What not to do when buying a home

Editor's note: This is a transcript of the audio file.

You don't get a lot of practice when you buy a home, since it's not something you do every day. So there are lots of ways you can screw up. I'm Doug Whiteman with your Bankrate.com Personal Finance Minute.

Real estate experts say one common mistake for buyers is getting too chummy with the agent showing the house. That person is probably working for the seller, and you could give away too much. Other common blunders are thinking the process will go unrealistically fast, or not shopping around enough for a lender. Never, ever tell a lender, "This is my first time and I don't know how it all works," because one expert says that's like putting a sign on your forehead that says, "Charge me more." You also don't want to use trash-talk as a bargaining technique. Telling a sensitive seller how much you hate her paint colors could be a deal-breaker. Finally, don't fall in love with a house that's way beyond your price range because you'll need extra money on reserve for those surprise expenses that always pop up. For more homebuying tips, visit Bankrate.com. I'm Doug Whiteman.