First-Time Homebuyer Mistakes to Avoid (and How to Feel Confident About Your Purchase)

Buying your first home is one of the most exciting—and nerve-wracking—moments of your life. According to a 2024 Zillow survey, 72% of first-time buyers report feeling overwhelmed by the process. Yet, nearly 9 out of 10 say it was worth it in the end. You’re not alone in those jitters, and with the right guidance, you can feel confident every step of the way.

At The Promise Realty Group, we’ve helped hundreds of first-time buyers navigate this journey. I still remember Minji, who started out nervous and uncertain but was beaming with pride when she finally got the keys—and even shared photos of her new puppy on the porch!

Here are the top five mistakes first-time buyers make—and how you can avoid them.

Mistake #1: Not Getting Pre-Approved Early

Only 49% of buyers get pre-approved before they start house hunting, yet those who do are twice as likely to have their offers accepted (LendingTree, 2024). In competitive markets like ours, many sellers won’t even consider your offer without a pre-approval letter.

Getting pre-approved doesn’t just show sellers you’re serious—it also helps you spot potential credit issues early so you can fix them and secure a better mortgage rate. I always recommend my clients get pre-approved first. It saves time, stress, and heartbreak.

Mistake #2: Focusing Only on Price, Not Monthly Payments

Thirty percent of first-time buyers underestimate their monthly housing costs by at least $150 (Bankrate, 2024). Property taxes, insurance, HOA fees, and mortgage insurance can vary widely—even between nearby neighborhoods. For example, some Georgia counties have property taxes hundreds of dollars higher per month than others.

Don’t just look at the list price. Think about the total monthly cost. Use tools like NerdWallet’s Home Affordability Calculator or ask your agent to help estimate these costs for each home you consider.

Mistake #3: Skipping the Inspection or Underestimating Issues

Nearly 1 in 5 buyers skip the home inspection to make their offer more competitive (Redfin, 2024), but 65% of those buyers regret it after unexpected repairs. The average cost of repairs after moving in? About $6,000.

While it’s tempting to waive the inspection in a hot market, this can be a costly mistake. Instead, I work with buyers to negotiate safe contingencies or arrange pre-inspections so you can make informed decisions without losing your edge.

Mistake #4: Not Thinking Long-Term

Forty-one percent of first-time buyers move again within five years because their home no longer fits their needs (NAR, 2023). Life changes fast—jobs relocate, families grow, and remote work reshapes where we want to live.

Before buying, ask yourself: “What might my life look like in 3 to 5 years? Will this home still work if my family grows or my job changes?” Thinking long-term saves you from having to move too soon, which can be expensive and stressful.

Mistake #5: Trying to Do It All Alone

Buying a home is complicated. The average home search takes eight weeks and includes touring eight or more properties. It’s easy to feel overwhelmed trying to manage everything solo.

Fortunately, 82% of first-time buyers use a real estate agent—and those who do report 30% higher satisfaction with their experience (NAR, 2024). Working with a knowledgeable agent saves you time, keeps your stress low, and helps you avoid costly mistakes.

How We Help First-Time Buyers Feel Confident

At The Promise Realty Group, we provide more than just listings—we offer a full support system:

• Personalized step-by-step guidance from day one
  
• Trusted referrals to lenders, inspectors, and repair pros
  
• Honest advice about whether a home is right for you
  
• Pre-offer checklists to make sure nothing slips through the cracks
  
• Post-closing support, from setting up utilities to recommending movers
  

Here’s what one happy client said:

“Sally made the process so much less stressful—I always felt two steps ahead!”

Final Thoughts: You’ve Got This (And You Don’t Have to Do It Alone)

Buying your first home is a big step, but it’s one you can take with confidence. Remember: 88% of buyers say they’d work with their agent again (NAR, 2024). That support makes all the difference.

Ready to take the next step? Book a free, no-pressure call with us, and let’s make your homeownership dreams a reality.