House Hunting Mistakes – Part II
Are you ready to pick up where we left off in House Hunting Mistakes – Part I? After touring multiple homes, you’ve finally found one that makes your heart soar. It has everything you need, almost everything you want, and best of all—it fits your budget. So, you’re set, right?
Not always. Even the most prepared homebuyers can make last-minute mistakes that derail their plans. To help you avoid buyer’s remorse, the team at Ernest Homes is sharing more expert house-hunting tips to help you finish strong.
1. Don’t Wait to See a House with Promise
If a new listing checks your boxes, schedule a tour immediately. You never know how many buyers want the same home or how motivated they might be.
Real-life example: A couple fell in love with a home online. Even though it was under contract, the agent allowed them to view it. Hours later, that contract fell through—and because they acted fast, they purchased their dream home. Timing matters.
2. Don’t Rush Through the Tour
If a house speaks to you, slow down and look closely. Open closets and cabinets, check natural lighting, test faucets, examine flooring, and ask questions about major systems such as HVAC, insulation, appliances, and windows.
Be sure to also ask about:
- Property taxes
- School districts
- HOA dues
- Closing timeframes
The more informed you are, the more confident your decision will be.
3. Don’t Be Fooled by Staging
Many vacant homes are professionally staged to look warm, inviting, and magazine-ready. While staging helps you visualize the space, make sure it’s the structure you love—not the décor. Imagine the rooms empty and picture your actual furniture and lifestyle inside the home.
4. Don’t Stall on Making an Offer
If you know you want the house, act quickly. You can always withdraw an offer, but waiting too long may cause you to lose the home entirely.
However, avoid rushing into a poor decision out of desperation—such as if you’ve lost out on previous homes. Take an honest look at your budget, needs, and long-term plans before submitting your offer.
5. Don’t Offer Too Much
There’s an art to making a competitive offer. Your offer should reflect the home’s market value, current inventory levels, and appraisal expectations.
If you offer significantly above the appraised value, your lender may only approve financing up to that appraised amount—meaning you must pay the difference in cash. Overbidding in a hot market can also put you upside-down on your mortgage if home values cool later.
Lean on your agent’s experience to help you determine a smart and realistic offer strategy.
Ready to Start Your Search?
Let the Ernest Homes team guide you through the process with confidence. Call us today at 912-660-9673 to tour available homes or explore our energy-efficient new construction options.
