Buying your first home is exciting — and full of avoidable missteps. Here are the ones we see most often, and how to sidestep each of them.
The common thread: decisions made before talking to a lender. A twenty-minute conversation early on prevents most of these entirely.
Draining savings for the down payment
Putting everything down leaves nothing for closing costs, moving, or repairs. Many programs allow far less than 20% down — keep a cushion.
 |  |
Changing your finances mid-escrow
New credit cards, car loans, or job changes during underwriting can derail an approval days before closing. Keep everything steady until you have the keys.
 |  |
 | |
Shopping without a pre-approval
In a competitive market, an offer without financing proof rarely gets a second look. Get pre-approved first, then shop within your real budget.
Buying your first home is exciting — and full of avoidable missteps. Here are the ones we see most often, and how to sidestep each of them.
The common thread: decisions made before talking to a lender. A twenty-minute conversation early on prevents most of these entirely.
Draining savings for the down payment
Putting everything down leaves nothing for closing costs, moving, or repairs. Many programs allow far less than 20% down — keep a cushion.
| |
Changing your finances mid-escrow
New credit cards, car loans, or job changes during underwriting can derail an approval days before closing. Keep everything steady until you have the keys.
| |
| |
Shopping without a pre-approval
In a competitive market, an offer without financing proof rarely gets a second look. Get pre-approved first, then shop within your real budget.
