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Buying a home you can call your own can be one of the most unique and exciting life experiences you can ever go through. On the other hand, it can also be one of the most stressful and frustrating life experiences as well. We want to help you stay ahead of the game. We have put together a list we hope can help you avoid making some of the mistakes many first-time buyers have made in the past:

Mistake 1: Not Doing Enough Research

It is important to make sure you have covered yourself with enough information and facts. When you are covered in facts, you will discover the process will be easier. This is especially true when it comes to participating in negotiations. You do not have to be afraid of negotiating, and when you have the right tools and information, you will be ready to aim and fire.

You will want to make sure you avoid having any unrealistic expectations. You can have some flexibility, but you should not expect to purchase a large home if you have set aside a budget that is not enough to purchase a large home. If you find a mansion that fits your small budget, you should probably run the other way.

Research the area you prefer to live in before you make a decision on a home. Your research should consist of the area’s price trends, the community, schools, etc. You will never know what an area looks like and feels like until you visit.

Mistake 2: Being Left on A Financial Island

You should make sure you know about the hidden fees, costs and other factors that will eventually go into your budget. You will not just have to make a deposit; you will also have to think about legal fees, home insurance, mortgage payments and other fees. You should always make sure you have a backup fund. When you make plans ahead of time, you will not have to worry about any of those pop-up surprises. You should also try your best not to borrow too much money in your search for a dream home. If you commit to too much money, your entire lifestyle can be impacted. You learned how to walk before you could actually run, right? Take your time and only borrow the amount of money you can afford to pay back.

Mistake 3: Letting Your Heart Do the Talking

We know you probably have your heart set on a certain home because you plan to live in it for a long time, right? None of us know what is ahead of us, but we do know our lives will not always stay the same. We do not want you to let your emotions control you when you are searching for a home. You should not overpay for a home you believe is your dream home. If you plan to have a family with several children, you may eventually need to purchase a new home. If you do need to sell your home in a few years, you will want to be at peace with the decision you made when you purchased the home years ago. You will want to have a nice resale value if you need to sell up. This is why it is important to research your resale value before making a big purchase.

Are you looking for a new home in Orange County, Long Beach or the Los Angeles metro area? Brandywine Homes is opening six new communities this year offering a combined 265 single-family homes and townhomes. Click here for more information.