5 Things to Never Do When Buying a House

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Whether it’s your first property or your dream home (or one in the same), buying a house can be intimidating. With all the paperwork, open houses, and financial logistics, it’s easy to make a misstep. We tapped experienced real estate agents to find out which mistakes they see buyers make again and again. These don’ts are just as important as the to-dos, and knowing them ahead of time could save you money and stress.

Here's what not to do when buying a house if you want the experience to go as smoothly as possible. (These experts have seen it all.)

Victor Byrum, a real estate agent based in Cincinnati, OH
Robert Bell, a licensed agent with Compass in Manhattan and Brooklyn

01 of 05

Don't Wait for The Perfect Time

Residential street with a for sale sign visible near the entrance of a townhouse — Catherine McQueen / Getty Images

You may have an ideal number in your savings account that you want to see or a specific life goal you want to hit before purchasing a home. However, you can’t time the market (be it the real estate market or stock market). Just like so much in life, the perfect timing simply doesn’t exist.

"I’ve seen lots of people wait for the 'perfect time,' and they quickly get priced out and end up settling," says Cincinnati-based real estate agent Victor Byrum.

02 of 05

Don’t Expect Perfection

Beyond timing, perfection is an idea—and doesn’t really exist. You likely won’t find the perfect house, but that’s what renovations and your own style stamp are for. Have a list of must-haves and nice-to-haves. But beyond that, try to be a bit flexible.

"People put the dream of homeownership on hold for a number of reasons," Byrum says, "like a hiccup during negotiations, thinking not every aspect of the home is perfect, or just the gravity of such a purchase is overwhelming."

In the end, the process will be worth it. "Homeownership is a massive predictor of future wealth and provides a peace of mind that is beyond measure," Byrum adds.

03 of 05

Don't Let the Industry Sway You

A person adjusts pillows on a couch in a living room — Anchiy / Getty Images

Real estate is a product, as are mortgages, and the way you attain those products is typically via salespeople. Don’t let big promises, a charismatic smile, or other sales tactics get in the way of working with trusted individuals.

“It’s important to find realtors and lenders that you trust—not just any salesperson,” Byrum says. “A good realtor or lender really is looking out for your best interest.”

Ask friends who have recently purchased or sold property for recommendations and referrals. Most realtors want to work together beyond your first purchase, so pick someone who collaborates well.

Make sure to thoroughly review your budget and understand all the associated costs beyond the purchase price of the home, such as property taxes, insurance, maintenance, and potential homeowner association fees. Doing so will ensure you're financially prepared to handle all aspects of homeownership.

04 of 05

Don't Let Emotion Get in the Way

Licensed real estate agent Robert Bell urges prospective buys to remain objective during the process. Don't let dreams of a future in a certain property get in the way of logistics (e.g., the specs and price).

Taking emotion out of a walk-through can help you be level-headed when making an offer and identify any potential problems with a home. (Sure, the outdoor space is lovely, but can you function happily with such a minuscule bedroom closet?)

05 of 05

Don't Forget You’re On Camera

open hosue — Thomas Barwick / Getty Images

While you may think you’re entering a private showing or casually browsing an open house, it’s not unlikely that the sellers are tuning in to their own home sale reality show.

For sellers, it can be a good way to see what hesitations or commentary potential buyers have about the space—but for buyers, a rude comment can lead to future awkwardness. Pretend the seller is watching you as you navigate their home. (You are a guest, after all.)