Avoid This First Home Buyer Trap

Buying your first home is exciting, but it can also feel overwhelming.

Here’s a trap I see all the time 👇

A first home buyer finally finds a house that ticks all the boxes:

✅ Right suburb

✅ Right budget

✅ Feels like “home”

And then… they have a worry or concern and instead of talking to an expert, they post it online and ask strangers on Reddit or Facebook for advice.

What happens next? Without fail, 90% of the comments are negative. People who’ve never seen the property, don’t know your budget, don’t know your goals… start talking you out of buying it. ❌ “Wrong time to buy”

❌ “I wouldn’t buy near that street”

❌ “What if the market crashes?”

Suddenly, you’re doubting yourself. That dream home you loved now feels risky, all because of a wall of anonymous opinions.

💡 This isn’t your fault. Social media is built to amplify drama and negativity. Psychologists call it negativity bias, our brains are wired to notice risks more than rewards. And online, that effect gets magnified. Studies show people are far more likely to share bad experiences than good ones. So when you ask the internet, you’re basically asking a crowd that’s primed to shoot your dream down.

👏 The better way forward, if you have a question → ask an expert. If you have a concern→ ask an expert. Here’s why:

A "good" real estate agent can give you insight into the property, the suburb, and market conditions. A mortgage adviser can help you understand what’s realistic for your finances. A lawyer or conveyancer will catch red flags in the paperwork. A building inspector can tell you what’s hiding under the paint and carpet. These are people who know the Auckland property market inside out, not random strangers who like to argue online.

🏡 Final thought. Buying your first home is one of the biggest decisions of your life. Don’t let fear, doubt, or anonymous opinions steal that moment from you. Get advice that’s relevant to you. Build your support team, and make your decision with confidence. Your dream home deserves more than a reddit comment for karma.