You Can Ramp up Energy Efficiency
Energy-efficient improvements, from adding insulation to upgrading your air conditioning unit, can reduce your monthly utility bills.   While renters can make plenty of green improvements on their own, from unplugging appliances to turning off lights, homeowners can make bigger changes, such as adding solar panels or installing an energy-efficient roof.

You Can Customize Your Space
Whether you need to knock down a wall to make a larger master bedroom or redo the bathroom to reflect your Art-Deco tastes, owning the space you live in means you have the freedom to do so, without worrying about losing your security deposit.

Owning a Home Forces You to Save
The so-called "forced savings" argument is a widely-held one: Since homeowners have to pay their mortgage every month, they are routinely putting money away (and into their house, which they own), instead of squandering it on new shoes or fancy meals. Then, if you eventually sell your home after the mortgage is paid off, there's a good chance that "you'll walk away with a payoff," even after

No Landlord Can Kick You Out and You are In Charge
Renters can face an unexpected eviction notice if their landlord suddenly decides to sell the home, rent to someone else, or otherwise end the lease.  Landlords can take ages to fix a broken dishwasher, let the air vents fill with dust and particles, or leave pesky messages about repairs. If you're the homeowner, then you're in charge—which means you have to be home when the plumber calls, but the plumber reports to you. (And, of course, you also have to pay the plumber).

Unlike Rent a Fixed Mortgage Can't Go Up (even if inflation does)
Fixed mortgage rates don't go up, even if the cost of everything else does.  Mortgage rates are historically low.  If you lock in a low monthly payment now, it can never go up.  Rent may go up any time as the market changes.

Homeowners Can Take Tax Deductions
The chief tax benefit of homeownership is the ability to deduct mortgage interest payments, but the perks don't stop there. Homeowners can also deduct eligible expenses (certain energy-efficient improvements, for example) and in some cases can avoid federal taxes on earnings from the sale of a home.

Not Contacting A Real Estate Agent First
This goes hand in hand with the next topic, using unreliable on-line resources… Often first time home buyers rely on the internet not knowing where and how that information is obtained.  A home buyer, ESPECIALLY a first time home buyer needs the guidance of a real estate professional. This professional will have access to the most current active properties in the market place and ones that aren’t yet listed! They also have the ability to introduce them to lenders that can be trusted in obtaining a valid loan option.

Use Unreliable On-Line Resources
Unfortunately many of the on-line search options are not as reliable as one would think.  Buyers can spend (waste) their time looking and finding properties on line that they want to go see and then find out that 90% of those properties are  either already under Contract or actually Sold.  Agents have access the public sites do not and can see if properties are no longer available. 

Selecting A Home Before A Loan
This is like putting the Cart before the Horse! Buyers need to know what their ‘buying power’ is.  How much do they qualify for and what payment amount can they can afford.  It is critical that a buyer meets with a qualified lender and provides all the necessary documents for loan approval. Having a full approval makes any offer on a home stronger.

Not Checking Out The Neighborhoods
Many buyers don’t check out the neighborhood; HOA, amenities in the community, local retail, restaurants, commuting options, and if schools are important be sure to check with the school district for school zoning.  Agents can provide some information, but ultimately it is the buyer which things above are most important to them.

Not Understanding The Process and Who Pays for What
There are many fees associated with both the purchase of a home and the loan process.  Some fees are negotiable between buyer and seller and some are not.  Consultation with a real estate professional will provide the new buyer a detailed and realistic look at who pays for what during a transaction so they can make sure they have the funds needed available before writing a contract.

Understanding The Housing Market
Buyers need to know what type of market they are shopping in.  Is it a buyer’s market or a seller’s market?  A real estate professional can advise you as to how quickly homes are selling in your area or price range and make sure that you don’t miss out when you find the right one!

Importance Of Inspections
Any good real estate professional will strongly recommend the buyers have a home and other inspections such as radon, well, and septic when applicable and help the buyer understand and ask for repairs. 

Not Staging Their House Properly
People often forget when their property goes on the market it is now a commodity on the real estate store shelf.  Potential buyers need to be able to see the structure of the home and envision their own belongs in there.  Your agent will provide additional tips on staging your home for the best showing possible.

Over Improving Their Property
Homeowners sometimes will improve their homes for their personal enjoyment, but then have it over improved for their neighborhood.  Just because you paid $50,000 for that pool and spa area does not mean that there is an automatic $50,000 added to the value of the property

Believing In Zillow
Zillow is a guestimate…. it takes a large area into consideration and does not compare an ‘apple to an apple’.  In fact, if you read the fine print you will find their disclosure regarding accuracy.  There are several factors that need to be considered when determining a listing price.  Always contact a Realtor who has access to the reliable data of the local MLS (Multi Listing Service)

Ignoring the Tips To Prepare The House To Sell
A common mistake is not having the house look its best. Think of it this way,  if you were going in for a job interview,you would look your best wouldn’t  you?  Your home that you want to sell needs to look its best as well. Your Realtor can provide a full list of tips & suggestions for getting the home ready.

Not Understanding the Cost Of Selling Their House
By the time you are ready to sell, you have forgotten the costs that the seller contributed when you bought.  There are costs/fees for both sides. Some can be negotiated. This is why it is important to have a qualified Realtor working for you. They know what can and can’t be negotiated.

Not Leaving When Showings Are Taking Place
Potential buyers are there to see the house, not you!  They need the courtesy of walking the property with their Realtor to discuss the property and if that property is suited for them.  Studies have shown that potential buyers will only stay ½ the time when the owner is present and typically do not end up selecting that property.

Not Considering A Home Warranty
A Home Warranty is a safety net for you.   Ask your Realtor to provide you an introduction to a few top companies.