Most of us think carefully about budget and location before buying a home, and we probably have a wish list filled with what we want. Despite having a good idea about what you want and can afford, people still often make some tough mistakes when shopping for a home. Listed below are a few common errors people make when buying a home.

Think about all of the costs associated with home buying, especially if this is your first time buying a home. Aside from closing costs and down payment, which eat up a chunk of your savings, think about the costs that occur monthly and yearly. This includes association dues and property taxes. While on paper, you might actually be able to afford the actual mortgage payment; can you also afford association dues, taxes and insurance? If your house costs $300,000, you’ll pay about $3,000 or more in property taxes. Association dues can be quite affordable, but in some communities, they can be hundreds of dollars each month.

Many people find a home that they really, really love but become completely blind to its faults. This is a huge mistake. Never love a home so much that you overlook problems that cannot be fixed. For example, you will never be able to change the location of your home. If it’s a bad location or if the neighbors are horrible, you cannot ever fix that. Busy, noisy streets will always be that way. A school or church across the street will never go away. Get to know the neighbors and neighborhood by taking a walk in the area. Listen for constantly barking dogs or other irritants and talk to the neighbors and check out their impressions of the neighborhood in general. Drive by at different times, day and at night, to get a better idea of how the neighborhood functions.

Don’t set your sights on the wrong amenities. Maybe you want a completely updated kitchen with stainless steel appliances and granite countertops. What you really need to be looking at is the size and storage in the kitchen. Always look at the bones and layout of home and assess the home based on non-cosmetic issues. The decor might not suit you, but that can be changed easily. You cannot easily change the size and shape of the rooms. Big closets, adequate storage, a good laundry room and plenty of natural light are all great features.

Think about the resale potential of your new home as well. Of course, you might be planning to live there forever, but realistically that might not end up being the case. Homes on or near noisy, dangerous roads are harder to sell. Even you have no children, if you need to resell the house, it’s easier if you are located in a top school district. If the layout of the house is odd or very chopped up, this is also difficult for resale as buyers typically want a more open floor plan. A house with just one bathroom is also a very difficult place to sell.

When you are ready to search for that perfect home in Alameda County or Contra Costa County, contact the experts at 1st InSite. This real estate team can find a home that fits your needs and budget. They can help you find Walnut Creek homes for sale, Danville homes for sale, Alamo homes for sale or homes in Lafayette, Orinda, Moraga or any other city that interests you.

Madeleine Glazier likes blogging about the real estate industry. If you are searching for Danville real estate agents, or to find Danville homes for sale, please go to the 1stInsite.com website now.