Michelle Fluent, Realtor- Room Real Estate

Michelle Fluent, Realtor- Room Real Estate Real Estate Specialist Serving Santa Cruz County & Surrounding Areas Since 2004 https://linktr.ee/Michellefluent
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🚨 10 Mistakes That Can Cost 🏑 DAY 1: Looking at Homes Before Getting Pre-ApprovedWhy It's a Problem:You may fall in love...
06/01/2026

🚨 10 Mistakes That Can Cost

🏑 DAY 1: Looking at Homes Before Getting Pre-Approved
Why It's a Problem:
You may fall in love with a home before knowing what you can actually afford.
Buyer Tip:
Get pre-approved first so you know your budget and can make a strong offer when the right home comes along.

🏑 DAY 2: Writing a Super Low Offer "Just to See"
Why It's a Problem:
An unrealistic offer can turn off sellers and hurt your chances of negotiating.
Buyer Tip:
Work with your agent to determine a competitive offer based on current market conditions.

🏑 DAY 3: Buying a Car Before Closing

Why It's a Problem:
A new car payment can affect your mortgage approval.
Buyer Tip:
Wait until after closing to make major purchases or take on new debt.

🏑 DAY 4: Sending a 15-Page Repair Request

Why It's a Problem:
Too many repair demands can frustrate sellers and jeopardize the deal.
Buyer Tip:
Focus on major health, safety, and structural concerns rather than cosmetic issues.

🏑 DAY 5: Changing Jobs Before Closing
Why It's a Problem:
A job change can delay underwriting and create financing issues.
Buyer Tip: 589,000
Talk to lender before making any employment changes during escrow.

🏑 DAY 6: Opening a New Line of Credit
Why It's a Problem:
New credit accounts can lower your score and impact loan approval.

Buyer Tip:
Avoid opening credit cards, financing furniture, or co-signing loans until after closing.

🏑 DAY 7: Waiting Too Long to Decide
Why It's a Problem:
Great homes don't stay available forever.
Buyer Tip:
Know your must-haves ahead of time so you're ready to act when the right home appears.

🏑 DAY 8: Asking for Every Contingency in a Multiple-Offer Situation

Why It's a Problem:
Too many contingencies can make your offer less attractive to sellers.
Buyer Tip:
Work with your agent to balance protection and competitiveness.

🏑 DAY 9: Falling in Love Before Reviewing the Numbers
Why It's a Problem:
A home may fit your lifestyle but not your budget.

Buyer Tip:
Review the full monthly payment, taxes, insurance, and HOA fees before making an offer.

🏑 DAY 10: Ignoring Your Agent's Advice
Why It's a Problem:
Your agent's experience can help avoid costly mistakes.

DAY 10: Ignoring Your Agent's AdviceWhy It's a Problem: Your real estate agent brings experience, market knowledge, and ...
06/01/2026

DAY 10: Ignoring Your Agent's Advice

Why It's a Problem: Your real estate agent brings experience, market knowledge, and negotiation expertise to the table.

Why It Matters: They've likely seen situations similar to yours dozensβ€”if not hundredsβ€”of times.

Pro Tip: Ask questions when you don't understand a recommendation, but remember your agent's job is to help protect your interests and guide you through potential pitfalls.

A great agent helps you:
βœ” Avoid costly mistakes
βœ” Structure stronger offers
βœ” Negotiate effectively
βœ” Navigate challenges during escrow

Bottom Line: You hire a professional for a reason. Lean on their expertise.

Michelle Fluent 831-247-2299 [email protected]

Fluently HOME With Michelle

DAY 9: Falling in Love Before Reviewing the NumbersWhy It's a Problem: Beautiful kitchens and ocean views don't pay the ...
06/01/2026

DAY 9: Falling in Love Before Reviewing the Numbers

Why It's a Problem: Beautiful kitchens and ocean views don't pay the mortgage.

Why It Matters: Many buyers focus only on the purchase price and overlook:
βœ” Property taxes
βœ” Insurance
βœ” HOA fees
βœ” Maintenance costs
βœ” Utilities
Pro Tip: Review your full monthly payment before becoming emotionally attached.

Ask yourself: Can I comfortably afford this payment while still saving for emergencies, vacations, retirement, and life's surprises?

Bottom Line: A dream home shouldn't become a financial nightmare.

Michelle Fluent 831-247-2299 [email protected]

Fluently HOME With Michelle

DAY 9: Falling in Love Before Reviewing the NumbersWhy It's a Problem: Beautiful kitchens and ocean views don't pay the ...
06/01/2026

DAY 9: Falling in Love Before Reviewing the Numbers

Why It's a Problem: Beautiful kitchens and ocean views don't pay the mortgage.

Why It Matters: Many buyers focus only on the purchase price and overlook:
βœ” Property taxes
βœ” Insurance
βœ” HOA fees
βœ” Maintenance costs
βœ” Utilities

Pro Tip: Review your full monthly payment before becoming emotionally attached.

