07/24/2025
COSTLY HOMEBUYER MISTAKE: Looking at homes before pre-approval.
Here's what 200+ home purchases taught me:
When you find the home first...
Rates might rise while you wait
Rush fees and extensions add up FAST
Less negotiating power
Higher closing costs
Heartbreak when you lose it
The solution? Get pre-approved NOW.
Don't fall into this common home buyer mistake that a lot of people make.
It could cost you to get a higher rate, more closing costs and not the right loan.
A lot of home buyers wait last minute to get preapproved, then their credit score wasn't what they thought or their income doesn't qualify or they have too many payments.
So they basically have to take what they can get and get the loan that they're only qualified for through process of elimination.
But if you get preapproved early, improve your credit score, work with your mortgage broker in advance and get set up for success then you can have the pick of the litter with loans.
Maybe you'll even get a better rate and better closing cost options setting yourself up for success for the future.
David Bowen
Remax Real Estate Champions
