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6 common home buyer mistakes (And what to do instead)

Ready to buy a home? Here's what not to do.

Setting your goal to buy a home is a huge milestone—and one worth celebrating! But once you've made that decision, it’s just as important to plan ahead. Avoiding a few common mistakes can make all the difference in turning your dream into a smart, achievable reality.

Here are 6 things home buyers should avoid (and what to do instead):

1. Maxing out your budget

Just because a lender says you can borrow a certain amount, doesn’t mean you necessarily should. Stretching your finances too far can lead to stress down the track.

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Use a budget planner and mortgage calculator to work out repayments that feel comfortable—not just what a lender will allow.

 

2. Letting emotions take over

It’s normal to get emotionally invested in your dream home, but don’t let your heart override your head.

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Stick to your budget, think long-term, and remember that this is also one of the biggest financial decisions you'll ever make.

 

3. Waiting for the “perfect” property

Spoiler alert: the perfect home might not exist. Waiting too long can lead to missed opportunities—especially in a fast-moving market.

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Use a Home Buyer Planner to set clear, realistic expectations. Focus on location, price, and potential instead of perfection.

 

4. Only talking to your bank

Going straight to your bank limits your options to just their loan products—and they’re unlikely to tell you if there’s a better deal elsewhere.

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A mortgage broker like Simplii Finance compares options across multiple lenders, saving you time and money.

 

5. Thinking you need a huge deposit

You don’t always need 20%. In fact, many lenders accept deposits as low as 5–10%, and government schemes can help too.

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Try our Deposit Checker to see just how low your deposit could go with the help of government schemes and our $10,000 Deposit Boost.

 

6. Listening to the wrong people

Well-meaning friends or dramatic news headlines can easily discourage you. But unless someone understands property and finance, their advice might do more harm than good.

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Seek guidance from professionals or people who’ve successfully bought property themselves—and who understand your local market.

 

The bottom line?

Buying a home is your journey. Don’t let common mistakes—or noisy opinions—derail your progress. With the right plan, tools, and support, you can make smart decisions and move forward with confidence.

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Disclaimer: The articles featured on this website are for general information purposes only and designed to help educate our readers. Any financial decision should be considered wisely with the help of a qualified professional and based on your own personal goals and financial circumstances. Always seek proper advice before committing to any course of financial action. This is information is not to be deemed as advice. View our full disclaimer.