What Can Go Wrong When Buying a Home?

Buying a home should be exciting, but too often it becomes overwhelming, stressful, and—if you're not careful—a total disaster. I'm John Campos, a Sacramento-based realtor, and I want to give you a behind-the-scenes look at what really goes wrong in real estate transactions, and how you can avoid becoming another horror story.

The #1 Deal Killer? Your Lender.

You might think the biggest risks are termites or bad appraisals, but the truth is, the most common reason deals fall apart is the lender—especially when buyers choose big banks or corporate giants.

These institutions are overloaded with files. Loan officers are juggling hundreds of clients and have no financial incentive to make your deal work. Even worse, they often delay underwriting until the last week of a 30-day escrow. That’s when red flags pop up that would have been simple to solve upfront.

By the end of a sale timeline, issues popping up leave the situation in a mad scramble. Full of panic, stress, delays, and sometimes… deals that fall apart.

Key Takeaway:
Choose a lender who underwrites upfront. Get your credit, income, and documentation reviewed early. No surprises. No heartbreak.

Hidden Fees: Not All Lenders Are Transparent

Many buyers don’t realize that not all lenders charge the same rates or fees. Some tack on thousands of dollars in "points" or junk charges. Worse, they act like that’s normal.

Let me be clear: It’s not normal.

The lenders I work with are transparent from the first conversation. No surprises. No sleight of hand. That’s how it should be. All you fees and payment information upfront as best that can be estimated based on your expected purchase price. 

Key Takeaway:
Ask for a full breakdown of lender fees on Day 1. If they say, "it depends," find someone else.

That Perfect Home? Might Be a Money Pit.

A freshly painted home with perfect staging can fool just about anyone. But beneath the surface?

• Painted over issues.
  
  
• Old HVAC units.
  
  
• Sewer lines that haven’t been scoped in decades.
  
  

I’m not just a realtor. I own rentals. I’ve flipped homes. I run Airbnbs. And I walk into every home like a contractor, not a tourist.

Key Takeaway:
Hire an agent who knows what problems cost, who can spot red flags early, and negotiate or walk away before it’s your financial nightmare.

Don’t Fall for the Communication Gap

68% of buyers say the worst part of their home-buying experience was lack of communication. But 90% say they would use the same agent again. That means people are accepting poor service as the norm.

I don’t work like that.

From start to finish, I explain what’s happening, when it’s happening, and why it matters. You’re never left guessing.

Key Takeaway:
You deserve clear updates, fast responses, and proactive guidance. Don’t settle for anything less.

Bottom Line: Sacramento Buyers & Sellers Deserve Better

Buying or selling a home in Sacramento shouldn’t be a gamble. Whether you’re looking to move into your first home, upgrade your lifestyle, or cash out at the top of the market, you need more than just someone with a license—you need a real estate partner who:

• Knows the local market inside and out
  
  
• Communicates relentlessly
  
  
• Protects your money like it’s their own
  
  
• Brings experience from flips, rentals, and tough negotiations
  
  

If you’re ready to take the next step or just have questions, I’m here to help. Let’s do this the right way.

Get in touch today, and let’s make your move a success.

John Campos | Sacramento Realtor
Obsessed with communication. Passionate about client success.