8 Common Home Buying Mistakes to Avoid in Gig Harbor

Hey, Paige here—your local Gig Harbor real estate expert.

Buying a home is exciting—but let’s be real, it can also be a total minefield if you're not prepared. As someone who helps buyers navigate the Gig Harbor market every single day, I see the same avoidable mistakes pop up again and again.

Whether you're a first-time buyer or you're making a move across town, avoiding these missteps can be the difference between landing your dream home or losing out (and maybe even regretting your decision later).

Let’s talk about the biggest mistakes I see buyers make—and how you can avoid them.

Don’t Make These 8 Common Home Buying Mistakes

Mistake #1: Not Getting Pre-Approved Before House Hunting

Before you even think about touring homes, talk to a trusted lender and get fully pre-approved. Better yet—go for a full underwritten approval. That means your finances have been thoroughly vetted and you're a serious contender in a competitive market like Gig Harbor.

Pro tip: Being fully underwritten puts you nearly on par with cash buyers. I recommend working with local lenders like Megan Higgs at American Pacific Mortgage or Ryan Johannes at Penrith Home Loans. They know this market and will hustle for you.

Mistake #2: Not Knowing What You Can Really Afford

Don't just rely on online calculators. Gig Harbor homes can come with unique costs—septic systems, private roads, HOAs, and more. Work with your lender and agent to calculate all the monthly costs, not just the mortgage. That includes taxes, insurance, utilities, and unexpected repairs.

Your budget shouldn’t just feel good on paper—it needs to feel good in real life, too.

Mistake #3: Overlooking Additional Costs (HOAs, Taxes, Insurance)

There’s more to a monthly payment than just your principal and interest. Gig Harbor has neighborhoods with HOA dues that cover everything from landscaping to private roads. Also—check what kind of internet access is available in certain areas. (Trust me, “high-speed” is a very loose term on some listings.)

And don’t forget to ask about insurance—especially if the home is waterfront, in a floodplain, or has an older roof.

Mistake #4: Letting Emotions Override Logic

It’s easy to fall in love with a pretty kitchen or dreamy view, but don’t ignore red flags or stretch too far beyond your budget. Gig Harbor has a mix of brand-new builds, charming older homes, and everything in between.

Sometimes the best home isn’t the one that looks perfect—it’s the one that checks the right boxes and has good bones. That said, I’ll always help you balance heart and head.

Mistake #5: Waiving Important Contingencies

In hot markets, it’s tempting to write a super-clean offer with no contingencies. But waiving things like the inspection or financing contingency can put you at serious risk.

Instead, let’s craft a smart offer. I’ll help you decide when it’s okay to waive and when it’s worth protecting yourself—even in a bidding war.

Mistake #6: Skipping the Home Inspection

I get it—speed is everything in this market. But skipping a home inspection altogether? That’s a gamble you don’t want to take.

At the very least, we can try for a pre-inspection or bring in a contractor during your showing. Knowing what you’re getting into (and how much it might cost to fix later) is always worth it.

Mistake #7: Making Big Financial Changes Before Closing

Once you’re under contract, freeze your financial life. No buying a car, switching jobs, or opening new credit cards. Any change can impact your loan—even if you’ve already been approved.

Let’s just get you into the house first. Then you can celebrate with new furniture (and maybe a kayak for the harbor).

Mistake #8: Not Working with a Local Real Estate Expert

Not all agents are created equal. In a competitive and unique market like Gig Harbor, having a hyper-local, full-time agent is everything.

I know which neighborhoods have internet black holes, which HOAs are strict, and which streets back up during school pickup. I also have the connections—contractors, off-market listings, preschool lists, you name it.

Make sure your agent isn’t just “local”—but also active, experienced, and fully committed to your price point and goals.

Don’t Make These Home Buying Mistakes – Work with a Realtor That Knows Best!

Home buying in Gig Harbor isn’t for the faint of heart—but you don’t have to do it alone. From crafting winning offers to helping you stay sane during the ups and downs, I’ve got your back every step of the way.

Avoid these mistakes and make a confident move.
Ready to buy a home in Gig Harbor? Let’s connect today. Or give Paige a call at (253) 313-4093.