

3 Big Mistakes First-Time Buyers Make — and How to Avoid Them
By: Stuart Kiehne, President
Buying your first home is an exciting milestone—but it’s also easy to make avoidable mistakes that can cost you time, money, and even the home you want. At Redwood Mortgage Services, we’ve helped thousands of first-time buyers navigate the process since 1999. Here are three of the most common mistakes—and how you can avoid them.
1. Not Getting Pre-Approved Before Shopping
Many buyers start browsing homes before they know how much they can actually afford. The problem? In today’s competitive market, sellers expect serious buyers to be pre-approved.
Why it matters:
Pre-approval shows realtors and sellers that you’re ready to act. It gives you a realistic price range and can even give you an edge in a bidding war.
How to avoid it:
Get pre-approved with a local, experienced lender like Redwood Mortgage Services before your home search begins. We’ll review your income, credit, and goals to issue a solid pre-approval you can count on.
2. Focusing Only on Interest Rates
While interest rates are important, they’re not the full picture. Many first-time buyers overlook loan terms, fees, and future flexibility—all of which affect your monthly payment and long-term costs.
Why it matters:
A slightly lower rate with higher fees or a risky loan structure could cost more in the long run.
How to avoid it:
Let us walk you through the total cost of each loan option—not just the rate. We’ll help you choose a loan that fits your goals, your lifestyle, and your long-term financial health.
3. Underestimating Closing Costs and Out-of-Pocket Expenses
Some buyers save for a down payment but forget to budget for other costs—like inspections, appraisals, title fees, and insurance. These can add up fast.
Why it matters:
Getting caught off guard can delay your closing—or worse, derail your purchase entirely.
How to avoid it:
Redwood Mortgage Services provides a detailed, transparent breakdown of expected costs early in the process. That way, you’re never in the dark and always prepared.
The Redwood Mortgage Services Difference
We believe first-time homebuyers deserve clarity, support, and peace of mind. Whether you're buying in Maryland, Virginia, District of Columbia, Delaware, North Carolina, or Florida, our team is here to guide you every step of the way.
Ready to Get Pre-Approved?
Click below to schedule a free call with Stuart Kiehne and get your personalized pre-approval started today.
https://calendly.com/stuart-70/introduction-and-conversation?
or call 410-266-1641