Real estate can be one of the best ways to build wealth—but one bad decision can cost you thousands. Whether you’re a buyer, seller, or investor, understanding common mistakes can save you time, money, and stress. In this blog, the TJS Team, led by Tina Jingru Sui, shares a real estate lesson that cost someone $10,000—and how you can avoid making the same costly mistake in Atlanta, Duluth, Suwanee, Dacula, Buford, Alpharetta, and Johns Creek. Why I Lost $10,000 | #tjsteam #realestate - YouTube [](https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC_xZUHZXKo0bSLj8sqaSrEw?embeds_referring_euri=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.tinasui.com%2F) 亚特兰大隋静儒地产团队Tina Sui-Atlanta Realtor-TJS Team 17 subscribers [Why I Lost $10,000 | #tjsteam #realestate](https://www.youtube.com/shorts/NjBMO297s8M) [](https://www.youtube.com/embed/NjBMO297s8M) 亚特兰大隋静儒地产团队Tina Sui-Atlanta Realtor-TJS Team Search Watch later Share Copy link Info Shopping Tap to unmute If playback doesn't begin shortly, try restarting your device. More shorts ## More shorts You're signed out Videos you watch may be added to the TV's watch history and influence TV recommendations. To avoid this, cancel and sign in to YouTube on your computer. CancelConfirm Share Include playlist An error occurred while retrieving sharing information. Please try again later. Watch on 0:00 0:00 / 2:56 •Live • [](https://www.youtube.com/shorts/NjBMO297s8M) **The $10,000 Mistake: What Happened?** Imagine this scenario: A homebuyer finds the perfect property in Alpharetta. The price is right, the neighborhood is great, and everything looks perfect. But then, a major mistake leads to an unexpected financial hit of $10,000. What went wrong? Here are some common real estate pitfalls that could cost you big money: **1\. Skipping the Home Inspection – A Costly Gamble** The Mistake: The buyer, in an attempt to make their offer more competitive, waived the home inspection. After closing, they discovered major plumbing issues that cost $10,000 in unexpected repairs. How to Avoid It: ✔️ Never waive a home inspection, even in a competitive market. ✔️ Hire a reputable inspector to assess the property thoroughly. ✔️ If you must waive the inspection to stay competitive, do a pre-offer walkthrough with a contractor for a professional opinion. 💡 TJS Team Insight: A home inspection costs a few hundred dollars, but skipping it could cost you tens of thousands in repairs later. **2\. Overpaying in a Bidding War** The Mistake: In a competitive Atlanta market, the buyer got caught in a bidding war and paid $10,000 over the appraised value. Since lenders won’t cover the gap, they had to pay the difference out of pocket. How to Avoid It: ✔️ Know your budget limits and stick to them. ✔️ Work with an experienced agent who understands market values. ✔️ Include an appraisal contingency in your offer to avoid overpaying. 💡 TJS Team Insight: It’s easy to get emotional in a bidding war, but paying too much upfront can lead to negative equity down the line. **3\. Choosing the Wrong Mortgage** The Mistake: A buyer rushed into a high-interest loan without shopping around, leading to thousands lost in higher monthly payments over time. How to Avoid It: ✔️ Compare mortgage rates from multiple lenders before committing. ✔️ Understand different loan options (FHA, VA, conventional) and their long-term costs. ✔️ Lock in a low interest rate when market conditions are favorable. 💡 TJS Team Insight: Even a 0.5% difference in interest rates can cost you thousands over the life of your loan. **4\. Selling Too Soon & Losing Money** The Mistake: A seller listed their home too quickly after purchasing and lost $10,000 due to closing costs, agent commissions, and market fluctuations. How to Avoid It: ✔️ Hold your property for at least 3-5 years to build equity before selling. ✔️ Price strategically to maximize profit based on local market trends. ✔️ Work with a real estate expert to time your sale when market conditions are best. 💡 TJS Team Insight: Selling too soon can leave you “underwater” on your mortgage—always plan for long-term value. **5\. Not Hiring the Right Real Estate Agent** The Mistake: A seller tried to list For Sale By Owner (FSBO) to save money on commission but ended up losing $10,000 due to pricing mistakes, marketing limitations, and poor negotiation skills. How to Avoid It: ✔️ Hire a trusted real estate expert with proven results. ✔️ Ensure your agent has a strong digital marketing strategy to attract buyers. ✔️ Use expert negotiation tactics to get the highest possible offer. 💡 TJS Team Insight: Homes sold with an experienced Realtor typically sell for more money and in less time than FSBO listings. How the TJS Team Can Help You Avoid Costly Mistakes Whether you’re buying or selling, real estate mistakes can be expensive—but they’re also avoidable with the right guidance. The TJS Team offers: ✔️ Expert Negotiation – Ensuring you never overpay or undersell. ✔️ Market Knowledge – Helping you time your purchase or sale for maximum profit. ✔️ Proven Strategies – Avoiding costly pitfalls with professional advice every step of the way. **Don’t Lose $10,000 – Work with the TJS Team!** Real estate mistakes can cost you thousands, but working with the right team can save you time, money, and stress. Whether you’re buying, selling, or investing, the TJS Team, led by Tina Jingru Sui, is here to guide you in Atlanta, Duluth, Suwanee, Dacula, Buford, Alpharetta, and Johns Creek. Contact us today to ensure your next real estate move is a smart one! Get in Touch Talk to Us Choose Side: First Name Last Name Your Number Your Email Your Message [](https://www.tinasui.com/)  Contact Us [404.375.2120](tel:+1.404.375.2120) | [404.905.2596](tel:+1.404.905.2596) [[email protected]](mailto:[email protected]) Navigate - [Buyer](https://www.tinasui.com/buyer/)
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