Top 5 Mistakes First-Time Homebuyers Make (And How to Avoid Them)
ByOlivier
Advertisement
3. Ignoring the Home Inspection
The Error:
In an intense market, some purchasers, anxious to buy a house, forego the home inspection to increase the competitiveness of their offer.
Why It’s a Problem:
You can inherit major issues like:
-
Plumbing damage
-
Foundation troubles
-
A deteriorating roof
These can lead to:
-
Thousands in repair costs
-
Lost negotiation leverage
-
Limited legal recourse later on
How to Prevent It:
Always:
-
Get a professional home inspection
-
Insist on it, even if the seller objects
You can:
-
Request repairs
-
Negotiate a price reduction
-
Walk away if major issues are discovered
The cost of peace of mind is minimal compared to potential repair bills.