5 Things I Wish I Knew Before Buying a House (Especially in Colorado Springs!)
Buying your first house is exciting, life-changing… and honestly, a little terrifying. As a real estate agent in Colorado Springs (and someone who’s been in your shoes), I want to share a few things I really wish someone had told me before I bought my first home. Not just the usual “check your credit score” kind of tips—but the stuff that hits you once the moving truck’s gone and the reality of homeownership sets in.
So let’s get into the things I wish I knew before I bought a house.
1. Your Pre-approval is NOT Necessarily Your Budget
When I bought my first house, I felt like I hit the jackpot getting pre-approved. The bank gave me a number, and I thought, “Cool, that’s what I can afford.” Nope. Rookie mistake.
Here’s the deal: your lender doesn’t know how much you spend on daycare, gym memberships, or the occasional Target haul. They’re working off a formula, not your lifestyle. That pre-approval amount is the maximum they’re willing to lend—not necessarily what’s comfortable for you.
Oh, and don’t forget the extras beyond your mortgage:
- Property taxes
- Homeowners insurance
- HOA dues
- Utilities
- Maintenance (more on that next)
Financial experts recommend setting aside about 1% of your home’s value each year for maintenance and unexpected repairs. That $400,000 house? You’ll want about $4,000 a year just in case the water heater explodes or your furnace gives up in the middle of winter. Ask me how I know.
2. Fall in Love With the Neighborhood, Not Just the House
We’ve all been there—mesmerized by granite countertops and a Pinterest-worthy backsplash. But before you fall too hard, step outside. The neighborhood matters just as much as the house.
Here’s what I always tell my clients:
- Drive through the neighborhood at different times of day (school drop-off, evenings, weekends).
- Try your commute to work or school. Is it actually 15 minutes, or does it just feel that way on Google Maps?
- Check crime stats and community forums.
- Talk to the neighbors—yep, knock on a few doors or wave at people walking their dogs.
If you end up loving the house but hating the location, it can make homeownership feel like a daily grind. And in a city like Colorado Springs, where neighborhoods vary dramatically in vibe, commute time, and amenities, doing this homework pays off big time.
3. Emotions Make You Dumb (Yes, Really)
Okay, maybe not dumb, but definitely biased.
Buying a home is emotional—it’s your future, your investment, your dreams. But getting too emotionally attached can cloud your judgment. You might overlook:
- Water stains and assume they’re “old.”
- Busy roads and tell yourself the traffic is “just temporary.”
- High prices and say, “We’ll make it work somehow.”
Step back. Bring a friend, parent, or agent who isn’t emotionally involved. They’ll see the cracks you miss—literally and figuratively.
We say it all the time at My Front Range Living: It’s a house, not a soulmate. You want to love it, sure—but it’s still an investment. Treat it like one.
4. Have a Rainy Day Fund (You’ll Need It Sooner Than You Think)
The second we closed on our first home, things started breaking. Not kidding. It was like the house waited until we had zero money left to say, “Surprise!”
One friend had their dishwasher die the day after moving in. Another? Their water heater didn’t survive the first winter.
Even if everything looks great during inspection, things wear out. That’s just homeownership. So here’s your new mantra: Don’t spend your entire budget on the down payment. Make sure your mortgage payment allows you to keep saving every month.
Shoot for that 1% rule again. A $400,000 home = $4,000 a year = around $330/month into savings. It’s not glamorous, but it’s what keeps you from panic-Googling “how much does a furnace cost?” at midnight.
5. Renting Isn’t Throwing Money Away
I know, I know—coming from a real estate agent, this sounds blasphemous. But hear me out.
Renting can be smart if you:
- Need to improve your credit
- Are saving for a bigger down payment
- Want to get to know Colorado Springs before committing
It buys you time. And when you’re ready, homeownership will still be here—along with the equity-building perks and long-term wealth opportunities.
We’re huge advocates of buying when it makes sense for you, not because someone says renting is a waste. Spoiler: it’s not if it’s part of your plan.
Bonus: You Don’t Have to Go It Alone
Buying a home can feel overwhelming, especially the first time around. But here’s the thing—you don’t have to figure it all out by yourself.
Whether you’re relocating to Colorado Springs, just starting your home search, or wondering if now’s even the right time, we’ve got you.
Download our free Colorado Springs Relocation Guide for insider info on neighborhoods, schools, restaurants, hiking trails, and more. Or click here to schedule a consultation—let’s build a plan that works for your lifestyle and budget.
Final Thoughts
I hope this gave you a clearer picture of what I wish I knew before I bought a house—especially right here in Colorado Springs. No sugarcoating, just honest insight from someone who’s been through it and now walks others through the process every day.
Feeling excited and maybe a little overwhelmed? That’s completely normal. But with the right prep, the right people in your corner, and a little less emotion driving big decisions, you can find the home that’s truly right for you.
About The Author
The team at My Front Range Living are a group of full time real estate experts serving Colorado Springs, El Paso County and the surrounding areas. Their knowledge of the local community and experience in the industry provide you incomparable value when buying or selling a home. With several years of experience in helping out of state buyers and sellers, they are the go-to team when it comes to relocating and helping Colorado feel like home. Click Here to book a consultation with us.
Even if you’re looking for an agent in another city or state, the My Front Range Living team has a network of experts that can connect you with the right professional.
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