First Time Homebuyer Mistakes: How a REALTOR® Can Help

Louisiana REALTORS® • February 22, 2024

Buying a home can be one of the most exciting, and stressful experiences you can have. This is the largest purchase that you’ll ever make, and there can be pitfalls along the way if you aren’t careful. However, partnering with a REALTOR® cannot only make this a smooth transaction but an enjoyable one as well. Here are three mistakes that are easy for a first-time homebuyer to make, and how your REALTOR® can help you avoid them.


Consider All of the Costs, Not Just Your Mortgage Payment

While your monthly mortgage should be a key concern, there are many other financial considerations to be made. Insurance, taxes, home maintenance costs, and more can all add up quickly. Other factors like a new commute to work, schools, and more are all directly influenced by the location you choose. This is where a REALTOR® can be invaluable. Your REALTOR® can give you a clear picture of what these costs will look like, helping you plan accordingly, and make the best decision possible.


Don’t Begin Shopping Without Being Pre-Qualified

One of the biggest mistakes you can make when is to begin shopping for a home without having your financing lined up. This can be a tremendous waste of time and energy for you and everyone involved. Your REALTOR ® can be a great resource for helping you find a lender. It is also important to know that once you are pre-approved you should not take on any new financial obligations like a new car or credit card. This can change the terms of your mortgage or even forfeit it.


Not Using a REALTOR®

This may have been implied as the expertise of a REALTOR® has been demonstrated throughout this list, but this is an all-to-common mistake made by first-time homebuyers. Your REALTOR® has the experience and expertise that will not only help you find the perfect home but will be a tremendous resource in negotiations and seeing the transaction successfully through.   

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As previewed last week, NAR is pleased to share the latest consumer guide focused on buying land and building a new home. This guide covers how to find land for sale, explains construction loans, and weighs the pros and cons of building a custom home. As a reminder, all guides in this series are available for download—in both English and Spanish—on facts.realtor . Please allow a few days for the Spanish version of the latest resource to be translated and uploaded. For ease of reference, below is a list of the most recent guides: NEW: Buying Land and Building a New Home Deeds and Titles Alternative Listing Options Navigating Multiple Offers Homeowners Associations Thank you for continuing to engage with the “Consumer Guide” series and for sharing the resources with prospective clients to ensure they have the information they need to find success in their homebuying or selling journey. Remember that these guides are for informational purposes only and are not meant to enact or change any existing NAR policy. Be on the lookout for next week’s guide on Wednesday, which will cover property title theft.
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Consumer Guide Update: Deeds and Titles

By Louisiana REALTORS® • April 11, 2025
As previewed last week, NAR is pleased to share the latest consumer guide focused on deeds and titles. This guide covers the difference between a deed and a title, common types of deeds, and title searches and insurance. As a reminder, all guides in this series are available for download—in both English and Spanish—on facts.realtor . Please allow a few days for the Spanish version of the latest resource to be translated and uploaded. For ease of reference, below is a list of the most recent guides: NEW: Deeds and Titles Alternative Listing Options Navigating Multiple Offers Homeowners Associations Marketing Your Home Thank you for continuing to engage with the “Consumer Guide” series and for sharing the resources with prospective clients to ensure they have the information they need to find success in their homebuying or selling journey. Remember that these guides are for informational purposes only and are not meant to enact or change any existing NAR policy. Be on the lookout for next week’s guide on Wednesday, which will cover buying land / constructing a new home.
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