10 Things I Wish I Knew Before Buying a House
The Money Class You Never Got in School
10 Things I Wish I Knew Before Buying a House
Buying a house sounds like the adulting flex of the decade—until you're buried in terms you’ve never heard, fees you didn’t plan for, and random neighbors asking to borrow your weed wacker.
Before you jump in, here’s what I really wish someone had told me. No sugarcoating. Just smart prep so you’re not stuck broke and Googling “what is escrow” at 2am.
1. Your pre-approval isn’t your budget.
The bank might approve you for $400k, but they don’t know your real life—like your student loans, Spotify Premium, and brunch habit. Your actual budget is what lets you still save, breathe, and buy groceries after paying the mortgage.
2. Zillow is low-key lying to you.
That $1,750 “estimated payment”? Usually just principal + interest. You still have to add:
- Property taxes
- Homeowners insurance
- HOA fees (if applicable)
- PMI (if your down payment is under 20%)
3. The down payment is just the opening act.
You’ll also need:
- Closing costs (2–5% of home price)
- Inspections and appraisals
- Moving expenses
- A “surprise, you’re a homeowner” fund—for when your HVAC dies in August
4. A cheap house isn’t always a smart buy.
Fixer-uppers can be budget traps. Unless you’ve got renovation money, tools, and a second place to sleep, that “deal” might end up being a dusty money pit with half a kitchen.
5. Your credit score can save (or cost) you thousands.
A 740 credit score vs. a 660 can literally change your interest rate—and save you tens of thousands over 30 years. Do what you can to clean up your credit before you apply.
6. Your house is not an ATM.
Don’t bank on “I’ll just pull out equity later.” The market shifts. Interest rates change. Home values dip. Buy what you can afford now—not what you hope it’ll be worth later.
7. Check the neighborhood on a weekday morning.
It might be chill on a Sunday open house, but what’s it like at 7am on a Monday? What’s the parking like at night? Are the neighbors cool or chaotic? You’re not just buying a house—you’re buying the whole block.
8. The inspection can make or break the deal.
Pay for a legit inspection. Mold, broken foundations, outdated electric—those are red flags. Don’t skip it, don’t rush it, and don’t ignore what it finds. Walk away if needed.
9. You can negotiate almost everything.
Yes, even in this market. Negotiate the price, the closing costs, the timeline, the appliances. Worst case, they say no. Best case, you save thousands. Closed mouths don’t get discounts.
10. It’s okay to wait.
Buying a house isn’t a race. If it stretches your budget too far or doesn’t feel right, press pause. Renting doesn’t mean you’re “behind”—it might mean you’re being smart enough to not end up house poor.
Final Thought
Buying a house isn’t just about picking paint colors and snapping key pics for Instagram. It’s about long-term impact on your freedom, cash flow, and energy. Go in educated, not just excited.
You’re in MoneyMode now. Buy the house when the house fits you—not just your bank’s pre-approval number.
