06/01/2026
1. Ignoring the big ticket items on your inspection: an inspection report can come back short but still very costly. If you need to replace an HVAC or roof in the next year these will be costly repairs. It is worth at least opening the conversation up to the seller about a possible credit for the age and pending replacement needed.
2. Paying for the wrong inspection: Here in Mobile Alabama, termite inspections are a MUST, but depending on where you live different inspections could be equally important. Do your research and find an agent who can give you the knowledge and direction you need for your area.
3. Buying at the top of your preapproval: not only could this be a stretch for your finances, it creates a less flexible deal. If the only way you can get preapproved is by asking for 9K in seller’s concessions, that closes a lot of doors before the negotiations even start. It will limit the homes you can buy, it will limit the credits you can receive for the inspection, and it could eventually cause the deal to fall apart.
4. Not shopping for lenders: get their rates, hear them out, and remember that they are on your team but ultimately do what is best for you! Many lenders have different programs so it’s not a one size fits all system. What might have worked for your mom won’t actually work as well for you.
5. Buying the wrong house: there are so many factors deeper than the list price. A few include the insurance for the area, the age of the appliances, the appraisal value, and the future outlook of a home. If you make a bad offer at best you’ll pay for an inspection on a house you don’t buy at worst you’ll become a slave to your own home.
David Beasley
REALTOR
Wellhouse Real Estate West
