5 Relocation Mistakes Columbia MO Homebuyers Make

Buying a home in a city you barely know? That’s brave. But too many relocating buyers end up with regrets—and costly ones at that.

At FTP Realty, we help relocation clients every single week. And we’ve seen the same 5 mistakes pop up again and again. Here’s what to avoid—and how to do it better.

❌ Mistake 1: House Hunting Before Getting Pre-Approved

You spot a dream home. But while you scramble to get pre-approved, someone else snags it.

Better Move:
Start with a quick, no-impact loan pre-approval. At FTP, we get you mortgage-ready fast so you shop with power.

❌ Mistake 2: Picking the Wrong Neighborhood

Columbia’s ZIP codes differ a lot—commute times, school zones, even resale values.

Better Move:
Use our local area insights to compare communities. We match you with the neighborhood that fits your lifestyle, not just your budget.

❌ Mistake 3: Ignoring Employer Relocation Benefits

Many buyers leave money on the table by not using (or understanding) their relocation perks.

Better Move:
We coordinate directly with your HR or relocation rep to maximize every benefit you’re owed.

❌ Mistake 4: Overpaying Due to Pressure

Tight timelines + unfamiliar markets = emotional decisions and expensive purchases.

Better Move:
Our dual-agent/lender model moves fast without pressure. We guide you with market data, not FOMO.

❌ Mistake 5: Paying Full Commission (When You Don’t Have To)

Relocation is expensive. Don’t let agent fees make it worse.

Better Move:
We give you 100% of our commission back as a credit on your loan when you finance with us.

✔️ Smart Relocators Do This Instead:

• Start with a free consultation
• Get pre-approved with our lending team
• Use our neighborhood matchmaking tools
• Maximize benefits, skip fees, and move smart

💼 Moving to Columbia? Let’s Make It Easy

We’ll walk you through every step, save you thousands, and make sure you feel confident—not stressed—about your next move.