Top 10 Home Buying Mistakes to Avoid with Your Real Estate Mama

Ready to buy your dream home but worried about costly missteps?
In this episode of Your Real Estate Mama, host Jan Scott—with over 35 years of real estate wisdom—breaks down the top 10 home buying mistakes that can derail your journey. From skipping pre-approval to ignoring hidden costs, Jan shares practical tips to save you time, money, and stress. Whether you’re a first-time buyer or seasoned homeowner, this episode is your guide to smarter home buying decisions.

What You Will Learn

• How to sidestep the pitfalls that trap unsuspecting home buyers.  
• The critical steps to take before you even start house hunting.  
• Strategies to ensure your dream home fits your budget and future plans.

Key Topics Discussed

• Why skipping pre-approval could cost you your dream home (and how to fix it).  
• The sneaky extra costs that catch buyers off guard—what are they?  
• Location traps that turn a great deal into a lifelong regret.  
• Is a home inspection worth it? The answer might surprise you.  
• How emotions and bidding wars can push you past your limits.

Show Resources and Links

• Related Episodes: Check out episodes 6 and 8 for Jan’s deep dive into home inspections with a master inspector
• Bible Reference: Matthew 7:24-27 – Explore the scripture Jan mentions about building on a solid foundation.

Quotes

• “You wouldn’t shop for a Mercedes if you only had money for a Chevrolet—same with a home.” – Jan Scott  
• “A great house in the wrong location can be tough to resell and might make everyday life a headache.” – Jan Scott  
• “Invite Jesus into your space and let him be the cornerstone upon which every room is built.” – Jan Scott

Conclusion

Jan wraps up this episode with a heartfelt reminder: avoiding these 10 mistakes isn’t just about saving money—it’s about building a home that’s a true haven. With her practical advice and a touch of faith, she empowers you to approach home buying with confidence and clarity.

Follow for Real Estate Tips and Expert Advice!
Looking to buy or sell a home? Tune in for real estate tips, expert advice, and real-life stories to help you navigate the housing market with confidence! 🏡 Plus, get a little mama wisdom to make your home journey smoother.

Have Real Estate Questions or Comments?
I’d love to answer them in an upcoming episode! Don’t hesitate to reach out with your real estate questions, whether it’s about buying, selling, or getting your home ready for the market.

Need a Trusted Realtor?
Connect with me to find a trusted and experienced realtor in your area. Whether you're a first-time home buyer or a seasoned seller, I’m here to guide you every step of the way.

Email: jan@yourrealestatemama.com
Follow on Facebook: @YourRealEstateMamaPodcast

Transcript

Introduction to Home Buying Mistakes
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Mama: Today we're gonna talk about the most common home buying mistakes, and more importantly, how to avoid them. Let's get to it.

Hey there. Welcome to your Real Estate Mama. I'm Jan Scott and I'm here to help you navigate the ups and downs of buying or selling a home. I've been wrangling the real estate market for over 35 years, and trust me with all this gray hair comes a whole lot of wisdom. I'm excited to share tips. A little humor and plenty of encouragement to make your journey easier, whether you're new or a regular, I'm so glad you're here.

Follow the show for new episodes every week and together we'll grow and help even more folks. Today we're diving into one of the biggest financial decisions you will ever make buying a home. It's an exciting journey, but it's also a [00:01:00] significant financial commitment. The last thing you want is to make a mistake that could cost you time, money, or peace of mind.

That's why today we're going to talk about the most common home buying mistakes, and more importantly, how to avoid them.


Mistake #1: Skipping Pre-Approval
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Mama: Mistake number one, skipping pre-approval before you fall. Head over heels for a home. Make sure your budget loves it too. One of the biggest mistakes buyers make is jumping into their home search without getting pre-approved for a mortgage.

Pre-approval isn't just a formality, it's your golden ticket. You know, you would not think about shopping for Mercedes if you only had enough money for a Chevrolet. Well, same with a home. Most agents will not accept written offers without it. It gives you a clear budget. Shows sellers, you mean business and helps you move fast.

When you find the right one without it, you might waste time touring homes out of reach, or [00:02:00] even worse, lose out to a more prepared buyer. And let's be clear, there's a big difference between pre-qualified and and pre-approved. A solid pre-approval letter gives you real negotiating power and can be the deciding factor in whether you land your dream home.

That's why choosing the right lender matters. A great realtor will have trusted local lenders who know the process inside and out. You know, I've had buyers come in with prequalification letters from these online companies only to discover credit issues that my local lender caught right away. Talk about a close call.

I'm so glad I had these folks get pre-approved. So do yourself a favor. Get pre-approved before you start shopping. It'll save you time, stress, and possibly some heartbreak.


Mistake #2: Forgetting Additional Costs
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Mama: Mistake number two, forgetting about additional cost. So you've [00:03:00] budgeted for the home, but have you budgeted for everything else that comes with it?

You know, buying a home isn't just about the price tag. It's kinda like ordering a meal and realizing you've got your sides, your drinks and dessert aren't included. Surprise. Let's talk about closing costs for a second. Remember, mistake number one. When people skip the pre-approval, well, when you do get pre-approved, your lender will hand you a breakdown of what closing costs are because hey, spoiler alert, they're not all the same.

This way you'll know almost down to the penny what it'll take to get you those keys in your hands. But wait, there's more. You'll need homeowner's insurance, prorated property taxes. Utility hookup fees, moving expenses. And let's not forget about the cost of scrubbing down that place you're leaving unless you want your old landlord chasing you down.