Ask yourself: Can I comfortably afford this payment while still saving for emergencies, vacations, retirement, and life's surprises?

Bottom Line: A dream home shouldn't become a financial nightmare.

Michelle Fluent 831-247-2299 [email protected]

Fluently HOME With Michelle

DAY 8: Asking for Every Contingency in a Multiple-Offer SituationWhy It's a Problem: Contingencies protect buyers, but t...
06/01/2026

DAY 8: Asking for Every Contingency in a Multiple-Offer Situation

Why It's a Problem: Contingencies protect buyers, but too many can weaken your offer.
Why It Matters: When sellers compare offers, they often look beyond price. Simplicity and certainty matter.

Pro Tip: Work with your agent to determine which contingencies are truly necessary and where flexibility may strengthen your position.
Remember: βœ” Every market is different
βœ” Every property is different
βœ” Risk should always be carefully evaluated

Bottom Line: The strongest offer isn't always the highest offer.

Michelle Fluent 831-247-2299 [email protected]

Fluently HOME With Michelle

DAY 7: Waiting Too Long to DecideWhy It's a Problem: Many buyers spend so much time trying to make the perfect decision ...
06/01/2026

DAY 7: Waiting Too Long to Decide

Why It's a Problem: Many buyers spend so much time trying to make the perfect decision that they lose great opportunities.

Why It Matters: Well-priced homes can sell quickly, especially in desirable neighborhoods.

Pro Tip: Before shopping, identify your:
βœ” Must-haves
βœ” Nice-to-haves
βœ” Deal-breakers
This helps you make confident decisions when the right property appears.

Bottom Line: There's no such thing as a perfect houseβ€”only the right house for your goals.

Michelle Fluent 831-247-2299 [email protected]

Fluently HOME With Michelle

DAY 6: Opening a New Line of CreditWhy It's a Problem: New credit cards, financing offers, and personal loans can affect...
06/01/2026

DAY 6: Opening a New Line of Credit

Why It's a Problem: New credit cards, financing offers, and personal loans can affect your mortgage approval.

Why It Matters: Every credit inquiry and new account can impact:
βœ” Credit score
βœ” Debt-to-income ratio
βœ” Loan qualification

Pro Tip: During escrow: ❌ Don't open store cards ❌ Don't finance furniture ❌ Don't co-sign loans ❌ Don't increase credit card balances

Bottom Line: Keep your financial picture as stable as possible until closing.

Michelle Fluent 831-247-2299 [email protected]

Fluently HOME With Michelle

DAY 5: Changing Jobs Before ClosingWhy It's a Problem: Lenders evaluate employment stability when approving your loan.Wh...
06/01/2026

DAY 5: Changing Jobs Before Closing

Why It's a Problem: Lenders evaluate employment stability when approving your loan.
Why It Matters: Even a positive career move can trigger additional underwriting reviews and documentation requests.

Pro Tip: Before making any employment changes: βœ” Talk with your lender first
βœ” Avoid switching from salaried to commission-based income
βœ” Keep documentation organized

Bottom Line: Wait until after closing if possible. A few weeks could save months of headaches.

Michelle Fluent 831-247-2299 [email protected]

Fluently HOME With Michelle

DAY 4: Sending a 10-Page Repair RequestWhy It's a Problem: After inspections, some buyers request repairs for every mino...
06/01/2026

DAY 4: Sending a 10-Page Repair Request

Why It's a Problem: After inspections, some buyers request repairs for every minor issue they find. While inspections often uncover defects, not every issue warrants a seller concession.
Why It Matters: Excessive repair demands can frustrate sellers and create unnecessary conflict during negotiations.
Pro Tip: Focus on:
βœ” Health and safety concerns
βœ” Structural issues
βœ” Roof, plumbing, electrical, or HVAC problems
βœ” Major defects affecting value

Skip cosmetic issues and small maintenance items.
Bottom Line: Prioritize what's important and save the small projects for after move-in.

Michelle Fluent 831-247-2299 [email protected]

Fluently HOME With Michelle


DAY 3: Buying a Car Before ClosingWhy It's a Problem:That new vehicle payment can dramatically change your debt-to-incom...
06/01/2026

DAY 3: Buying a Car Before Closing

Why It's a Problem:
That new vehicle payment can dramatically change your debt-to-income ratio and impact your mortgage qualification.

Why It Matters:
Lenders often pull your credit again right before closing. A new car loan could:
βœ” Lower your credit score
βœ” Increase monthly debt obligations
βœ” Reduce your loan approval amount
βœ” Delay or even derail your closing

Pro Tip:
Avoid major purchases until after you've received the keys. This includes:
πŸš— Cars
πŸ›‹ Furniture
πŸ›₯ Boats
πŸ’ Large financed purchases

Bottom Line:
The house comes first. The upgrades can wait.

Michelle Fluent 831-247-2299 [email protected]

Fluently HOME With Michelle

Address

4746 Soquel Drive
Soquel, CA
95073

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