10 Rookie Mistakes (and How to Dodge Them)
Every one of these is avoidable, every one of them happens constantly, and a couple of them can cost you the house.
House-shopping before pre-approval
You'll fall in love with something you can't finance, or lose the one you can to a pre-approved buyer. Budget first, Zillow second.
Shopping to your maximum approval
The lender's max and your comfortable payment are different numbers. Decide your monthly comfort zone, then work backwards to a price.
Forgetting insurance in the budget
In south Louisiana, homeowners (and sometimes flood) insurance is a serious monthly line. Quote it before you offer, not after.
Skipping the inspection to "win"
A few hundred dollars of inspection can reveal five figures of roof, foundation, or termite trouble. In this climate, never waive it casually.
Ignoring the flood zone
Louisiana 101: check the FEMA flood map and the home's flood history on every candidate house. It changes your insurance, your payment, and your peace of mind.
Financing furniture before closing
The classic closing-killer. That "12 months no interest" living room set changes your debt-to-income ratio, and yes, they will re-check. Buy the couch after you have keys.
Moving money around unexplained
Underwriters need a paper trail on deposits. Keep funds where they are once you're in process; if money must move, tell your LO first.
Not asking about assistance
Buyers regularly bring thousands more to closing than they had to because nobody checked CAFA or other programs. Asking costs nothing.
Changing jobs mid-process
Sometimes unavoidable — but talk to your LO before accepting anything. Timing and how you're paid (salary vs. commission vs. 1099) matter a lot.
Ghosting the paperwork
The #1 cause of closing delays is slow document turnaround. When your LO asks for a statement, same-day beats someday. Speed is free.
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