Ready to buy your dream home but worried about costly missteps?
In this episode of Your Real Estate Mama, host Jan Scott—with over 35 years of real estate wisdom—breaks down the top 10 home buying mistakes that can derail your journey. From skipping pre-approval to ignoring hidden costs, Jan shares practical tips to save you time, money, and stress. Whether you’re a first-time buyer or seasoned homeowner, this episode is your guide to smarter home buying decisions.

What You Will Learn

• How to sidestep the pitfalls that trap unsuspecting home buyers.
• The critical steps to take before you even start house hunting.
• Strategies to ensure your dream home fits your budget and future plans.

Key Topics Discussed

• Why skipping pre-approval could cost you your dream home (and how to fix it).
• The sneaky extra costs that catch buyers off guard—what are they?
• Location traps that turn a great deal into a lifelong regret.
• Is a home inspection worth it? The answer might surprise you.
• How emotions and bidding wars can push you past your limits.

Show Resources and Links

• Related Episodes: Check out episodes 6 and 8 for Jan’s deep dive into home inspections with a master inspector
• Bible Reference: Matthew 7:24-27 – Explore the scripture Jan mentions about building on a solid foundation.

Quotes

• “You wouldn’t shop for a Mercedes if you only had money for a Chevrolet—same with a home.” – Jan Scott
• “A great house in the wrong location can be tough to resell and might make everyday life a headache.” – Jan Scott
• “Invite Jesus into your space and let him be the cornerstone upon which every room is built.” – Jan Scott

Conclusion

Jan wraps up this episode with a heartfelt reminder: avoiding these 10 mistakes isn’t just about saving money—it’s about building a home that’s a true haven. With her practical advice and a touch of faith, she empowers you to approach home buying with confidence and clarity.

Send Jan a text

Follow for Real Estate Tips and Expert Advice!
Looking to buy or sell a home? Tune in for real estate tips, expert advice, and real-life stories to help you navigate the housing market with confidence! 🏡 Plus, get a little mama wisdom to make your home journey smoother.

Have Real Estate Questions or Comments?
I’d love to answer them in an upcoming episode! Don’t hesitate to reach out with your real estate questions, whether it’s about buying, selling, or getting your home ready for the market.

Need a Trusted Realtor?
Connect with me to find a trusted and experienced realtor in your area. Whether you're a first-time home buyer or a seasoned seller, I’m here to guide you every step of the way.

Email: jan@yourrealestatemama.com
Follow on Facebook: @YourRealEstateMamaPodcast

Thinking about selling your home but not sure where to start? The market is stabilizing, which means homes are taking longer to sell—making preparation more important than ever. In this episode of Your Real Estate Mama, Jan Scott shares expert advice on how to get your home market-ready to attract the highest offers. From decluttering and deep cleaning to curb appeal and strategic repairs, Jan walks you through every step to make your home stand out. Plus, hear a real-life success story of how small changes helped one family sell their home in just three weeks after months of struggle.

Follow the show for new episodes, and let’s get your home sold the right way!

What You’ll Learn in This Episode:

• The essential first steps to take when preparing your home for sale
• Why decluttering and depersonalizing can make or break a sale
• The most overlooked yet impactful home improvements buyers love
• How to compete with new construction homes in today’s market
• Why having a clear financial plan before listing is a game-changer

Key Topics Discussed:

• A real-life case study: John and Nancy’s home-selling transformation
• The psychology behind home staging and what buyers really look for
• Curb appeal tricks that make your home irresistible
• Addressing major maintenance issues before they become deal-breakers
• Why now is the best time to start preparing for a spring sale

Quotes from the Episode:

"Selling a home isn’t just about moving on—it’s about moving forward." – Jan Scott

"The moment you put that for-sale sign in the yard, your home becomes a product on the market. Make sure it’s one buyers want to buy." – Jan Scott

Final Thoughts:

Spring might seem far away, but the work you do now will pay off in the long run. A well-prepared home sells faster and attracts stronger offers, setting you up for a smooth transition into your next chapter. So, take it one step at a time, trust the process, and as always—listen to your mama!

