Published September 4, 2025

The Biggest Mistakes Twin Cities Home Buyers Make (and How to Avoid Them)

Written by Jacob Milton

The Biggest Mistakes Twin Cities Home Buyers Make (and How to Avoid Them) header image.

Buying a home in the Twin Cities is a major financial step. The market is competitive, interest rates are challenging, and each neighborhood has its own character. These factors can lead to expensive mistakes for both new and experienced buyers.

The good news is that you can avoid most of these mistakes if you know what to look for. If you plan to buy a home in the Twin Cities in the near future, here are the main pitfalls and how to avoid them.

1. Skipping Mortgage Pre-Approval

The mistake: Many home buyers begin shopping for homes without knowing what they can actually afford.

Why it matters: In a fast-moving real estate market, sellers want to see a pre-approval letter. Without it, your offer may not even be considered.

How to avoid it: Talk to a local lender and get pre-approved before you visit open houses. This will strengthen your offer and help you establish a clear budget.

2. Focusing Only on the House, Not the Location

The mistake: Falling in love with a beautiful home but ignoring the neighborhood.

Why it matters: Your commute, school district, amenities, and future resale value depend heavily on the location.

How to avoid it: Research each neighborhood as you look for a home. Visit different areas you are interested in at various times of day. Think about future growth, safety, and whether the area fits your lifestyle.

3. Underestimating Additional Costs

The mistake: Thinking that your mortgage payment is the only expense.

Why it matters: Property taxes in the Twin Cities vary widely by county and city. Add in insurance, utilities, maintenance, and HOA fees, and your “affordable” home could stretch your budget.

How to avoid it: Ask your real estate agent and lender to help you figure out the entire costs of owning a home, not just the mortgage payment itself.

4. Waiving the Home Inspection

The mistake: Skipping a home inspection to win a bidding war.

Why it matters: Older homes, especially those with historic charm, sometimes come with hidden issues, such as plumbing problems, foundation cracks, or outdated wiring. Without an inspection, you could face thousands in repairs.

How to avoid it: Always schedule a professional inspection. Even in a hot market, consider offering flexible terms instead of waiving this crucial step.

5. Letting Emotions Take Over

The mistake: Falling in love with a house and ignoring red flags.

Why it matters: Buying a home is emotional, but overbidding or settling for a poor fit can lead to regret.

How to avoid it: Make a must-have list and stick to it. Work with a Twin Cities real estate agent who can help keep you grounded and negotiate with your best interests in mind.

Final Thoughts

Buying a home in the Twin Cities real estate market can feel overwhelming, but it doesn’t have to be. By avoiding these common mistakes, getting pre-approved, focusing on location, budgeting correctly, protecting yourself with an inspection, and staying level-headed, you’ll set yourself up for success.

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