Forbes: Red Flags when buying your first home

When browsing the market for a new home, first-time homebuyers are often eager to find their dream property. Unfortunately, some are so eager that they can blind themselves to potential red flags.

Settling for a house that’s not right for you is an easy mistake to make, but it's one that can be detrimental in the long run. You don’t want to be stuck with a property you don’t like—or worse, can’t sell—simply because you rushed the buying process. Below, Forbes Real Estate Council member and ACME broker Courtney Poulos discusses some of the warning signs to watch for when evaluating a potential home.

An Unrealistic Market View

No house is perfect. Remember there is a tradeoff. First-time homebuyers should make sure they are realistic about the market so they don't shoot themselves in the foot. Ask yourself, "Could this home meet my needs for the next few years?" Then plan to keep it as an investment to build your real estate empire. Negotiate repairs, but don't be scared. - Courtney Poulos, ACME Real Estate

Read more from the rest of the council at Forbes.com.