1. Making Too Low an Offer
You would be surprised at how many dream homes are lost because of the buyer's inability to move a little on price, terms or concessions. Remember that $5,000 in today's loan market increases your monthly investment $35.82 per month - the cost of an average dinner out and hardly a price worthy of giving up a lifetime of satisfaction.

2. Not Using Your Real Estate Professional Team
Lenders, Abstract/Title, Inspectors, and Facilitators are all important members of the purchasing process. They must be the best and they must work together.
Remember your agent is the best coach in assembling the team.

3. Not Getting a Professional Inspection
Your real estate agent can point out obvious defects; the appraiser, whether FHA, VA or Conventional can also point out some defects. Therefore we recommend a professional inspection (structural, mechanical, plumbing, electrical, etc.) , who puts on the overalls and crawls below, in and above your future investment to write up a complete report.

4. Not Differentiating, Needs, Wants, and Dreams
Write down your minimum needs, then the "what would be nice" items, then the " in my dreams" items. A great agent always fulfills your needs without exceeding your financial capabilities, and usually surprises you with many of your wants and dreams.

5. Getting Financing to Match Your Ownership
When counseling with your agent regarding your purchases, your financing terms have to be consistent with your ownership. For instance, if you are not going to stay in the property long, then get a variable interest financing so you have the lowest interest rate during your time of ownership, plus an assumable loan (probably) when you sell. Long Term ownership? Go for a fixed loan so you can lock in a market rate for 30 years.

6. Don't Let Decorating Make your Decision
Paint, carpet, and spit-and-shine are great, but be careful not to overlook your dream home because of dirt, horrible decorating or needed (minor) repairs. Look past the grime to the beauty that may be hiding underneath.

7. Don't Look for Fixer-Uppers at all Costs
Not all fixer-uppers are good deals. I have seen many a rough home not priced low enough to compensate you for the pain, trouble, and expense of owning the "money pit"!

8. Not Seeing Enough Homes
After a real estate professional counsels you on your needs, he or she should be able to narrow the field to about 7-12 properties. If your needs were well-communicated and if your means match your needs, you should make an offer on the first selections.

9. Having a Great Realtor
Probably goes without saying! A great Realtor will find properties besides the traditional MLS selection. They network with top agents, send direct mail to target neighborhoods, and contact past clients from their database thus providing you with the best home, at the lowest price, with the best terms, and in the fastest amount of time.

10. Buying for Immediate Needs and Not Future Needs
It costs a lot of money to take position in real estate. If you can spend just a little more for that extra bedroom for a future child or in-home business, now would be the best time to do it, or purchase enough land to add on!

11. Move Fast
The best properties on the market move fast, so once you are involved with your Realtor, make decisions quickly!