Send Jan a text

Follow for Real Estate Tips and Expert Advice!
Looking to buy or sell a home? Tune in for real estate tips, expert advice, and real-life stories to help you navigate the housing market with confidence! 🏡 Plus, get a little mama wisdom to make your home journey smoother.

Have Real Estate Questions or Comments?
I’d love to answer them in an upcoming episode! Don’t hesitate to reach out with your real estate questions, whether it’s about buying, selling, or getting your home ready for the market.

Need a Trusted Realtor?
Connect with me to find a trusted and experienced realtor in your area. Whether you're a first-time home buyer or a seasoned seller, I’m here to guide you every step of the way.

Email: jan@yourrealestatemama.com
Follow on Facebook: @YourRealEstateMamaPodcast

Ever wondered what role appraisals play in the home-buying journey? Is an appraisal just another box to check—or could it make or break your real estate deal? In this episode of Your Real Estate Mama, Jan Scott unravels the mystery of home appraisals, explaining why they matter, how they work, and how they protect buyers, sellers, and lenders alike. Whether you're buying your first home, selling a beloved property, or just curious about real estate, this episode is packed with insights you don’t want to miss.

What You’ll Learn:

• What a home appraisal is and why it’s critical in real estate.
• When you need an appraisal (and when you don’t).
• How appraisers determine a home’s value using comps, location, and condition.
• The difference between appraisals and home inspections.
• Options if an appraisal doesn’t match the purchase price.
• Modern trends in appraisals: desktop and drive-by options.

Key Topics Discussed:

• Definition of an Appraisal: What it is, who performs it, and why it’s necessary.
• When You Need an Appraisal: Mortgage requirements, cash deals, and waivers.
• How Appraisals Work: The role of comps, home condition, and location.
• Agent and Appraiser Interactions: What’s allowed, what’s not.
• Challenges with Low Appraisals: Handling discrepancies and protecting your investment.
• Tech-Driven Appraisals: Desktop and drive-by methods explained.
• Appraisal Contingencies: Protecting yourself in a competitive market.
• Mama Wisdom and Inspiration: A heartfelt story about value and legacy, featuring Jan’s father.

Show Resources:

• Follow Jan on Facebook: @yourrealestatemamapodcast
• Email Questions: Jan@YourRealEstateMama.com
• Bible Verse Mentioned: Jeremiah 29:11 – "For I know the plans I have for you..."
• Quote of the Episode: "Appraisals don’t just determine a home’s value—they help us reflect on the value we create in our own lives."

Inspirational Story Highlight:
Jan shares a touching story about her father, his determination to rewrite his life’s narrative, and the legacy of love, faith, and hard work he left behind. This lesson reminds us that no matter where we’ve been, we have the power to embrace change and step into a hopeful future.

Conclusion:
Appraisals may not be glamorous, but they’re a cornerstone of smart real estate decisions. Whether you’re buying, selling, or just dreaming about your future home, understanding the appraisal process can save you money and heartache. Remember, value is about more than dollars—it’s about the life you build.

Until next time, happy house hunting—and as Jan says,

Send Jan a text

Follow for Real Estate Tips and Expert Advice!
Looking to buy or sell a home? Tune in for real estate tips, expert advice, and real-life stories to help you navigate the housing market with confidence! 🏡 Plus, get a little mama wisdom to make your home journey smoother.

Have Real Estate Questions or Comments?
I’d love to answer them in an upcoming episode! Don’t hesitate to reach out with your real estate questions, whether it’s about buying, selling, or getting your home ready for the market.

Need a Trusted Realtor?
Connect with me to find a trusted and experienced realtor in your area. Whether you're a first-time home buyer or a seasoned seller, I’m here to guide you every step of the way.

Email: jan@yourrealestatemama.com
Follow on Facebook: @YourRealEstateMamaPodcast