Quick Home Buyer Guide: 7 Essential Tips Most People Overlook

Buying a home is one of the most exciting, yet overwhelming journeys you'll ever embark on. There’s a lot to think about beyond just finding the right property. From securing financing to ensuring the neighborhood fits your lifestyle, you want to make sure you’re covering all the bases. That’s where this guide comes in—I’ve put together 7 crucial tips that go beyond the basics, designed to help you avoid surprises and make confident decisions. These are things no one talks about either. Let’s dive in!

1.) Find a Great Realtor

This is always #1 for a reason. How do you find one? Start by asking around—maybe a family member or friend recently bought a home and can share their experience. Don’t just rely on Google searches; though, if a name pops up, that agent is probably spending big money on marketing. As a Realtor myself, logic tells me that if an agent is spending big money, they are making money. Taking this thought further means they’re closing deals which then tells me they’re experienced. Like the infamous Farmer’s Insurance commercial “they know a thing or two because they’ve seen a thing or two.” It’s not a fool proof method but don’t stop there—do your own homework.

• Instagram: Check if they’re active and engaging with their audience.

• Zillow/Realtor.com: Look at the number of transactions they’ve closed and the price ranges they serve.

• Reviews: Read the reviews but take them with a grain of salt—focus on patterns (consistent praise or recurring complaints).

The right agent is a godsend. They’ve been through hundreds of transactions and have seen more situations than you could imagine. They’ll bring up things you’d never even think about and make the rest of the process significantly easier. Trust me, getting this right is a game changer.

2.) Test the Commute During Peak Hours

Traffic is a b*tch—I’m not going to sugarcoat it. What looks like a 15-minute drive on a Saturday afternoon can easily turn into a 45-minute nightmare on Monday morning or evening. Don’t just rely on Google Maps. Get in your car, drive the route during rush hour, and see how bad it really is. A longer commute than expected can eat into your time and happiness. It’s better to know that upfront than regret it later when you’re stuck in gridlock cursing your life choices.

If your in Pittsburgh heading home, traveling east, and headed through the Squirrel tunnels or westbound through the Fort-Pitt tunnels, your gonna have a bad time! These are the worst routes to take home! Check out this guys video talking about it below 👇

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3.) Research Noise Pollution Levels

Noise pollution is one of those sneaky issues buyers don’t often consider until it’s too late. Realtor.com has a fantastic noise map feature that highlights high-traffic areas, train tracks, and busy intersections. Naturally, if you’re close to a highway, airport, or major road, you’re going to deal with more noise. This isn’t always a dealbreaker, but it’s something you should be aware of before making an offer. Visit the property at different times of the day to assess the noise levels firsthand—sometimes what’s quiet at noon becomes unbearable at night.

4.) Get Pre-Approved, yes. But.. MORE importantly Compare Rates

Yes, getting pre-approved is standard advice, but let’s take it up a notch. Don’t just settle for the first lender’s offer—do a cross-analysis of your cost sheets. Find at least three lenders and compare quotes. I do this with all my financing clients, and I even did it for my own mortgage. Here’s a pro tip: Many lenders can give you an estimate without pulling your credit if you provide your approximate credit score and household income.

When I bought my home, I compared quotes from three lenders. I found a better rate with the second lender but took it back to the first because I knew I’d get better service there. The result? I negotiated a 0.325% lower interest rate, saving me about $100/month—and I also got my processing fees reduced, making my closing costs cheaper. That’s a big win.

Let your agent help with this too. A local broker often beats online lenders, who are notorious for poor communication and delays that can kill deals. Trust me, you don’t want that headache.

5.) Ask the Seller for Utility Bills (or Look Them Up)

Some of these older homes can cost a small fortune to heat and cool. Don’t wait until after you move in to find out. Ask the seller for the past 12 months of utility bills, or check with the local utility companies for estimates. Knowing what you’re getting into can help you budget properly and avoid nasty surprises when that first heating bill arrives.

6.) Investigate Neighborhood Parking

Parking can be a dealbreaker, especially if you live in population dense area such as the city or a home with limited driveway space. Don’t just assume street parking will be available. Visit the neighborhood at night and on weekends when everyone is home. Is it packed with cars, or is there plenty of space? If parking is a concern, you’ll want to know before you commit. Don’t forget about those tight city streets. Be sure to fold in your mirrors! Trust me, I f*cked around and found out. Woke up one morning to my ENTIRE side mirror broken off my car. Not a pleasant situation especially when your rushing out the door to get somewhere! Permit parking? Don’t forget about that. Also found this out the hard way 😭 .

7.) Old House? Check Those Sewer Lines

This one’s a sleeper tip that could save you thousands. If you’re buying an older home, make sure you check the condition of the sewer line. Repairs or replacements can cost a small fortune. Either have it inspected during the purchase process or get a rider on your insurance policy for underground utility lines. Sewer line insurance is a no-brainer—don’t be the buyer who finds out the hard way. These repairs can cost in upwards of $10,000 + depending on where the sewer line runs, the amount of concrete that needs jack hammered, and many other variables at play. That makes for a bad day!

These are just a few things to think about when buying a home. I hope you found this helpful.

I recently did a post talking about home inspections. For a comprehensive understanding of the home inspection process and what to look out for, check out my detailed guide on Home Inspections: Importance and Navigation Guide.

I also did a guide on credit card payment hacks to reduce debt and improve your financial profile for buying a home.

Follow these tips, and you’ll avoid a lot of the headaches that most first-time buyers face. Happy house hunting!

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