These little things add up fast. [00:04:00] So before you make an offer, take a deep breath and crunch those numbers.


Mistake #3: Ignoring Location Importance
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Mama: Mistake number three, ignoring the importance of location. You know, there's an old saying in real estate, the three most important things are location, location, location. And guess what? It's true. You can find the most beautiful home at an amazing price, but if it's in the wrong spot, you might end up regretting it faster than a bad haircut.

That dreamy lake view. It's gorgeous until you find out it floods every other year, and now you need pricey flood insurance, which also makes selling later a challenge That home with a killer deal. Well, it might be next to a train track, a landfill, or a neighbor who thinks 2:00 AM is the perfect time for a drum solo.

Before falling in love with a home, do some detective work. Check out school districts commute times safety and overall neighborhood [00:05:00] vibe. And here's a pro tip. Drive through at all hours. Weekday mornings, weekend nights. Wave to the neighbors. Chat with a few and see what they have to say. A great house in the wrong location can be tough to resell and might make everyday life a headache.

So if a deal seems too good to be true, take it as a cue to dig a little deeper. Mistake.


Mistake #4: Skipping Home Inspection
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Mama: Number four, skipping the home inspection. Trying to save money by skipping the home. Inspection is a gamble that rarely pays off. A thorough inspection can uncover structural issues, plumbing problems, electrical faults, and other costly repairs that may not be obvious at first glance.

It might seem like an unnecessary step. An inspection can save you thousands of dollars and a lot of headaches in the long run. If you have a chance, listen to my home inspection episode number six and eight. That's where I interviewed a master home inspector. [00:06:00]


Mistake #5: Letting Emotions Take Over
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Mama: Mistake number five, letting emotions take over.

You know, buying a home is an emotional process. Making a decision purely based on emotions can lead to poor choices. It's easy to fall in love with a charming kitchen or a beautiful backyard, but you need to step back and consider the long-term practicality of the home. Will it meet your needs five or 10 years from now?

Does it fit within your budget? Stay rational. Think about the bigger picture, and don't let emotions override your financial sense. Mistake number six.


Mistake #6: Failing to Research the Market
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Mama: Failing to research the market. Knowledge is power when buying a home. Understanding market trends, recent sales and neighborhood values can prevent you from overpaying or making a hasty decision.

This is where having a trusted real estate agent comes in handy. They can guide you through market conditions, help you make informed decisions, and ensure you're making a smart [00:07:00] investment.


Mistake #7: Not Reviewing Your Contract
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Mama: Mistake number seven, not reviewing your contract carefully. Real estate contracts can be complex and not reading the fine print can lead to a costly surprise down the road.

Some buyers rush through signing paperwork without fully understanding the terms and the conditions. This is why working with an experienced agent is so important. A good agent will walk you through each section of the contract and ensure that everything aligns with your best interest.


Mistake #8: Being Unprepared for a Bidding War
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Mama: Mistake number eight, being unprepared for a bidding war In a competitive market, multiple buyers may be interested in the same home leading to a bidding war.

If you're not prepared for this scenario, you could either lose out on a great home. Or overextend your budget in the heat of the moment. Having a strategy, knowing your maximum offer, and working with the agent who can negotiate on your behalf will put you in the best position to [00:08:00] win without overpaying.


Mistake #9: Underestimating Timing
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Mama: Mistake number nine, underestimating the importance of timing. Timing can make or break your home buying experience. Some buyers hesitate too long to make an offer, only to watch their dream home slip away. Others rush into a purchase without doing proper research. Leading to buyer's remorse. It's all about balance.

Move at a pace that allows for careful consideration, but don't wait too long in a competitive market.


Mistake #10: Not Planning for the Future
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Mama: Mistake number 10, not planning for the future. When buying a home, think beyond your immediate needs. Will this home still work for you in five years? Consider factors like family growth, job stability, and lifestyle changes.

Buying a home that fits your long-term plans can save you the stress and expense of having to move again too soon.


Conclusion and Final Thoughts
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Mama: Avoiding these [00:09:00] common mistakes can make your home buying experience smoother and less stressful. With careful planning, research, and a level-headed approach, you can find the perfect home that meets both your needs and your budget.

As we wrap up today's episode on Avoiding Mistakes and home buying, I want to leave you with a little mumble wisdom and inspiration. Remember, once you've been blessed with a home, a shelter with the roof in four walls. Never forget where your true strength comes from. Jesus reminds us in Matthew 7 24 through 27 to build our lives on a solid foundation.

Your home is more than just bricks and mortar. It's a safe haven where faith and love should reside. Invite Jesus into your space and let him be the cornerstone upon which every room is built. With him at the center, your foundation will weather any storm. Ensuring that even the toughest challenges will never wash [00:10:00] away The joy and security you've worked so hard to create.

May your home always be a place of peace, resilience and unwavering faith.

Well, that's a wrap. Follow the show for new episodes every week. Don't forget to leave a review rating, or comment on your favorite podcast platform. Feel free to send me an email to jan@yourrealestatemama.com. I love hearing your questions and comments, and I'd be happy to help you find a great real estate agent anywhere you live.

Be sure to follow me on Facebook @YourRealEstateMamaPodcast. Until next time, y'all take care. Happy house hunting and remember, you should always listen to your mama.