Buying your first home? It’s exciting—but also a little nerve-wracking, right? Whether you're eyeing a sleek Burnaby condo or a charming starter home in Surrey, it’s easy to get overwhelmed. That’s why I want to walk you through the top 5 mistakes I see first-time buyers make—and more importantly, how to avoid them like a pro.

1. Not Getting Pre-Approved Before You Start Looking

Let’s be real. Falling in love with a home you can’t afford is the worst. A pre-approval from a lender gives you a clear picture of your budget, strengthens your offers, and helps you move quickly in competitive markets like the Fraser Valley or Metro Vancouver.

Pro Tip: Ask your lender for a rate hold to lock in today’s rates for up to 120 days. It could save you thousands if rates jump!

2. Underestimating Closing Costs

You’ve saved up for a down payment—but did you budget for the other stuff? Closing costs in BC can range from 2-4% of the purchase price. Think legal fees, title insurance, home inspections, and land transfer taxes.

Bonus Resource: Use my closing cost calculator to budget with confidence.

3. Overbidding Without a Strategy

In a hot market, it’s tempting to throw out an aggressive offer just to win. But overpaying can backfire during the appraisal process or if the market shifts. Every dollar counts, especially when it’s borrowed.

What I Do: I analyze local comps and current market stats from sources like FVREB to help you bid smart—not just high.

4. Ignoring Strata Documents

Buying a condo? Never skip reading the strata minutes, financials, and depreciation reports. These documents reveal any red flags—like upcoming levies, lawsuits, or a mismanaged reserve fund.

My Process: I review these with my buyers and recommend a strata-savvy lawyer when needed. It’s your future—let’s protect it.

5. Not Having a Trusted Realtor (Like Me 😉)

There’s more to real estate than paperwork. From negotiations to timelines and avoiding legal pitfalls, having an experienced local agent in your corner makes all the difference.

I’ve helped buyers across Surrey and Burnaby navigate their first purchases with less stress, more confidence, and smart insights every step of the way.

Final Thoughts

Buying your first home doesn’t have to be overwhelming. Avoid these common mistakes, team up with the right Realtor (👋 hi, that’s me!), and you’ll be on your way to holding those house keys in no time.

Start your property search here or get to know me better.

FAQs

How much should I budget for closing costs in BC?

Plan for around 2–4% of the purchase price, including legal fees, title insurance, and property transfer tax.

What documents should I review when buying a condo?

Review strata minutes, financials, the depreciation report, bylaws, and insurance certificate.

Why is pre-approval important?

It clarifies your budget, locks in a mortgage rate, and gives you stronger bargaining power.

Can I buy a home with less than 20% down?

Yes, but you’ll need mortgage insurance. I can connect you with lenders to explain your options.

How do I avoid overpaying in a bidding war?

Let’s build a data-backed offer strategy using local market stats and recent sales.