Buying your first home is one of life’s most exciting milestones—but let’s face it, it’s also overwhelming. Between the paperwork, inspections, offers, and open houses, it’s easy to make costly mistakes that could derail your homeownership dreams.
We sat down with Taylor Darby, a top-producing real estate expert with RE/MAX Elite and co-leader of the Sentz Darby Team, to get the inside scoop on what first-time buyers need to know before jumping into the market.
1. Talk to a Lender First—Not Last
Taylor’s number one piece of advice? Don’t fall in love with a home until you know what you can actually afford. Too many buyers start shopping before speaking with a mortgage professional. “You need to understand your price point,” she says. “You could be aiming too high—or too low.”
2. Don’t Be Fooled by Pretty Homes
Looks can be deceiving. Taylor warns that newly renovated homes may look polished, but they can hide major structural issues. She advises buyers to look past cosmetic upgrades and focus on mechanics like the roof, HVAC, plumbing, and electrical—those are the real money pits if ignored.
3. Understand Market Value
How can you tell if a home is overpriced? Taylor suggests looking at how long the home has been sitting on the market. “If it’s been 160 days with no movement, there’s a reason,” she says. Knowing when to act fast—and when to walk away—comes with experience and trust in your agent.
4. It’s Not Always About the Price Tag
Bidding wars may not be as intense as during COVID, but competitive offers are still common. Taylor reminds clients that a strong offer isn’t just about price—it’s about the full package. That means having inspections pre-scheduled, working with a local lender, and showing sellers you’re serious.
5. Don’t Lose the Joy
Taylor wants first-time buyers to remember why they started this journey in the first place. “Buying a home is stressful,” she admits. “But it should also be exciting.” She encourages her clients to envision their future and enjoy the process—even while staying grounded in financial realities.
At Morgan Financial, we specialize in helping first-time buyers get pre-approved with clarity and confidence. Ready to start your journey the smart way?
👉 Reach out to us today and schedule your free consultation.
Contact Morgan Financial – Your Mortgage Experts in Melbourne, Florida.
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Reach out to us at https://morganfinancial.net/contact/ or call today to start a conversation about what your next chapter could look like. Or call us at 321-265-4000!
Contact Info:
- Taylor Darby:
- Sentz+Darby Team at ReMax Elite
- 321-537-5787
- https://lifeonthecoast.site/
