by Naim Olachea, Realtor® | DRE #01956839
Buying a home is one of the most exciting steps you’ll ever take — but it can also be one of the most overwhelming. From finding the right property to securing financing and navigating inspections, there are a lot of moving parts.
After helping buyers throughout Jurupa Valley and the Inland Empire for over a decade, I’ve seen what can go right — and what can go wrong. The good news? Most buyer mistakes are completely avoidable with a little preparation and the right guidance.
Here are some of the most common home-buying mistakes I help my clients avoid — and how you can, too.
1. Skipping Pre-Approval
One of the biggest mistakes buyers make is starting their home search without being pre-approved.
Pre-qualification is a quick estimate, but pre-approval shows sellers you’re serious and financially ready to buy.
Without it, you could fall in love with a home only to lose it to another buyer who’s already approved.
💡 Naim’s Tip: Get pre-approved before you start looking. It gives you clarity on your budget and negotiating power when it’s time to make an offer.
2. Focusing Only on the House — Not the Neighborhood
It’s easy to get caught up in beautiful kitchens and backyard space, but remember: you’re buying into a community, not just a property.
Drive through the area at different times of day. Check out local schools, grocery stores, and commute routes. Talk to neighbors if you can.
🏡 Naim’s Tip: A great house in the wrong location will never feel like home. Prioritize lifestyle and long-term convenience just as much as features.
3. Making Big Purchases Before Closing
You got an accepted offer — congrats! But before you celebrate with new furniture or a car, don’t touch your credit.
Lenders check your credit again before closing. New debt or changes to your financial profile could delay or even derail your loan approval.
💳 Naim’s Tip: Wait until after closing to make any major purchases or move money between accounts.
4. Underestimating Closing Costs
Many first-time buyers focus on saving for the down payment but forget about closing costs, which can range from 2–5% of the purchase price.
These costs include title fees, escrow, inspections, and lender charges. Planning ahead keeps you from last-minute surprises.
💰 Naim’s Tip: I always help my clients review estimated closing costs early, so they know exactly what to expect.
5. Skipping the Home Inspection
In a competitive market, some buyers are tempted to waive the home inspection to make their offer stand out.
That can be risky — inspections protect you from unexpected repairs and give you leverage to negotiate credits or fixes.
🔍 Naim’s Tip: Even in fast markets, never skip due diligence. Knowledge is power when it comes to protecting your investment.
6. Letting Emotions Lead
Buying a home is emotional — but it’s also a business decision. Falling in love too quickly or rushing an offer can lead to regret later.
Work with a Realtor® who helps you stay grounded, strategic, and focused on the bigger picture — your goals and budget.
🤝 Naim’s Tip: My role is to help clients make confident, informed decisions — not emotional ones. Every offer should make financial and practical sense.
7. Going It Alone
Real estate is too complex to navigate without representation.
Having a professional advocate on your side means you’ll get expert advice, strong negotiation, and guidance from start to finish.
💬 Naim’s Tip: As your Realtor®, I’m not just here to show homes — I’m here to protect your interests, save you time, and make the process enjoyable.
Final Thoughts
Every home-buying journey is unique, but preparation and the right support make all the difference.
When you work with an agent who listens, communicates, and truly cares, you can move forward with confidence — and avoid the costly mistakes most buyers make.
If you’re ready to start your search in Jurupa Valley or anywhere in the Inland Empire, I’d love to help.
📞 Call or text: 951-233-1890
📧 Email: buyfromnaim410@gmail.com
🌐 Visit: naimolachea.com