The home buying process can be overwhelming to say the least. So much goes into it! Unfortunately, a lot of buyers make basic mistakes they don’t realize they’ve made until it’s too late.

We want you to avoid trouble, so we threw together a list of mistakes you can watch out for, then avoid during your home buying experience.


1. Not working with a Real Estate Agent:
The biggest mistake people make is not using an agent. Can someone buy a home without an agent? Yes, absolutely! But using one will make the process much easier and can help you avoid most, if not all, of the mistakes we’re putting on this list. We suggest you find an agent that you trust, is knowledgeable in the area you’re looking to buy, and has your very best interest in mind.

2. Not getting pre-approved soon enough:
Getting pre-approved is CRUCIAL before starting your home search. Knowing exactly what you can afford will help you and your real estate agent find homes that actually make sense for you, and will ensure you’re ready to make an offer when you do find your dream home. The last thing anyone wants is a buyer who finds their perfect home but isn’t approved in time to put in an offer. Get pre-approved early and you’ll be much better off.

3. Doing little or no research on the neighborhoods you’re looking in:
Sometimes a neighborhood looks great on the outside but can have hidden issues such as underperforming school districts, higher crime rates and, if you’re from somewhere like snowy Buffalo, knowing whether the neighborhood gets plowed in a timely manner can be big factors after you’ve moved. Find out which neighborhoods, streets and homes best meet your needs by doing your research.

4. Waiving a home inspection:
Having a new home inspected before closing is one of the most important things you must do. It can affect your offer price and help avoid problems down the road. A home may seem perfect, but have issues under the surface such as plumbing, insulation, or electrical issues. Although it can be enticing to submit an offer waiting inspection, having the inspection done before the offer is worth it.

Though not the only errors homebuyers make before they buy, these are the most common ones that people make, time and time again.

At Elevate, we’ll always do everything possible to ensure your home buying process goes smoothly without mistakes that so many have made before.

When buying a new home, the kitchen is arguably one of the most important rooms. From cooking meals to hosting and to making memories, the kitchen is where we tend to spend a great deal of time. So naturally, we all want our kitchen to perfect. We put together a list of the Top 5 Kitchen Must-Haves to help you find the kitchen of your dreams!

1. Storage Space:
Storage in a kitchen is a huge consideration that many people don’t think about until they actually unpack and move in. Make sure your prospective new kitchen has enough room to fit all your utensils, appliances, spices, food, and more. These often take up more space than people realize, so be sure and scope it out while on your home search!

2. Countertops:
Make sure you love the design of the countertops in your new home, because will last for years to come. Laminate countertops are affordable, but they tend to absorb a lot of wear and tear, and aren’t super durable. We suggest looking for marble, quartz, or granite countertops. If the home you love doesn’t have countertops that fit your style, do some research on how much it’ll cost to replace them, and decide if it’s a compromise or investment you’re willing to make.

3. Layout and size:
The floorplan and workspace of a kitchen play a big role in its functionality and design. Do you cook a lot or a little? Do you prefer an open concept or a closed-off kitchen? Do you prefer an island? Is the kitchen truly big enough for your needs? These are all questions you should ask yourself while on the house hunt, especially because remodeling a kitchen down the line can be very costly.

4. Appliances:
These are the focal point of a kitchen, so ask yourself if the kitchen has or includes everything you need. Will you need to purchase a new stove, refrigerator, microwave, or dishwasher, or replace them down the line? Also remember to make sure you’re aware which appliances are actually included in the contract before closing your new home. The last thing you need is an urgent, unexpected, and extra-large bill for new appliances.

5. Cabinets:
Cabinets can take up a good portion of your kitchen space, so make sure they’re in good condition, are of good quality, and that there are enough of them. Make sure you open and close all the doors, checking for wear and tear and trying to envision where you’d put everything. Cabinets fill up quickly, so best too choose a kitchen that has plenty of space.

That’s our short list of what to look for in the kitchen of your new home. We hope this helps you in your home search.