Buying a home is exciting, but it can also feel like a rollercoaster, especially here in Houston. With so many neighborhoods to choose from, a competitive market, and things like flood zones to think about, it’s easy to make a few mistakes along the way.
Here are the five mistakes I see buyers make most often in Houston, and how you can avoid them.
1. Looking at Homes Before Talking to a Lender
A lot of buyers start touring homes before getting pre-approved. The problem is, you may end up falling in love with something outside your budget or miss out to a buyer who’s already ready to go. The tax rate between neighborhoods makes a big difference in your monthly payment and can vary greatly. We need to know a baseline of what number you need to stay under.
Tip: Talk to a lender first. A pre-approval tells you what you can afford and makes your offer stronger in the eyes of sellers. Jolie Godfrey and Ramiro Castillo are two of our preferred lenders you can get started with.
2. Not Checking Flood Zones
It’s no secret, Houston floods. The primary concern is if the home itself is in a 100 year floodplain making most lenders require flood insurance on the property in addition to homeowner’s insurance. The secondary concern is if all the major roads into the property flood leaving you stranded in the neighborhood.
Tip: Always check the flood zone before making an offer. It’s not just about the insurance, it’s about peace of mind. You can go to Fema’s website and search by address to see the maps here.
3. Choosing the House but Forgetting the Location
That dream kitchen won’t feel as dreamy if your commute is two hours long. I’ve met buyers who focused only on the house and were so blinded by it that they made excuses for the location. Introducing the “Planes, trains, and automobiles” home my husband and I originally fell in love with when looking for our first home. Walk into the backyard and all of a sudden you realize you’re backed up to a freeway, there’s a train that also runs back there, and there are constant planes flying overhead as they take off or land at a nearby airport. All of this to say, we are SO GRATEFUL we didn’t buy that home not only for our own enjoyment outside, but also for future resale.
Tip: Drive the neighborhood at different times of day. Check schools if that matters to you. Look at the Google Map Satellite view to see what is nearby aka a train tracks hidden behind the treeline. How close are your favorite things? Can you only access the home via a toll road and how much does that cost? Think about how the location fits your lifestyle, not just how much you love the home.
4. Skipping the Inspection
Some buyers are tempted to skip the inspection to make their offer stronger or keep more money in their pocket. Big mistake. Houston homes can have foundation, roof, or HVAC issues that aren’t obvious at first glance. You need someone who knows what to look for as well as written record of deficiencies so we can renegotiate or you can monitor it for the future.
Tip: Never skip it. A good inspection is worth every penny for your peace of mind!
5. Letting Emotions Take Over
Buying a home is exciting, and it’s easy to picture yourself in every house you see. But emotions can push you to overspend or settle for something that doesn’t really fit your needs. I’m here to help you acknowledge those emotions while also analyzing what fits your needs on paper so you are making the best decision for you.
Tip: Make a list of your must-haves and deal-breakers before you start shopping, and stick to it. I’ll be here to remind you of that list and help you reassess what you need in a home if it changes at all throughout the process.
Houston is an amazing place to buy a home, but it does come with some unique challenges. The good news? With a little preparation, and the right guidance, you can avoid these mistakes and find the home that’s truly right for you with me as your real estate guide.
Text/call me now for more information on the home buying process and how to set you up for success. 346-336-4707
