5 Mistakes First-Time Homebuyers Make (And How to Avoid Them)

Buying your first home is exciting—but it can also be overwhelming if you don’t know what to expect. As a mortgage broker who’s helped countless families navigate this process, I see the same mistakes trip up first-time buyers again and again.

Here are the 5 most common mistakes first-time homebuyers make—and how you can avoid them to buy with confidence and clarity.

1. Shopping for a Home Before Getting Pre-Approved

The Mistake: Falling in love with a house before knowing what you qualify for financially.

The Fix: Always start with a mortgage pre-approval. It helps you understand your true budget, strengthens your offer, and avoids heartbreak later. At Kingdom Lending, we’ll walk you through this step and explain your options clearly.

2. Underestimating the True Cost of Homeownership

The Mistake: Budgeting only for the mortgage payment and forgetting about property taxes, insurance, repairs, and HOA fees.

The Fix: Factor in the full cost of ownership—and don’t stretch your budget too thin. We’ll help you build a sustainable payment plan that leaves room for savings and lifestyle.

3. Skipping First-Time Buyer Programs

The Mistake: Assuming you need 20% down or missing out on grants and assistance you may qualify for.

The Fix: There are dozens of low down payment loan programs (like FHA, HomeReady, and VA), plus state-specific first-time buyer programs. We'll help you explore every option available so you don’t leave money on the table.

4. Letting Emotions Override Strategy

The Mistake: Making rushed decisions out of fear or excitement, leading to overpaying or buyer’s remorse.

The Fix: Stay grounded with a pre-set checklist of must-haves and dealbreakers. We'll run the numbers to help you make wise, not emotional choices—rooted in your long-term goals, not market hype.

5. Not Choosing the Right Mortgage Partner

The Mistake: Going straight to your bank or picking a lender without comparison shopping.

The Fix: As a mortgage broker, Kingdom Lending shops multiple lenders on your behalf to find the best rate, terms, and fit. We also prioritize educating you—not just closing a deal.

✅ Final Thoughts

Buying your first home should be a moment of celebration—not confusion. At Kingdom Lending, we’re here to guide you with wisdom, transparency, and trust every step of the way.

📞 Ready to get pre-approved or have questions? Let’s talk: 602-730-1217 📚 Or book a call with me here: Kingdom-Lending.com/book-now