Buying a home — especially your first one — is exciting, but it can also feel overwhelming. After helping hundreds of buyers here in Tucson, I can tell you that most of the stress comes from a handful of avoidable mistakes.

The good news? These aren’t complicated fixes. A little preparation will save you time, money, and plenty of headaches. Let’s walk through the seven most common mistakes I see buyers make, and how you can avoid them.

“As a realtor here in Tucson, I’ve spent years helping both first-time and repeat buyers navigate the home buying process. I’ve seen the excitement, the nerves, and the common mistakes that can turn an exciting milestone into a stressful experience. My role is to simplify things — to guide buyers step by step, connect them with the right lenders and inspectors, and make sure they avoid the costly errors I see so often. Buying a home is simple, but it’s not always easy, and that’s where having someone experienced in your corner makes all the difference.” -Kevin Wood (Author, Realtor, SRES, SFR, IMSD)

I also covered these buyer mistakes in a recent video. If you’d rather watch than read, check out the full video here on YouTube.

1. Falling in Love Without a Pre-Approval

The most common mistake I see is buyers falling for homes before knowing what they can actually afford.

Why this hurts:

It wastes your time and energy.
It sends you on an emotional roller coaster when your dream home is out of reach.

Getting pre-approved is simple and powerful. A quality lender or mortgage broker can walk you through it and give you a clear price range so you’re shopping with confidence.

2. Focusing Only on the Mortgage Payment

Your mortgage is just the beginning. Many first-time buyers only calculate principal and interest, but forget about:

Property taxes and homeowner’s insurance
HOA dues (if applicable)
Utilities and ongoing maintenance

Knowing your true monthly cost will prevent surprises and help you choose the right home without becoming “house poor.”

3. Relying Only on Your Bank

Here’s a secret: big banks often charge more and care less. Their guidelines are rigid, and unless you fit perfectly in their box, it can be tough to get a loan.

Instead, shop around. Independent mortgage brokers often have access to multiple loan options and can tailor solutions to your specific situation. Even a 0.25% difference in interest rate can save you thousands over the life of your loan.

🏡 Looking for a trusted local team to guide you through the homebuying process? Visit TheWoodGroupTucson.com to connect with us and get started.

Want more tips like this? Browse our latest real estate advice and buyer guides on the blog.

4. Skipping the Home Inspection

Skipping a home inspection is like buying a used car without popping the hood.

Spend the $400–$500 for a licensed, bonded, and insured home inspector. They’ll provide a detailed report (usually with photos) so you know exactly what you’re buying.

And no, Uncle Bob with a flashlight doesn’t count.

5. Making Big Purchases Before Closing

New car, new furniture, new credit card — just don’t.

Lenders re-check your credit and financials right before closing. Any big purchase or new account could derail your approval and delay (or cancel) your closing. Freeze your spending until the keys are in your hand.

6. Not Comparing Lenders

The loan is often more expensive than the house itself. Even a small difference in interest rates or fees can add up to tens of thousands of dollars over time.

Pro tip: Get quotes from at least two or three lenders and compare the full loan estimate — not just the rate.

7. Working With the Wrong Team (or No Team at All)

This one is the easiest to fix and the most overlooked.

Not all agents and lenders are equal. Ask yourself:

Do they specialize in your area and price range?
Do they do this full time?
Will they actually answer your calls and texts?

A good agent costs buyers nothing in most cases, and the right team can save you from every mistake on this list.

Final Thoughts

Buying a home is simple, not easy. Most stress comes from a lack of information and preparation.

If you:

Get pre-approved
Understand your full monthly costs
Shop for the best loan
Get a proper inspection
Avoid big purchases before closing
And work with the right team…

…you’ll buy your home with confidence instead of stress.

I’m Kevin Wood, and I help buyers in Tucson and Southern Arizona navigate this process every day. When you’re ready to start your home search, arm yourself with the facts — and a team that has your back.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

I’m Kevin Wood, a trusted professional in residential real estate who has served southern Arizona and the surrounding areas since 2005. My knowledge and experience covers a wide range of topics including general real estate, mortgages, financing, seniors, moving, and home improvement. 

 I can be reached at Kevin@wood.staging-1.site or by phone at 520-260-3123. For the past 19+ years, I’ve helped over 600 families move in and out of southern Arizona and constantly rank among the top 10% of realtors nationwide for performance and client satisfaction.

 Are you planning a move? I’m passionate about real estate and enjoy sharing my knowledge and skills in marketing.

 I serve people with real estate needs in the following areas of southern Arizona: Tucson, Vail, Corona de Tucson, Sahuarita, Green Valley, Oro Valley, Marana, Picture Rocks, Catalina, Saddlebrooke, Benson, Tanque Verde, Three Points, and Red Rock.