5 Common Home Buying Mistakes and How to Avoid Them
As a real estate agent in Billings, MT, I of course get a front row seat to helping soooo many people make one of the biggest decisions that they’ll ever make – buying a home. 🏡
Not only is it one of the biggest financial decisions you’ll make in your life, it’s also one of the biggest emotional and logistical decisions that you have to navigate.
Is this where we want to raise our family? Is this the area we want to send our kids to school in? Is this the community we want to be a part of? Is this the house we want to ultimately call home?
Allllll of these questions (plus a lot more) are typically things that you’re asking yourself when buying a home. It’s an exciting, yet overwhelming time, but sometimes in the midst of all the excitement, it’s easy for some of the important details to get overlooked.
Whether you’re a first-time buyer or moving up into your next home, it’s important to make sure you’re navigating the process with real intention every step of the way to avoid spending unnecessary time and money or causing more stress than what's needed.
The good news is that most of the common home buying mistakes can be avoided with the right knowledge, mindset, and team by your side.
So if you’re planning to buy a home in Billings (or really anywhere!) before the end of 2025, here are the top 5 mistakes that I encourage you to steer clear of throughout the process.
Top 5 Mistakes People Make When Buying a Home
Skipping the Pre-Approval Step
If you’re thinking about buying a home, I know it can be tempting to browse Zillow and head out to open houses before you’ve spoken to a lender, but skipping the pre-approval step is a recipe for disappointment.
Without knowing what you can actually afford, you could fall in love with homes that are out of budget, or even worse, miss out on a home you can afford because you weren’t prepared to make an offer quickly.
This is truly one of the BIGGEST mistakes you can make if you’re serious about home buying, which is why I always say the first step before house hunting is meeting with a trusted lender to get your pre-approval.
This not only helps you understand your budget, but it also shows sellers you’re a serious buyer when you submit an offer.
In fact, most sellers won’t even entertain a buyer who doesn’t have a pre-approval, meaning you really don’t stand a chance among other buyers who have gone through the pre-approval process!
So if you want YOUR offer to be one that looks most attractive, getting pre-approved is the first step and allows you to act more quickly when the time is right.
Focusing Only on the House, Not the Location
You’ve probably heard it said before, “location, location, location.” But it’s worth repeating!
In the real estate world, this is something you hear all the time, emphasizing that a property's location is the most crucial factor in determining its value, demand, and future appreciation potential.
When working with buyers, it’s so common for them to get wrapped up in various features of a home, like granite countertops, a spacious backyard, or a finished basement, without considering the neighborhood it’s in.
And trust me I get it – the aesthetics of a home can be incredibly important, but something important to remember is that you have almost 100% control over how your home looks.
You can add paint, get proper landscaping, and make renovations to create the look you really want, but the one thing you CAN’T control? The location!
That’s why I always encourage my buyers to explore the Billings neighborhoods and find the community that truly feels best for them BEFORE trying to find the perfect house.
Ask yourself questions like:
Is this location close to your work, schools, or amenities you want or need to live near?
Do you like the overall vibes of the community? Is it lively or quiet? Which do you prefer?
Is the area experiencing growth? Is that something you care about?
This is the very reason I created the Ultimate Community Guide for Billings, MT!
The goal of this guide is for buyers to easily learn about and explore the different neighborhoods in the area so that we can narrow down our search and find what’s truly the best fit for them!
Letting Emotions Run the Show
As mentioned earlier, buying a home is such an exciting time of life, but it can also be a little stressful or overwhelming, especially in a competitive market.
When it feels like you’re fighting other buyers, it’s easy to get swept up in the pressure of making quick decisions or making offers that outbid others.
On the flip side, some buyers get so emotionally attached to “the one” that they’re devastated if it doesn’t work out. And honestly, that’s one of the worst mistakes you can make when buying a home.
Home buying is a process that should be navigated with both – your head and your heart. 🧠❤️
Yes, you should love the home you buy, but don’t let emotions push you into spending more than you can afford or skipping important steps like inspections.
I always say that’s what meant to be WILL be, and even though that sounds cliche, I can tell you from experience it’s 100% true. If a home is meant for you, it will work out. And if it’s not, then trust the process and wait it out until you find the one that is!
This is where working with a trusted real estate agent in your area comes into play – they can help you balance the enthusiasm that comes with buying a home with real strategy so that you’re truly making the best decision for you and your family.
Your agent is there to help you balance enthusiasm with strategy, so lean on their advice to stay level-headed through the process.
Only Focusing On Purchase Price
When buying a home, most people know that a lot of money is involved, but the thing they don’t always understand right away is that the price of the home is only one piece of the puzzle.
Many buyers underestimate how much money they’ll need after closing to cover moving costs, furniture, maintenance, and unexpected repairs. And in today’s market, with interest rates and property taxes to consider, stretching yourself too thin can quickly lead to buyer’s remorse.
This is why planning for the long-term costs of homeownership, instead of just the purchase price, is so important!
In addition to your mortgage payment, make sure you budget for:
Property taxes and insurance
HOA fees (if applicable)
Utilities and monthly upkeep
Routine maintenance (like landscaping or HVAC servicing)
An emergency fund for repairs
Having a clear financial picture will make the transition to homeownership much smoother and keep you from feeling overwhelmed after move-in day.
For a more detailed breakdown of the money you can expect to see and spend in a home buying translation, click here! 💸
Trying To Do It Alone
With so much information available online, some buyers think they can handle the home buying process without professional guidance. But buying a home often involves complex negotiations, legal paperwork, and multiple steps that can easily go sideways if you’re not experienced.
Without a trusted agent, you risk overpaying, missing deadlines, or overlooking key details that could come back to haunt you.
That’s why I always say that right after connecting with a lender to get your pre-approval, your next step is finding a local real estate agent that you trust to guide you through the home buying process from start to finish.
A good agent is more than just someone who unlocks doors – they’re your strategist, advocate, and often your voice through the entire process.
From spotting red flags during showings to helping you navigate negotiations with respect and confidence, having an expert in your corner can save you time, money, and stress!
Looking to buy a home in Billings, MT?
Overall, buying a home IS a big deal, but it doesn’t have to be overwhelming. By preparing ahead of time, keeping your emotions in check, and working with the right team, you can avoid the most common mistakes buyers face and set yourself up for a smooth experience.
So, if you’re local to Billings and you’re looking for someone to help you navigate the home buying process – whether it’s your first or fifth home – I’m your girl. 👋
And if you’re looking for a few more real estate resources to help you prepare before you take any real action, I have that too: