Mistakes Buyers Make
In their limited experience, buyers make mistakes that cost them time and money. Don’t let them make a monkey out of you!
Don’t apply for any credit between the time you’ve applied for your loan and CLOSING. Don’t buy a car, furniture, or get a new credit card. Assuming more debt changes your debt-to-Income ratio and can have a negative impact on your credit rating, causing your loan to be denied.
It’s dumb to insult your agent by accusing them of trying to sell you a higher priced home or of taking a kickback from a mortgage company, title company, or inspector. RESPA prohibits kickbacks and a decent career agent isn’t going to risk their license for a couple hundred dollars or a Starbucks gift card. If you aren’t sure that you can trust your agent to work on your behalf, don’t hire them in the first place.
Don’t buy with your heart and not your head. Don’t fall in love with anything until the house checks out. The house has to be priced properly so that it will appraise. It must be insurable, pass inspection, and it must have good resale potential. The house that looks the prettiest might have an unlivable floor plan. Be reasonable and methodical in your search.
Don’t keep your down payment money in a place where the funds can’t be verified, like a safety deposit box or an overseas account. Lenders want to know the source of your funds. If you are receiving money for your down payment from a family member, you will be required to provide a “gift letter” from the person giving you the money.
Don’t fail to read your loan documents and your purchase contract. Ask questions if you don’t understand the terms. It’s ultimately your responsibility to ensure you know and understand the terms of your loan. New lender regulations have made everything transparent, but you MUST read your paperwork.
Don’t put much – if any – faith in online valuations. Even Zillow concedes that their online valuations can be highly inaccurate. The only accurate source of pricing information is from the Multiple Listing Service (MLS).
Don’t lack vision! Wallpaper can be removed. Walls can be painted. Light fixtures can be replaced. Don’t discount a really good home simply because it needs a few cosmetic improvements.
Don’t compromise on important things. Don’t buy a 3 bedroom home if you plan to have 5 kids. It’s inevitable that you’ll be forced to make some tough choices, but don’t compromise on the important things like size, floor plan, and location.