3 Things I’d Never Do When Buying a Home (and Neither Should You)

Let’s be honest: buying a home is one of the biggest financial decisions you’ll ever make, and there’s no shortage of opinions, tips, and horror stories floating around out there. As a Realtor (and someone who’s been through this myself), I’ve seen what works and what can completely derail your home-buying journey.

So today, let’s talk about three things I would never do when buying a home. These aren’t just personal preferences—these are non-negotiables I’d warn my own family and best friends about.

Let’s dive in:

I’d Never Skip Getting Pre-Approved

Let me say it louder for the folks in the back: Don’t go house hunting without a pre-approval.
It’s tempting to “just look” and scroll Zillow like it’s Instagram, but trust me—if you fall in love with a home before you know what you can afford, you’re setting yourself up for heartbreak.

Getting pre-approved isn’t just about your budget—it’s about being taken seriously as a buyer. In competitive markets (like ours in Austin), a seller won’t even blink at your offer unless they know you’ve got your financing ready to go.

💡 Pro tip: Pre-approval can often uncover things on your credit report you didn’t know were there—better to catch them early than in the middle of escrow.

I’d Never Rely Solely on Online Listings

Look, I love a good real estate app as much as the next person. But homes aren’t like sweaters on Amazon—you can’t make a decision based on photos alone. Lighting, angles, and wide-angle lenses can really play tricks on you. That “spacious backyard” might be a patch of grass next to a retaining wall.

Even better? Some of the best homes never even make it to public sites before they’re under contract. That’s why I tell my clients: make sure your agent (hi 👋🏽) is sending you off-market and coming-soon listings.

💬 Real talk: I’ve had clients pass up amazing homes based on pictures alone, only to walk in later and say, “Why didn’t I see this sooner?” You’ve gotta experience it in person.

I’d Never Waive the Inspection Just to “Win”

This one’s a little spicy, especially in competitive markets—but hear me out: Never skip your inspection.
I know the temptation. You’re up against five other offers, the house is gorgeous, and the sellers are asking for clean, easy deals. But buying a home without an inspection is like marrying someone after one date—looks can be deceiving.

Even new builds can have issues. Foundations, plumbing, HVAC… these things are expensive. And once you own it, it’s all yours. No backsies.

💬 Insider tip: If you want to be competitive, there are ways to structure your offer strategically without completely removing your right to an inspection. That’s where a good agent (again, hi 🙋🏽‍♀️) helps you strike the right balance.

Final Thoughts

Buying a home doesn’t have to be overwhelming, but you do need to be informed and intentional. These three things might seem small in the moment, but they can make or break your experience (and your wallet). Whether you’re buying your first home or your forever one, just know I’m always here to guide you through it with honesty, clarity, and a little bit of humor to keep it light.

Have questions or thinking about starting your search? Shoot me a DM or grab a time on my calendar. I love helping people make smart, confident moves in real estate.

📌 Save this post for later if you’re planning to buy soon, and feel free to share it with a friend who needs to hear this!