Welcome your new abode like a pro by avoiding these common first-time home buyer mistakes that will cost you more hassle and dollars in the long run.
Owning a house is a major milestone, and the last thing you want is to make first-time home buyer mistakes that’ll cost you unnecessary headaches. Think irreversible interior decisions, wasting precious time, and spending more in the long run. So, we gathered experienced homeowners in Singapore who’ve learnt it the hard way. Here are some nuggets of wisdom to keep in mind as you welcome your new abode.
5 common first-time home buyer mistakes to avoid
1. Compromising comfort for aesthetics
“When we first moved into our home, we were so committed to a minimalistic look that we skipped ceiling fans entirely. Big mistake. For years, we struggled on hot days, cycling through a costly parade of portable fans that were inconvenient and couldn’t cool the room.
Finally, we gave in and installed a ceiling fan in the living room. It instantly made the space more livable, so we can enjoy a steady, cooling breeze without blasting the air-conditioner all day. New homeowners, don’t underestimate the value of functionality. Style matters, but living comfortably is more important.”
– Benita Lee
2. Saving at the expense of time
“As first-time home buyers on a tight budget, we bought into the idea of shopping for our appliances and fittings across the border in Johor Bahru. It took a full, exhausting day of shopping and hauling everything back, all to save a few hundred dollars.
When preparing for our next home, we realised that the nearby industrial offices sold the same essentials. Although we paid slightly higher local prices, the convenience of visiting the shops, easily checking on the items, and having local delivery made all the difference. The lesson learned: time is money. I now prioritise convenience over saving a few dollars any day!”
– Syazana Hishamuddin
3. Getting blindsided by big brands and flashy options
“I’ve always felt lost choosing products, often choosing to go with big brands first, then functionality and looks. This has led to expensive and impractical purchases that don’t last. Plus, I end up spending more to replace them.
My advice? Research before you shop. Knowing my needs in advance prevents me from being swayed by flashy promotions or trends, helping me stick to practical products that last while meeting my needs and budget.”
– Jasmine Kok
4. Being short-sighted in planning
“Our house renovation took place during a rather hectic period, which caused us to make many regrettable short-sighted decisions. For starters, we failed to measure the fridge space and ended up with a unit that was too small for the kitchen.
We also didn’t consider our colour scheme, choosing a pure white shade that we quickly regretted. In the end, we had to repaint our house, which added extra hassle and expenses. These mistakes taught us the high cost of rushing simple yet foundational decisions.”
– Melissa Teo
5. Falling into the pitfall of cheap alternatives
After shortlisting household items in reputable hardware stores, we decided to source online for cheaper, similar-looking alternatives to save money. A faucet is just a faucet, so why pay more? Despite warnings from our contractor, we brushed off concerns about durability.
Fast forward a year later, and the quality showed: the kitchen faucet cracked, a light switch broke, and a statement lamp started tilting dangerously – all despite us being gentle users. The moral of the story: you get what you pay for. Don’t expect top quality when you only pay a fraction of the price. We eventually had to replace these faulty items.”
– Esther Chung
Here’s your sign to make smarter homeowner decisions
Thinking of scrimping and saving for your new home? Or, allured by the latest, shiny product online? Let these real-life experiences from current homeowners urge you otherwise. Their golden advice: invest in quality appliances that withstand the test of time, think long-term, and always place comfort first.
If you’re searching for a lasting home appliance worth investing in, meet the Care+ Edition Front Load V Series Stackable Washer and Dryer from Panasonic. This addition to your laundry arsenal will offer convenience and functionality, alongside a planet-friendly touch.
Using a Japan-patented Cyclone Purification System, the washing machine ensures purified water is used each time. The powerful cyclone system taps on centrifugal force to remove dirt and impurities from the water, ensuring only clean water is being used for every wash. Plus, the washer uses hygienic hot and cold washes that are said to eliminate 99.99% of bacteria while optimising energy consumption.
The dryer is equally functional. The use of three inverter motors creates an ideal forward-and-reverse rotation while maintaining sufficient airflow. Not only does this increase drying efficiency, it also helps prevent clothes from tangling. Coupled with a large three-stage filter, this allows the circulation of powerful airflow and further speeds up the drying process. To rid clothes of unwelcome odour and bacteria, the dryer comes equipped with a Fragrance System and nanoeX technology, too.
Oh, did we mention how premium and sleek they look? Let this washer and dryer add a luxurious touch to your home – all while doing its job. Find out more about the Care+ Edition Front Load series and you might just be tempted to bring them home.
Armed with these nuggets of wisdom from fellow homeowners, you’ll be in great hands when welcoming your new home!
This post is in partnership with Panasonic.
