The Biggest Mistake Home Buyers Make: Starting in the Wrong Place
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The Biggest Mistake Home Buyers Make: Starting in the Wrong Place
Connor “with Honor” MacIvor - August 20, 2025** Tags: [santa clarita real estate](/-/Blog/tag/santa clarita real estate), [first responder realtor](/-/Blog/tag/first responder realtor), [home buying tips](/-/Blog/tag/home buying tips), [mortgage lenders](/-/Blog/tag/mortgage lenders), [real estate agent santa clarita](/-/Blog/tag/real estate agent santa clarita), [buyer agreements](/-/Blog/tag/buyer agreements), [santa clarita homes for sale](/-/Blog/tag/santa clarita homes for sale), [valencia ca real estate](/-/Blog/tag/valencia ca real estate), [saugus ca homes](/-/Blog/tag/saugus ca homes), [newhall ca properties](/-/Blog/tag/newhall ca properties), [real estate market tr](/-/Blog/tag/real estate market tr) ** 0 Comments | Add Comment
The Biggest Mistake Home Buyers Make: Starting in the Wrong Place
So, you’re ready to buy a home in Santa Clarita. You’re scrolling through listings on https://www.santaclaritaopenhouses.com/, dreaming of a gated community in Valencia or a cozy condo in Saugus. But where do you actually start? Conventional wisdom screams, “Talk to a lender first!” Get pre-approved, know your budget, blah, blah, blah. Sure, that’s not terrible advice, but let me hit you with a truth bomb: starting with a real estate agent is often the smarter move.
Why? Because a good realtor—like yours truly, Connor MacIvor, who’s navigated the streets as an LAPD officer and now conquers the Santa Clarita real estate market—knows the entire playing field. We’re not just talking homes for sale; we’re talking strategy, connections, and the insider knowledge to keep you from getting screwed over. Lenders are great for numbers, but realtors are your generals in the home-buying war. Let’s break it down.
Why a Realtor Should Be Your First Call
1. They Know the Players in the Game
A top-tier real estate agent isn’t just a glorified tour guide showing you pretty houses. They’re your personal quarterback, calling the plays and connecting you with the right team. Want to know the difference between a mortgage broker, a credit union, or a big bank? A realtor can break it down in plain English, no jargon, no fluff. For example:
A realtor like me, with years of experience in Santa Clarita, can point you to trusted lenders who won’t waste your time or sneak in hidden fees. I’ve seen the good, the bad, and the ugly in this market, and I’ll steer you toward the good. Want to explore your options? Hit up https://www.santaclaritaopenhouses.com/blog/the-advantages-of-different-types-of-mortgage-lenders for more insights.
2. They Arm You with the Right Questions
Walking into a lender’s office without prep is like walking into a car dealership with a blank check. You’re begging to be taken for a ride. A realtor will coach you on what to ask lenders to get the best deal. Questions like:
A good realtor doesn’t just hand you a lender’s business card; they give you the playbook to negotiate like a pro. For more on what you need to apply for a loan, check out https://www.santaclaritaopenhouses.com/blog/items-you-need-when-applying-for-a-loan.
3. They Understand the New Rules of the Game
Here’s where things get spicy. New real estate regulations in 2024 mean buyers might have to pay their agent’s commission directly. Yeah, you heard that right—buyers paying agents. It’s always been negotiable, but now it’s front and center. A savvy realtor will walk you through this, explaining how to negotiate commissions and avoid overpaying. Curious about these changes? Dive into https://www.santaclaritaopenhouses.com/blog/buyers-signing-contracts-to-just-view-homes-for-sale-is-now-mandatory for the full scoop.
This is where my background as a first responder comes in. As an ex-LAPD officer, I’m trained to spot red flags and protect my clients. I’ll make sure you understand every contract, every fee, and every clause before you sign. No surprises, no scams—just results. Want to know more about buyer agreements? Visit https://www.santaclaritaopenhouses.com/blog/why-buyers-need-written-agreements-by-the-first-responder-realtor.
