Don’t Leave Your Home Purchase to Luck 🍀

Buying your first home is exciting, overwhelming, and maybe even a little scary—totally normal! But here’s the deal: this isn’t a process where you want to rely on luck. A four-leaf clover might be cute 🍀, but having a smart strategy is what really gets you the keys to your dream home.

With housing inventory at historic lows, being prepared is everything. So, before you start touring homes, avoid these five mistakes that could cost you time, money, and major headaches.

🚫 Mistake #1: Not Knowing How Much Home You Can Afford

Before you even start scrolling through listings, focus on monthly payments, not just the home price.

💡 Pro tip: Get pre-approved by a lender before you start house-hunting. And here’s the kicker—just because a lender approves you for a certain amount doesn’t mean you should spend that much. Make sure your mortgage fits your lifestyle, factoring in things like:
✔️ Down payment
✔️ Property taxes
✔️ Home insurance
✔️ Utilities, maintenance, and repairs

Your friend might be buying a more expensive home because they’re putting more down—your financial situation is unique, so your home search should be too!

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🚫 Mistake #2: Choosing the Wrong Loan & Overpaying

Not all loans are created equal, and picking the wrong one could cost you thousands in extra fees and interest over time.

For example, FHA loans are great for lower down payments, but they come with hefty mortgage insurance premiums. Meanwhile, a conventional loan with 5% down might actually save you hundreds per month.

💡 Pro tip: Ask yourself how long you plan to live in the home, and explore all your financing options. There’s no “one-size-fits-all” mortgage!

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🚫 Mistake #3: Skipping the Home Inspection

You wouldn’t buy a car without checking under the hood, right? Same goes for a house!

A professional home inspection can uncover major issues that aren’t always obvious, like:
❌ Hidden water damage
❌ Roof problems
❌ Outdated electrical or plumbing
❌ Mold or foundation issues

💡 Pro tip: Ask the seller upfront about big-ticket items—like when the HVAC was last replaced or how old the roof is. And never waive your inspection unless you’re absolutely sure of what you’re walking into.

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🚫 Mistake #4: Ignoring Your Credit Score

Your credit score directly impacts your interest rate, which means more money in your pocket or down the drain.

Before house hunting, check your credit score at least 3-6 months in advance at MyFico.com. If there are any surprises, you’ll have time to fix them before they mess up your home-buying plans.

💡 Pro tip: The higher your credit score, the better your loan terms. Even small improvements—like paying off a credit card—can save you thousands over the life of your loan.

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🚫 Mistake #5: Not Asking Questions

Buying a home is probably the biggest purchase you’ll ever make—so don’t be afraid to ask questions!

🏡 Confused about the process? Ask.
💰 Unsure about closing costs? Ask.
📑 Don’t understand a term in the contract? Ask!

That’s where I come in—I’ll walk you through every step, so you can feel confident and excited (not stressed) about buying your first home.

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🎉 You’re in Luck – I’ve Got Your Back!

You’ve got to be one step ahead when it comes time to buying a home in this market. 

And, if you are thinking of buying a home sometime this year, let’s have a conversation.  You need to plan and prep WELL before you want to make a move to be successful. 

Together, we’ll make a plan that works for you and your timeline and then put into action when you say GO!  This is just one of the ways we can make buying a home in this crazy market not just doable but actually enjoyable.   

This is the best way to become a happy homeowner and have those Irish eyes smiling down on you along the way!