buyers make — especially in older homes, which are common in parts of South Austin and surrounding areas.

Inspections aren’t about nitpicking; they’re about understanding what you’re buying and protecting yourself from costly surprises.

5️⃣ Not Thinking About the First Year of Ownership

Buying the home is just the beginning.

First-time buyers are often surprised by:

• maintenance costs
• small repairs
• seasonal expenses

Planning for a simple first-year cushion, even a small one, can make homeownership feel much more manageable and far less stressful.

6️⃣ Waiting Too Long to Ask Questions

Some buyers wait to ask questions because they don’t want to feel “pushy” or “not ready.”

But early questions often:

• prevent mistakes later
• clarify expectations
• save time and money

There’s no downside to understanding the process sooner.

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Every first-time buyer makes mistakes — the goal is just to avoid the expensive ones.

You don’t need to know everything to get started. You just need good information, honest guidance, and the willingness to ask questions.

If buying a home is on your radar and you want help thinking through your next steps — without pressure — I’m always happy to help.

No rush. Just clarity 💚