11 Mistakes That Could Cost Buyers Thousands

Every mistake in this guide came from a real transaction — real buyers, real consequences. Read this before you fall in love with anything.

Pre-approval vs pre-qual The gap that costs buyers their home at the worst possible moment
Rate shopping strategy One comparison call could save tens of thousands over the life of a loan
Inspection contingency rights What to never waive — even in the most competitive market
Hidden ownership costs The budget gap that catches nearly every first-time buyer off guard

900+ Transactions Closed

20yr Sacramento Region

Real Stories, Real Outcomes

Every mistake in this guide came from a real transaction. Read it before you fall in love with anything.

Dana Miller

Real Estate Agent · Educator · Advocate · DRE #01472899

Dana has closed over 900 transactions across Sacramento, Placer, and El Dorado counties over 20 years. She built this guide from the real losses she watched buyers absorb — the preventable ones. The moments where the right information, delivered earlier, would have changed everything. That's why this exists.

Forbes — Top Agent in America Five Star Professional 2011–2024 Top 1% Nationally Sacramento Real Producers Top 100