The seven mistakes first-time buyers make

What’s on the list

1. 1

   Falling for a place before you know your number. Range first, showings second. Do it backwards and everything you see feels like settling.

2. 2

   Budgeting the mortgage by itself. The real payment is principal, interest, property taxes, insurance and the association fee. That total is what leaves your account every month.

3. 3

   Studying the unit and ignoring the building. Who runs it, what’s in reserves and what work is coming will hit you harder than the kitchen finish ever will. And ask for the structural integrity reserve study and the milestone inspection — Florida requires them on certain buildings.

   Fla. Stat. §718.112(2)(g) — Structural integrity reserve study
4. 4

   Quoting the insurance after you’ve already made an offer. In Florida it can rewrite your monthly payment completely. Get the quote before you commit.

   Fla. Stat. §627.701 — Hurricane deductibles
5. 5

   Waiving the inspection so the offer looks stronger. That’s the one window where what you find gets you out without losing your deposit.

6. 6

   Touching your credit before closing. No new cards, no financed car, no job change. The lender re-checks days before you sign.

7. 7

   Not reading the Closing Disclosure. It shows up three business days before closing for exactly one reason: so you can hold it against the Loan Estimate and question the differences. And never trust wire instructions that show up by email — call the number you already had. Closing wire fraud is real.

   CFPB — Closing Disclosure (3 business days)

Your situation doesn’t fit a checklist? Message Jordan or book 15 minutes.