Top 5 Bad Pieces of Advice First Time Buyers Will Hear, But Should Never Follow

A Waterloo Region home is one of the largest – and most important – purchases you will ever make in life. Because this is the case, it’s only natural that you might, as a first -time buyer, be rather nervous and unsure.

Whether you actually want it or not, on the road to homeownership you will receive lots of home buying advice from those who have gone before you. Not just from your real estate agent, but also from family, friends and coworkers.

While some of this advice may be very good – especially that which comes from your agent – some may also be pretty bad.

It’s safe to say those who followed unhelpful home buying advice ended up having some major regrets. A recent NerdWallet homeownership survey found nearly 49% of homeowners said they would do something differently if they were to go through the home buying process again.

That’s a big chunk of people and many of them went on to share that their realization had been that they had followed some bad advice that they probably should not have listened to.

What are some examples of the worst home buying advice we have ever heard given? Here are five of the most common, and potentially harmful to your home hunt pieces of real estate advice you should not follow.

“Buy as Much Home as You Can Afford”

Many people tell first time homebuyers to make their purchase decision based on how much house they can afford right off the bat.

The underlying assumption is we should allocate our spending on housing up to some limit determined by someone else based on what they thought was appropriate. A better version of this advice? “Buy the house that works for your lifestyle and situation.”

Very few first time buyers have their life completely set. They often have yet to start a family (or even decide if one is in the cards) and are far from at the top of their career ladder. It’s for this reason that ‘starter homes’ exist.

It may seem like an old-fashioned concept, but think of it this way. Would you order pizzas for a party before you know how many people are showing up? Not unless you want to risk ending up with too much or too little and wasting your cash. So, if you wouldn’t do that for a party, why do it for the most expensive thing you’re probably ever going to buy?

“Its Value Will Always Increase If You Renovate Your Home”

It’s hard to tell that this can be bad advice, as it seems so logical. Make a home look/function better = worth more, a sensible equation on the face of things. However, the simple fact is that renovating or remodeling a home can be a lot trickier than you think and some improvements, while pleasing to you, may not thrill potential buyers down the road enough that they would be willing to pay extra for them.

Some examples of riskier remodels?

High-end Appliances

You may love those gadgety, high-end appliances and a home buyer might too, but it is the rare would be homebuyer who is willing to add to their offer simply based on the fact the home contains a fridge that can make a shopping list for you, however neat that is.

Too Much Carpet

Carpet is warm and cosy and can look lovely, but more and more people are shying away from a fully carpeted home. It can be very high maintenance compared to hard flooring options, tends to have a shorter useful life and as design tastes differ a great deal. The expensive Oriental pattern you love may simply look over fussy and garish to others.

High Maintenance Landscapes

Another aspect of homeownership that people have far less time for these days is the maintenance of a complicated landscaping setup. A rose grove may look stunning in the summer, and that uber trendy natural swimming pool would probably look great in your backyard too. But the fact is that you may find you don’t even have the time or patience to deal with it, let alone someone else further down the line.

“Make a Low Ball First, and Then Consider Going Up”

This is quite possibly the worst home buying advice to give any first time homebuyer, especially one shopping in a hot market.

Obviously, any homebuyer is looking for a deal, and they naturally want the best property for the lowest price. The thing is though that while it is perfectly reasonable to want to get the most for your money, making an offer that is downright insulting can oftentimes mean the end of the deal.

Don’t put the deal in jeopardy by making a lowball offer. It could even lead to you paying more in the end, if you even get the chance to make a second offer at all, which is unlikely if the home you are hoping to snag is located in an area in which homes are selling fast.

"You Don't Need a Home Inspection"

Some people might tell you to skip the home inspection to save money or speed up the buying process, especially in a competitive market. This is terrible advice. A home inspection is crucial for uncovering potential issues that aren’t visible during a casual walkthrough.

Skipping it could mean buying a home with serious, costly problems like structural issues, outdated electrical systems, or hidden water damage. While it might seem like a way to save a few hundred dollars upfront, it could end up costing you thousands in repairs down the line. Always invest in a thorough home inspection—it’s a small price to pay for peace of mind and financial security.

"Location Does Not Matter As Much As the Home Itself"

You might hear someone say that the house itself is more important than its location, but this is shortsighted advice. Location is one of the most critical factors in real estate, influencing everything from your daily quality of life to the long-term value of your investment.

A beautiful home in a less desirable area might be harder to sell later, and you could end up regretting the commute, school district, or lack of amenities. On the other hand, a modest home in a great location can appreciate significantly over time and provide a better living experience. Don’t underestimate the importance of location—it’s something you can’t change, even if you renovate the house itself.

Get the Advice You Really Need

Ready to buy or sell a home in Waterloo Region? Don’t navigate the complex real estate market alone—let Team Pinto guide you every step of the way. With years of experience, local expertise, and a commitment to putting your needs first, we’ll help you make confident, informed decisions.

Whether you’re dreaming of your first home, upgrading to your forever space, or selling for the next chapter of your life, we’re here to make it seamless and stress-free.

Contact the award-winning Team Pinto today to get started and book a free consultation to discuss your unique real estate goals. Let’s turn your Waterloo Region real estate dreams into reality—together!