4. They Keep You Safe from Shady Relationships
Here’s a dirty little secret: some lenders and agents have cozy “referral” deals that aren’t in your best interest. Maybe the lender pushes a high-rate loan because they get a kickback, or the agent refers you to their buddy who’s more about closing fast than closing smart. A realtor with integrity—like me—will vet every recommendation to ensure there’s no funny business. I’ve spent years building a network of trustworthy pros in Santa Clarita, from lenders to inspectors. You can trust me to keep it real. Learn more about avoiding scams at https://www.santaclaritaopenhouses.com/blog/daily-santa-clarita-real-estate-update-buyers-dont-get-scammed-when-signing.
But What About Starting with a Lender?
Okay, let’s give the other side some love. Starting with a lender isn’t a terrible idea. Getting pre-approved gives you a clear budget, which is crucial in a hot market like Santa Clarita, where homes in neighborhoods like Valencia and Stevenson Ranch are getting multiple offers (see https://www.santaclaritaopenhouses.com/blog/santa-clarita-real-estate-multiple-offers-on-most-homes-placed-on-the-market). A lender can also refer you to agents, but here’s the catch: their recommendations might not be as tailored as a realtor’s. Lenders focus on the money; realtors focus on the mission.
If you do start with a lender, make sure they’re legit. Ask for references, check their track record, and don’t sign anything until you’ve read every word. For tips on finding a trustworthy lender, head to https://www.santaclaritaopenhouses.com/blog/getting-a-legitimate-lender-and-getting-pre-approved.
Why Connor MacIvor Is Your Go-To Realtor
Let’s get real for a second. I’m not your average real estate agent. As a former LAPD officer, I’ve spent years honing my skills in high-stakes situations, from patrolling the streets to training others in firearms and drug recognition. That same discipline, strategy, and no-BS attitude carries over to my real estate game. I’m Connor MacIvor, CALDRE 01238257, and I’ve helped countless buyers and sellers in Santa Clarita navigate the market with confidence.
Here’s what I bring to the table:
Ready to start your home-buying journey? Book a free, no-obligation consultation at https://zoommescv.com or call me at 661-888-4983. I’ll arm you with the knowledge and strategy to win in this market.
The Santa Clarita Market: Why Timing Matters
The Santa Clarita real estate market is heating up. As of July 2024, inventory hit a two-year high with 505 listings. That’s good news for buyers—more choices mean more leverage. But with mortgage rates creeping closer to the “magic number”, competition is fierce, especially for homes under $750,000.
Starting with a realtor ensures you’re ready to pounce when the right home hits the market. I’ll set you up with real-time alerts through https://www.santaclaritaopenhouses.com/blog/active-listings and guide you through every step, from offer to closing. Want to know the hottest neighborhoods? Check out https://www.santaclaritaopenhouses.com/blog/best-neighborhoods-santa-clarita-2024.
Common Pitfalls to Avoid
Buying a home isn’t all sunshine and open houses. Here are some traps to dodge, and how a realtor helps:
How to Get Started with Confidence
Here’s your game plan:
A Word on AI and Real Estate
I’m not just a realtor; I’m an AI enthusiast who uses cutting-edge tech to give my clients an edge. At https://honorelevate.com/, we’re building AI solutions for realtors and buyers alike. Want to see how AI can help you buy a home? Check out https://www.santaclaritaopenhouses.com/blog/i-used-artificial-intelligence-to-show-me-how-to-buy-a-house-and-this-is-it. It’s not about replacing the human touch—it’s about making it sharper.
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Full Transparency
Yes, I earn referral fees when you work with agents I recommend. But unlike national platforms like Zillow or Realtor.com, I personally know and vet every single agent in my network of 17 trusted professionals.
My recommendations are based on YOUR specific needs and the complexity of your situation—not who pays the highest referral fee. I live in Santa Clarita Valley, and my reputation in this community depends on your success. Local accountability matters.
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