There’s always something that can go sideways in real estate. In this episode, we move beyond the basic steps and dive deep into the tips and tricks every first-time homebuyer needs to ensure a smooth transaction. Featuring Attorney Shivani, we discuss the emotional and strategic sides of home buying—from identifying your "Big Why" to protect against buyer's fatigue, to why picking a local lender could be the reason your offer actually gets accepted. Key Topics Covered: The Power of "Why": Why sitting with your motivations for 15 minutes can save you months of wasted effort. Mortgage Strategies: A breakdown of ARMs (Adjustable Rate Mortgages) and the "refinance incentive". Local vs. Big Banks: Why national "big banks" often struggle with Massachusetts-specific property laws and why listing agents prefer local lenders. The Zillow Trap: Understanding why "pre-foreclosure" listings are often just clickbait. Why You Need a Buyer’s Agent: The risks of being unrepresented and how an agent provides a "level of protection" you can't get on your own. Spotting Red Flags: How experienced agents help you identify structural issues like retaining walls or aging roofs before you ever get to the inspection. Timestamps: 00:00 – Intro: Real estate tips for when things go sideways 02:40 – Identifying your "Big Why" to avoid buyer’s fatigue 03:55 – Common motivations: Investment, pets, and school systems 05:58 – What is an ARM (Adjustable Rate Mortgage)? 07:20 – The importance of personal lender recommendations 08:24 – The problem with big banks and internet lenders 09:49 – Why local lenders understand the Massachusetts market better 11:23 – Why the lowest interest rate isn't always the best deal 12:20 – How a proactive lender helps get your offer accepted 15:03 – Identifying an attorney before you put in an offer 18:00 – The truth about Zillow pre-foreclosures and clickbait 19:00 – The danger of being an unrepresented buyer 23:15 – How agents help you spot structural red flags early 25:20 – Why you should shop around for a buyer’s agent