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Common Homebuyer Mistakes: How a REALTOR® Can Help

Louisiana REALTORS • September 3, 2021

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 knowledgeable and professional REALTOR® cannot only make this a smooth transaction, but an enjoyable one as well. Here are three mistakes that are easy for first time homebuyer and how your REALTOR® can help you avoid them.


Don’t Shop Around Without Being Pre-Qualified


One of the biggest mistakes is to begin shopping for a home without having a clear picture of your needs and to have your financing lined up. Skipping this can be a tremendous waste of time and energy for everyone involved. Your REALTOR® can be a great resource for helping you look at several lender options or ask your friends and family for referrals. It is also important to know that once you are pre-approved that you should not take on any new financial obligations like making big purchases or applying for a credit card. This can change the terms of your mortgage or even forfeit it.


Consider All of the Costs, Not Just the Mortgage Payment


While your monthly mortgage should be a key concern, there are many other financial considerations to be made. Homeowners 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 help you consider what these costs will look like, help you plan accordingly, and make the best decision possible.


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 many homebuyers. Take time to make sure 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. Communication skills, patience, and good problem solving when working as your trusted partner are just some benefits of using a REALTOR®.   

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Provide Your Input on the Residential Agreement to Buy or Sell & Residential Property Disclosure Forms

By Louisiana REALTORS® • April 3, 2025
Provide Your Input on Mandatory LREC Forms
How REALTORS® Can Be Advocates for Fair Housing in Their Communities

How REALTORS® Can Be Advocates for Fair Housing in Their Communities

By Louisiana REALTORS® • April 3, 2025
As a Louisiana REALTOR® you have the power to shape communities and ensure fair housing opportunities for all. Fair housing advocacy is not just about compliance with the law; it’s about fostering inclusive, diverse, and thriving neighborhoods.

Consumer Guide Update: Alternative Listing Options

By Louisiana REALTORS® • April 3, 2025
As previewed last week, NAR is pleased to share the latest consumer guide focused on alternative listing options. This guide covers the role that MLSs play in marketing a home, office exclusive and delayed marketing exempt listing options, and the disclosure required when filing an exempt listing. For additional information and helpful resources on the new Multiple Listing Options for Sellers policy, please check out facts.realtor . 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: Alternative Listing Options Navigating Multiple Offers Homeowners Associations Marketing Your Home Seller Disclosures 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 deeds and titles.
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