First-Time Homebuyer's Guide: 5 Mistakes to Avoid

1. Skipping Mortgage Pre-Approval

Why this trips people up

Getting pre-approved feels like paperwork you can push off until you find "the one." But without it, you can't move fast when the right house shows up — and in a competitive market, speed matters. Sellers also take pre-approved offers more seriously, full stop.

Get pre-approved before you start touring homes seriously. It costs you an afternoon and saves you from falling in love with something you can't actually move on.