Buying your first home in 2026? Many first-time homebuyers enter the market unprepared — and that can lead to expensive mistakes. In this episode of the Summit Minute, mortgage expert Dave Steinberg shares the biggest home buying mistakes to avoid and how to prepare financially before you start house hunting.

If you're planning to buy a home this year, these mortgage and budgeting tips could save you thousands.

🔑 What You’ll Learn in This Video:
✔️ Why you should talk to a mortgage professional before house hunting
✔️ The critical difference between pre-qualification vs. pre-approval
✔️ Why you must focus on the monthly payment — not just the purchase price
✔️ Hidden costs of homeownership (taxes, insurance, utilities, energy bills)
✔️ How to budget for closing costs and moving expenses
✔️ Why you shouldn’t max out your mortgage approval
✔️ How to build your real estate “A-Team” (realtor, attorney, insurance agent, inspector)
✔️ Why emotions can derail smart home buying decisions

Dave Steinberg NMLS: #67325 Mortgage Broker Summit Funding

Chapters
00:00 – First-Time Homebuyer Mistakes to Avoid in 2026
00:27 – How Much House Can You REALLY Afford?
00:46 – Mortgage Pre-Approval vs Pre-Qualification Explained
01:43 – Why Purchase Price Doesn’t Matter (Monthly Payment Does)
02:13 – Hidden Homeownership Costs That Shock New Buyers
02:29 – Closing Costs & Upfront Cash You’ll Actually Need
03:17 – Just Because You’re Approved Doesn’t Mean You Can Afford It
03:51 – Build Your Home Buying Dream Team (Realtor, Lender, Inspector)
04:40 – Don’t Let Emotions Ruin Your Home Purchase
05:00 – Smart First-Time Buyer Strategy for 2026

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Connect with me:
Office: 718.575.1166
Email: dave@summitfunding.com
https://summitfunding.com
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Summit Funding | Registered Mortgage Broker (NMLS #52081) New York State Department of Financial Services
7030 137 Street, Kew Gardens Hills, NY 11367

Summit Funding | Licensed Correspondent Mortgage Lender (NMLS #301151) New Jersey Department of Banking and Insurance

Summit Funding Inc., Your Mortgage Professionals Licensed Mortgage Broker (NMLS #84943) | State of Connecticut Department of Banking

Summit Funding, Your Mortgage Professionals, Inc. Licensed Mortgage Broker (NMLS #84943) | Florida Office of Financial Regulation
Loans Provided By Third Party Lenders


Refer with Confidence®

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