The Top 10 Costly Mistakes Home Buyers Make Homeownership is on the rise again. With mortgage applications surging and homeownership experiencing its first uptick since 2013, **w seems like a good time to buy. But purchasing a house is a complicated process that's affected by emotions as well as finances—especially if you’ve never done it before. So, if you’re planning to take the plunge, check out these common missteps first-time Buyers often make. Learn to recognize and avoid them to keep your dream of homeownership from turning into a nightmare.