House hunting is exciting—it’s the start of a brand-new chapter. But with all the excitement, it’s easy to make mistakes that can cost you time, money, or even your dream home. At Hanks Realty Group, we’ve seen it all, and we want to help you avoid the pitfalls. Here are seven things NOT to do when searching for your next home.
1. Don’t Skip the Pre-Approval
Falling in love with a home before you know what you can afford is a recipe for heartbreak.
Getting pre-approved early shows sellers you’re serious and gives you a clear budget to work with.
2. Don’t Max Out Your Budget
Just because you can afford a certain amount doesn’t mean you should.
Leave room for repairs, furniture, and the unexpected costs of moving and homeownership.
3. Don’t Overlook the Neighborhood
A house isn’t an island—it comes with schools, traffic, noise levels, and neighbors.
Drive through at different times of the day and picture your everyday life there.
4. Don’t Rely Only on Online Photos
Listing photos are helpful, but they don’t tell the whole story.
Walk through the home in person to get a true sense of the layout, condition, and feel.
5. Don’t Forget About Resale Value
You may love quirky features or bold design choices, but will future buyers?
Think about how the home will appeal to others if you ever need to sell.
6. Don’t Ignore the Inspection
Skipping or skimming over the home inspection is a costly mistake.
An inspector can uncover issues that may not be visible during a showing—problems you’ll want to know about before signing.
7. Don’t Do It Alone
Having an experienced agent on your side makes all the difference.
From negotiations to paperwork to protecting your interests, the right agent helps you avoid mistakes and stress.
Final Thoughts
Searching for a home should be exciting, not overwhelming. By avoiding these “don’ts,” you’ll save yourself headaches and set yourself up for success. At Hanks Realty Group, we guide buyers every step of the way so you can focus on finding the right place to call home.