Blog > What I Tell My Own Friends Before They Buy a Home (No BS)
Buying a home is exciting—and let’s be honest, a little terrifying. As a Realtor and someone who’s helped plenty of families find “the one,” I get asked all the time by friends, “What do I need to know before I buy a house?”
So I’m laying it all out for you—just like I would over coffee or a glass of wine. No fluff. No pressure. Just the real-deal advice I give my own friends and family before they buy a home.
- Don’t Shop Until You Know What You Can Actually Afford
Look, I know it’s tempting to scroll Zillow and fall in love with homes that are out of your budget. But that’s how heartbreak starts.
Get pre-approved—not just pre-qualified. Pre-approval gives you a clear picture of your price range, shows sellers you’re serious, and saves you from wasting time. And don’t forget to factor in taxes, insurance, and HOA fees. That $400k home? It might come with a $3,000/month mortgage once everything’s said and done.
Real Talk: Just because you can get approved for a certain amount doesn’t mean you should max it out.
- Pick a Realtor Who Actually Listens
You need someone who will keep it real with you—not just try to “close the deal.” Choose a Realtor who listens to your needs, communicates clearly, and knows the local market like the back of their hand.
Shameless plug: That’s kinda my thing. I specialize in helping families in the Austin suburbs, and I always put people over pressure. I’d rather lose a sale than see someone buy the wrong home.
- Don’t Skip the Inspection—Ever
Even if the home looks picture-perfect, always, always get an inspection. A few hundred bucks now could save you tens of thousands later.
Pro Tip: Attend the inspection if you can. You’ll learn a lot, and the inspector can explain things in real time instead of just reading off a 40-page report.
- Consider the Resale Before You Even Move In
I know you’re buying the home to live in, but life happens. Jobs change. Families grow. You’ll want to know that your home will be easy to sell down the line.
Look for things like:
- Good school districts
- Neighborhood amenities
- Layouts that appeal to most buyers
- Low HOA drama (yes, that’s real)
Bottom line: Think of your home as both a place to live and an investment.
- Know the “Hidden” Costs
It’s not just the down payment. You’ll also need money for:
- Closing costs (usually 2–5% of the home price)
- Moving expenses
- Repairs or upgrades
- Utilities and deposits
- Furniture (because you know that old couch ain’t making it)
Real Talk: If buying a house is going to leave you broke and eating ramen for six months, slow down and save up first.
- Get Real About Your Timeline
Buying a home isn’t like shopping on Amazon. It can take weeks (sometimes months) to find the right one, make an offer, and close the deal.
Be patient. Trust the process. And don’t let emotions drive your decisions.
Final Thoughts: Buying Smart Beats Buying Fast
I’ll tell you what I tell my friends: This is probably the biggest purchase you’ll ever make—so let’s do it right.
If you’re thinking about buying a home in Cedar Park, Round Rock, or anywhere around Austin, I’m here for you. I’ll shoot you straight, walk you through every step, and make sure you never feel like you’re doing this alone.
Want to chat about your next move? Let’s connect and figure out if now’s the right time for you.