Hello, future homeowners! As a seasoned real estate agent, I’ve seen it all when it comes to making offers on homes. Buying a house can be a daunting process, especially if it’s your first time. Fortunately, I’m here to share with you 10 mistakes to avoid when making an offer on your first home.

1. Not Getting Pre-Approved for a Mortgage 😬

One of the biggest mistakes you can make when making an offer on your first home is not getting pre-approved for a mortgage. Pre-approval helps you determine how much house you can afford and sets the right expectations for what you can and can’t do during the home-buying process.

A bank statement with the word "pre-approval" highlighted in green

2. Lowballing the Seller 🤑

While it’s understandable that you want to save some money, lowballing the seller can backfire in more ways than one. A low offer can result in the seller rejecting your offer altogether or even finding a better offer from someone else.

A person offering a pile of pennies for a house while the seller looks unimpressed

3. Skipping the Home Inspection 🕵️‍♀️

Skipping the home inspection can lead to unexpected and potentially costly repairs down the road. It’s important to have a professional inspector look at the property before making an offer to avoid any unpleasant surprises.

A home inspector with a flashlight looking at the walls and floors of a house

4. Ignoring the Location 📍

It’s important to remember that you’re not just buying a house, you’re also buying into a neighborhood. Before making an offer, be sure to research the area and make sure it’s a good fit for your lifestyle.

A person looking at a map of a neighborhood with a magnifying glass

5. Failing to Account for Closing Costs 💸

Closing costs can add up quickly, so it’s important to factor them into your budget when making an offer on a home. These costs can include appraisal fees, title insurance, and property taxes.

A calculator with dollar signs on it representing the total cost of closing fees

6. Overlooking Additional Expenses 📝

Owning a home comes with a host of expenses beyond the mortgage payment, including insurance, maintenance, and utilities. Be sure to account for these additional expenses when making an offer on a home.

A person holding a list of home expenses with a worried expression on their face

7. Not Working With a Realtor 🙅‍♀️

A real estate agent can be a valuable resource throughout the home-buying process, offering guidance and expertise to help you find the right home and negotiate the best deal possible. Don’t make the mistake of going it alone.

A person reading a newspaper classified ad for a home with a frown on their face while a realtor stands next to them offering assistance

8. Rushing the Process 🏃‍♀️

Buying a home is a big decision that should not be rushed. Take the time to do your due diligence and consider all of your options before making an offer on a home.

A person holding a slow-moving snail representing the pace at which one should approach buying a home

9. Not Anticipating Competition 🤺

In a hot real estate market, it’s not uncommon to encounter competition from other buyers. Anticipate this possibility and be prepared to act quickly if necessary.

A person running in a race with other people representing competition in a real estate market

10. Letting Emotions Drive the Offer 🥺

It’s important to keep your emotions in check when making an offer on a home. Don’t let your attachment to a property cloud your judgment or lead you to make a higher offer than you can afford.

A person holding a house with a heart around it representing emotional attachment to a property

And there you have it! By avoiding these 10 mistakes, you’ll be well on your way to making a successful offer on your first home. Best of luck on your home-buying journey!

A person holding keys to a house with a happy expression on their face representing the excitement of buying a first home.