Buying a home in Central Pennsylvania is exciting—but I see many buyers make the same three mistakes that end up costing them time, money, and unnecessary stress.

If you’re planning to buy (or even just thinking about it), this could save you a lot of frustration.

Mistake #1: Shopping for homes before getting pre-approved This is the biggest one. Without a pre-approval letter, you can’t make a strong offer—and in competitive situations, sellers won’t even consider it. Getting pre-approved first puts you in a position to move quickly and confidently when the right home comes along.

Mistake #2: Overestimating what you can afford Many buyers start looking at homes outside their true comfort zone. The problem? Once you fall in love with a home above your budget, it’s incredibly hard to scale back. A clear budget from the start keeps expectations realistic and protects your long-term financial peace of mind.

Mistake #3: Not interviewing a buyer’s agent This happens all the time—buyers call the number on a sign or click a listing online and unknowingly end up with the seller’s agent. That agent’s job is to protect the seller’s best interests, not yours. Having your own buyer’s agent means you have someone negotiating for you, protecting you, and guiding you through every step of the transaction.

The good news? Every one of these mistakes is 100% avoidable with the right preparation and guidance.

If you’d like help getting pre-approved, setting a realistic budget, or making sure you’re fully protected as a buyer, I’d be happy to walk you through the process—no pressure, just clarity.

👉 Reply to this email or click here to schedule a quick call at 717-216-0860, and let’s make sure you’re set up for success from day one.