Mistake #1: Skipping the Home Inspection
In hot DFW markets, buyers sometimes waive inspections to compete. This is dangerous - Texas foundation issues (expansive clay soil), roof damage from hail, and HVAC problems are common and expensive. A $450 inspection can save you $20,000+.
Mistake #2: Ignoring Property Taxes in Your Budget
Many buyers get pre-approved based on the purchase price without factoring in property taxes. At a 2.2% effective rate on a $400K home, that's $8,800/year - $733/month on top of your mortgage. This can make an "affordable" home unaffordable.
- ✓Always calculate PITI: Principal, Interest, Taxes, Insurance
- ✓Use the address at the county appraisal district website to look up actual current taxes
- ✓New construction often has artificially low taxes for year 1 - get year 2 estimate
Mistake #3: Buying at the Top of Your Pre-Approval
A lender will pre-approve you for the maximum they'll lend - not the maximum you can comfortably afford. Leave budget room for repairs, maintenance (budget 1–2% of home value per year), and life changes.
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Full guide includes: 7 more critical mistakes (MUD districts, builder contracts, HOA reserve funds, earnest money mistakes, title issues, and more) with specific DFW examples and how to avoid each.
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