Common Mistakes Buyers Make During a Transaction

You’ve found the home, your offer is accepted, and everything is moving forward—this should be the easy part… right?

Not always.

The time between going under contract and closing is full of important steps, deadlines, and decisions. Small missteps during this phase can create delays—or even put the deal at risk.

If you're buying in Kalamazoo, Portage, or anywhere in Southwest Michigan, here are some of the most common mistakes buyers make—and how to avoid them.

1. Making Big Financial Changes

This is one of the biggest (and most avoidable) mistakes.

During the transaction, your lender is closely monitoring your financial profile.

Avoid:

• Opening new credit cards

• Financing a car or large purchase

• Changing jobs (if possible)

• Moving large amounts of money between accounts

👉 Even small changes can impact your loan approval.

2. Missing Deadlines

Real estate contracts are full of timelines:

• Inspection period

• Financing deadlines

• Appraisal contingency

Missing a deadline could limit your options—or remove protections.

👉 Stay organized and responsive throughout the process.

3. Not Responding Quickly to Your Lender

Your lender may request additional documents during underwriting.

Delays in providing:

• Pay stubs

• Bank statements

• Verification documents

…can slow down your closing timeline.

👉 The faster you respond, the smoother things go.

4. Asking for Too Much After Inspection

It’s tempting to request repairs for everything listed in the inspection report.

But asking for:

• Minor cosmetic fixes

• Small, inexpensive repairs

…can hurt negotiations.

👉 Focus on major issues and safety concerns.

5. Skipping or Rushing the Final Walk-Through

The final walk-through is your chance to confirm:

• The home is in agreed condition

• Repairs have been completed

• Nothing unexpected has changed

Skipping this step—or rushing through it—can lead to surprises after closing.

6. Letting Emotions Take Over

Buying a home is exciting—but it’s also a financial decision.

Emotional decisions can lead to:

• Overpaying

• Making rushed choices

• Unnecessary stress during negotiations

👉 Stay focused on your long-term goals.

7. Not Understanding Closing Costs

Some buyers are surprised by the amount of cash needed at closing.

Costs may include:

• Loan fees

• Title and escrow fees

• Prepaid taxes and insurance

👉 Reviewing your closing disclosure ahead of time helps avoid surprises.

8. Waiting Too Long to Ask Questions

There are a lot of moving parts in a transaction—and it’s okay not to know everything.

Waiting too long to ask questions can lead to:

• Confusion

• Missed opportunities

• Unnecessary stress

👉 A good rule of thumb: if you’re wondering about it, ask.

9. Making the Process More Complicated Than It Needs to Be

It’s easy to get overwhelmed by all the details.

But the truth is:👉 Most transactions follow a clear, structured path.

Trying to overanalyze every step can create more stress than necessary.

The Southwest Michigan Perspective

In markets like Kalamazoo and Portage, the transaction process is typically smooth when buyers stay organized, responsive, and well-informed.

Having a knowledgeable local team makes a big difference in avoiding these common pitfalls.

The Bottom Line

The transaction phase is where everything comes together—but it’s also where details matter most.

By avoiding these common mistakes, you can:✔ Stay on track✔ Reduce stress✔ Protect your purchase✔ Move confidently toward closing day