Jeni VanOrnum | Real Estate Insights & Education

Avoid costly mistakes during your first purchase. I’m Jeni VanOrnum, your Douglas County real estate agent, sharing common first-time homebuyer mistakes and how to avoid them in 2024.

Mistake #1: Not Getting Pre-Approved First

House hunting before pre-approval wastes time. You might fall in love with unaffordable homes or miss opportunities because sellers don’t take you seriously. Get pre-approved before your first Castle Rock, Parker, or Highlands Ranch showing.

Mistake #2: Maxing Out Your Budget

Just because you’re approved for $500,000 doesn’t mean you should spend it all. Remember property taxes, HOA fees, utilities, maintenance, and unexpected repairs. Leave financial cushion for life’s surprises.

Mistake #3: Skipping Home Inspection

Even in slower markets, some buyers skip inspections to save money. This is dangerous. A $400-600 inspection can reveal $10,000+ in needed repairs. In Douglas County, foundation problems from expansive soil or roof damage from hailstorms are common and expensive.

Mistake #4: Ignoring Location Factors

You can renovate a kitchen but can’t change your commute. Consider drive times to work, school quality (affects resale even without kids), noise from nearby roads or commercial areas, and future development plans impacting property value.

Mistake #5: Forgetting Closing Costs

First-time buyers often forget closing costs (2-5% of purchase price). On a $400,000 Douglas County home, budget $8,000-$20,000 for appraisal, title insurance, origination fees, escrow, and prepaid taxes and insurance.

Mistake #6: Letting Emotions Override Logic

Falling in love with a house clouds judgment. Stay objective about necessary repairs, resale potential, and whether it truly meets your needs.

Mistake #7: Not Using a Buyer’s Agent

Buyer’s agents are free to you (paid by seller) and represent your interests exclusively. As your Douglas County agent, I negotiate on your behalf and catch problems you might miss.

Buy Smart

Avoid these mistakes by working with experienced local representation. Contact Jeni VanOrnum today for successful first home purchase navigation.