Common Homebuyer Mistakes: How a REALTOR® Can Help

Louisiana REALTORS • September 3, 2021

Buying a home can be one of the most exciting, and stressful experiences you can have. This is the largest purchase that you’ll ever make, and there can be pitfalls along the way if you aren’t careful. However, partnering with a knowledgeable and professional REALTOR® cannot only make this a smooth transaction, but an enjoyable one as well. Here are three mistakes that are easy for first time homebuyer and how your REALTOR® can help you avoid them.


Don’t Shop Around Without Being Pre-Qualified


One of the biggest mistakes is to begin shopping for a home without having a clear picture of your needs and to have your financing lined up. Skipping this can be a tremendous waste of time and energy for everyone involved. Your REALTOR® can be a great resource for helping you look at several lender options or ask your friends and family for referrals. It is also important to know that once you are pre-approved that you should not take on any new financial obligations like making big purchases or applying for a credit card. This can change the terms of your mortgage or even forfeit it.


Consider All of the Costs, Not Just the Mortgage Payment


While your monthly mortgage should be a key concern, there are many other financial considerations to be made. Homeowners insurance, taxes, home maintenance costs, and more can all add up quickly. Other factors like a new commute to work, schools, and more are all directly influenced by the location you choose. This is where a REALTOR® can be invaluable. Your REALTOR® can help you consider what these costs will look like, help you plan accordingly, and make the best decision possible.


Not Using a REALTOR®


This may have been implied as the expertise of a REALTOR® has been demonstrated throughout this list, but this is an all-to-common mistake made by many homebuyers. Take time to make sure your REALTOR® has the experience and expertise that will not only help you find the perfect home, but will be a tremendous resource in negotiations and seeing the transaction successfully through. Communication skills, patience, and good problem solving when working as your trusted partner are just some benefits of using a REALTOR®.   

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2025 Fall Governance Meetings Recap

By Louisiana REALTORS®  • October 17, 2025
Louisiana REALTORS® wraps up 2025 and looks forward to 2026! Louisiana REALTORS® gathered in Baton Rouge from October 7–8 for the 2025 Fall Governance Meetings, a dynamic two-day event filled with professional development, strategic planning and member engagement. The day before the conference offered the conclusion to the 2025 LR Leadership Program with participants graduated from the yearlong program after a half-day session. The 2025 graduates include: Torri Byrd, Shawn Carter, Bradley Cook, Stefany Deroche, Mignon Richard Díaz, Alfra Dixon, Thaddeus Dixon, Glen Elliott, Yvonne Graham, Charlotte Johnson, Michelle LaBanca, Slagle McGuffee, Ellen Monroe, Matt Noel, Ros Pack, Tiffany Pellerin, Latonia Riggs, Shannon Rodi Nash, Trish Skellham, Rebecca Slone and Charlotte St. Romain. Additionally, a sold-out, full-day AI-Powered Real Estate Professional Certification course led by industry expert Matthew Rathbun blew away attendees and had them leaving the session with such invigoration. The first official day of the conference held focus on professional development and networking. Tuesday opened with an informative session entitled Professional Liability 101 from Rice Insurance Services Center, offering critical insights into E&O and risk management. RPR's session brought a wealth information to attendees and offered a hands-on learning experience for the tools offered online. Targeted sessions like the Local AE Meeting and the YPN Advisory Council Open Meeting provided space for peer exchange and innovation. The day concluded with a festive Opening Reception sponsored by Louisiana YPN, bringing members together to celebrate and connect. The next day offered collaboration and celebration with Closing the Affordability Gap, presented by the Louisiana Housing Corporation, equipping REALTORS® with tools to better serve clients in today’s market. Regional caucuses followed, allowing members from across Louisiana to discuss local issues and share best practices. The Board of Directors Meeting brought the governance portion of the event to a close with strategic decisions for the year ahead. At the Board Meeting, Chris Brock, Northeast REALTORS® of Louisiana; Trish Leleux, Greater Central LA REALTORS® Association; Synde Devillier, Bayou Board of REALTORS®; Scott McCubbin, Bayou Board of REALTORS®; Amber Morrow, Greater Fort Polk Area REALTORS®; and David Moses, Greater Central LA REALTORS® Association; were elected as 2026 At-Large Directors. The grand finale? A spirited LSU Pregame Fan Experience and the highly anticipated Installation Ceremony, where new leadership was formally welcomed in a celebration of community and commitment. Louisiana REALTORS® looks forward to hosting REALTORS® from around the state at the Winter Leadership Conference, March 3-4, 2026, at the Live! Casino & Hotel in Bossier City. We would like to thank our sponsors Greater Baton Rouge Association of REALTORS® (GBRAR) , Zillow , Dax Roy Appraisals, Supra, American Home Shield, Guard Home Warranty fo r their generous support in helping make this conference happen!
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