Six common mistakes first-time homebuyers make

Setting out to buy your first home can be one of the more exciting parts of adulthood. It’s often accompanied by feelings of great pride and responsibility. But sometimes, excitement can cloud the buyer’s judgment and good sense.  

First-time homebuyers may not have much experience in the real estate market yet, which means oversights can happen. 

Here are six common mistakes first-time homebuyers make, and how to avoid them. 

1. Only considering the mortgage payment when estimating what you can afford 

Transitioning from being a renter to a homeowner can be tricky. You might look at what you’re currently paying in rent and find that you could afford a house worth X amount of money for a similar monthly payment. But this is often a trap. 

Owning a house isn’t just about the monthly mortgage payment. There are a lot of other expenses that come with buying your first home, including property and land transfer tax, closing costs, inspection costs, and repair and maintenance costs. Don’t forget to calculate your land and property transfer tax.   

If you don’t take these extra expenses into account, you could wind up “house poor” — where all the expenses that come with owning a house put you in debt. 

2. Looking for a house before you’re approved for a mortgage 

This is one of the most common mistakes first-time home buyers make. It can be tempting to peruse real estate websites and even book viewings before you’ve been to the bank. But this is of no use if you haven’t been approved for a mortgage yet. 

It’s crucial to know what mortgage amount you’re pre-approved for before you start house hunting. This ensures you’ll stay within the price range you can truly afford and don’t wind up disappointed or misleading sellers. 

3. Not having an emergency expenses fund set up 

Just like underestimating what it costs to own and maintain a house, not having an emergency expenses fund can also get you into trouble. 

You don’t want to drain all your savings to buy a house. What if the furnace breaks two months after you move in? Where will you pull that money from? Make sure you have an adequate slush fund for those inevitable repairs and maintenance. 

4. Taking the first interest rate you’re offered 

When you’re pre-approved for a mortgage, you’re also pre-approved for a certain interest rate. It’s in your best interest to not take the first quote or rate you’re given. You could be leaving money on the table by not comparing against rates offered by other lenders. Use a free online mortgage rate comparison tool to compare mortgage quotes and make sure you’re getting the lowest rate. 

5. Forgoing the home inspection process 

Home inspections are a crucial step before closing on a house. A home inspector is someone who takes a close look at the home’s roof, foundation, and other structural components of the house to see if there are any red flags and to make sure things are working as they should. Home inspections can save you money by catching any unexpected issues before you move in, rather than after. 

The Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation (CMHC) suggests including a home inspection as a condition of your offer. According to the CMHC, an inspection can cost around $500. 

You can find a home inspector by doing some online research or asking your real estate agent for recommendations. Depending on the province you live in, you may also find a home inspectors association that can recommend an inspector.  

Home inspections aren’t mandatory, but they are highly recommended. Don’t make the mistake of skipping this step, as it might cost you more later. 

6. Not checking your credit report for any red flags 

One of the most important things you can do to ensure that the mortgage approval process goes smoothly is to take a peek at your credit report.  

If you have any outstanding bad credit — like an old credit card that went into poor standing because you never paid it off — you run the risk of the mortgage being rejected or the sale falling through.   

These things can come back to haunt you at the most inconvenient of times in your adult life — so don’t let them. Get ahead of any issues and deal with them well in advance of buying your home.