After 200+ first-time buyer engagements, the same five mistakes keep showing up.
1. Buying based on monthly EMI alone
EMI is one number. Maintenance, property tax, parking fees, society charges, and the loan interest you'll actually pay over 20 years are five other numbers. Always model total cost of ownership.
2. Skipping the title check
It costs ₹15,000-25,000 to do a proper title check. The downside of not doing it is six figures.
3. Not negotiating the BSP, only the freebies
Builders happily throw in modular kitchens and free club memberships because they make their margin on the base sale price. That's where you negotiate.
4. Believing the brochure photos
Always visit the actual flat (or model unit). Brochures use renders. Renders lie.
5. Not reading the maintenance agreement
Society charges can be ₹2-4K/month or ₹15-20K/month. The difference is in fine print. Ask for the agreement before signing.