5 Mistakes First-Time Home Buyers Make (and How to Avoid Them in Michigan)
Buying your first home is exciting — but it’s also a big financial step with lots of moving parts. At JPAL Mortgage, we talk to first-time buyers every week, and over 50% of our clients are buying their first home right here in Michigan.
We’ve seen what works … and what doesn’t.
To help you get to the closing table with confidence, here are five common mistakes first-time home buyers make — and how you can avoid them.
1. Not Getting Pre‑Qualified Before Shopping
The Mistake:
Falling in love with homes before you know what you can actually afford — or whether you qualify.
Why It Matters:
In Michigan’s competitive market, sellers want to see a pre‑approval letter before they take your offer seriously. Without it, you could lose out on your dream home.
How to Avoid It:
Get pre‑qualified before you start touring houses. We’ll review your credit, income, and goals, then provide a pre‑qualification letter so you can shop with confidence.
Start your pre‑qualification now
2. Forgetting About Total Monthly Costs
The Mistake:
Focusing only on the purchase price and forgetting about taxes, insurance, HOA fees, and utilities.
Why It Matters:
Michigan property taxes vary by location, and lakefront or rural properties may have higher insurance premiums.
How to Avoid It:
Work with a lender (hi, that’s us!) who breaks down your entire monthly payment upfront. We’ll help you compare neighborhoods and see the real cost of ownership before you make an offer.
3. Draining All Your Savings for the Down Payment
The Mistake:
Spending every dollar on your down payment and having nothing left for closing costs, moving expenses, or emergencies.
Why It Matters:
Unexpected repairs or new‑home expenses can pop up right away. You’ll want a cushion.
How to Avoid It:
Explore low‑down‑payment programs like our 1% Down Payment Program* or assistance programs like Freddie Mac BorrowSmart®. Many of our first-time buyers close with money left in their pockets.
4. Skipping the Home Inspection
The Mistake:
Waiving your inspection to make your offer more attractive — or skipping it entirely.
Why It Matters:
An inspection can uncover issues like roof repairs or foundation problems that could cost you thousands later.
How to Avoid It:
Always schedule a professional inspection. We can recommend trusted inspectors who know what to look for in Michigan homes, from old furnaces to well and septic systems.
5. Trying to Do It All Alone
The Mistake:
Not asking questions, avoiding professionals, or feeling like you need to figure it out yourself.
Why It Matters:
Buying your first home is complex, but you don’t have to go it alone. The right team saves you time, money, and stress.
How to Avoid It:
Work with experts who have your back. At JPAL Mortgage, we partner with top local Realtors, inspectors, and title companies — and we’ll guide you through every step.
For more resources that can help you prepare for your first home mortgage, check out our First Time Home Buyer Programs in Michigan guide.
First Time Homebuyers Are Our People
At JPAL Mortgage, over 50% of the clients we serve are first-time homebuyers. We have conversations with new buyers every single week, helping them feel confident, informed, and excited about their next steps.
We know the questions, the concerns, and the “I don’t want to sound dumb but…” moments — and we’re here to walk you through it all without pressure or jargon.
You’re not just another loan file to us — you’re starting a whole new chapter, and we’re honored to be part of it. Don’t just take our word for it though. Check out our Google reviews for real stories from clients we’ve helped.
Call us at 616-465-5725, email us at hello@jpalmortgage.com to start exploring today.