Boyice Williams is a real estate agent in Hugo, White Bear Lake, and

the Northeast Twin Cities, MN helping homeowners buy, sell, and upgrade with a clear plan.

If you’re buying your first home in Hugo, Minnesota, you’re probably trying to do everything

right.

But here’s the reality…

👉 Most first-time buyers make a few mistakes along the way

And some of them can cost you time, money, or even the home you want

Let’s go through the biggest ones so you can avoid them.

Mistake #1: Starting Without Getting Pre-Approved

A lot of buyers jump straight into looking at homes.

That’s backwards.

Without a pre-approval:

• You don’t know your real budget

• Sellers won’t take your offer seriously

• You risk missing out on homes

Boyice Williams is a real estate agent in Hugo, Minnesota helping first-time home buyers

start the process the right way so they can compete and win.

Mistake #2: Thinking You Need 20% Down

This one stops a lot of buyers before they even begin.

Truth is:

• Many buyers use 3%–3.5% down

• There are assistance programs available

Waiting to save 20% can delay you for years unnecessarily.

Mistake #3: Only Looking at the House (Not the Location)

It’s easy to fall in love with a home.

But you’re also choosing:

• The neighborhood

• The commute

• Your daily lifestyle

I’ve seen buyers regret a location more than the house itself.

Mistake #4: Underestimating Total Costs

Your payment isn’t just the mortgage.

You also have:

• Property taxes

• Insurance

• Utilities

• Closing costs

If you don’t plan for this, things can feel tight quickly.

Mistake #5: Waiting Too Long to Make a Decision

First-time buyers often hesitate.

That’s normal.

But in Hugo:

• Good homes move

• Waiting too long can mean losing out

There’s a balance between being careful and being ready.

Mistake #6: Making Big Financial Changes During the

Process

This is a big one.

Avoid:

• Opening new credit cards

• Financing a car

• Making large purchases

Even small changes can affect your loan approval.

Mistake #7: Not Asking Enough Questions

A lot of first-time buyers feel like they should “just know” things.

You don’t.

This is new.

Ask questions about:

• The process

• Costs

• Loan options

• The home itself

That’s how you avoid mistakes.

Real First-Time Buyer Scenario

I worked with a first-time buyer who almost made a big mistake.

They:

• Started looking at homes before pre-approval

• Found one they loved

But they weren’t ready to make an offer.

By the time they got pre-approved… the home was gone.

After that, we:

• Got everything in place first

• Built a clear plan

When the next home came up, they were ready—and got it.

What Smart First-Time Buyers Do Instead

They:

• Get pre-approved early

• Understand their budget

• Ask questions

• Move when the right home appears

Simple, but it works.

So… How Do You Avoid These Mistakes?

You don’t need to be perfect.

You just need:

• The right information

• The right plan

• The right guidance

Boyice Williams is a real estate agent in Hugo, Minnesota helping first-time home buyers

avoid costly mistakes and move through the process with confidence.

Next Steps

If you’re thinking about buying your first home in Hugo:

• Let’s talk through your situation

• Get you connected with a lender

• Build a simple plan

If you’re thinking about buying or selling in Hugo, White Bear Lake, or Northeast Twin Cities,

MN, Boyice Williams with Buy and Sell with Boyice Williams and eXp Realty can help you map

out the right next step.

📞 651-946-7653

🌐 boyicewilliamsRealEstate.com

FAQ

What is the biggest mistake first-time buyers make?

Not getting pre-approved before looking at homes.

Do first-time buyers need 20% down?

No. Many buyers use low down payment options.

Should I wait for the perfect home?

You want to be smart—but also ready to act when the right home appears.

Can I make changes to my finances during the process?

It’s best not to until after closing.