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What TikTok Misses: Essential Tips for First-Time Homebuyers You Need to Know

04/18/2025 Ruben Peach

Buying your first home can feel like navigating a maze—exciting yet overwhelming, with twists and turns that can leave even the most prepared buyer scratching their head. While TikTok offers endless entertaining snippets of advice and dazzling home tours, there’s a world of essential knowledge that often gets overlooked in those quick clips. From understanding mortgage options to recognizing potential red flags during inspections, the journey to homeownership requires more than just trending sounds and viral hacks.

In this blog post, we’ll dive deep into the critical tips every first-time homebuyer should know before taking the plunge. So grab your notepad (and maybe a snack), and let’s unlock the secrets to making your dream home a reality.

You’re Going to Feel Overwhelmed

TikTok loves a good “3 tips to buy a house” video. But real life isn’t a 30-second montage with lo-fi beats in the background. The homebuying process is… a lot. From pre-approvals and house hunting to inspections and closing costs, it’s like learning a new language while playing a high-stakes game of Monopoly.

Pre-Approval Isn’t a Blank Check

Getting pre-approved feels great, right? But just because a lender says you can borrow $400,000 doesn’t mean you should. TikTok tends to skip over the part where stretching your budget too far can leave you “house poor”—AKA, living in a gorgeous home with zero money for furniture, food, or, you know… life. Figure out what monthly payment you’re comfortable with (including taxes, insurance, and surprise maintenance), and let that guide your price range.

Hidden Costs Will Sneak Up on You

You found a place, made an offer, and it got accepted—cue the happy dance! But wait… now comes the part TikTok glosses over: the extras. Closing costs can run 2–5% of your purchase price. Then there’s the home inspection, appraisal fees, moving expenses, new locks, utility deposits, and—oh yeah—that funky plumbing issue you didn’t see during the walk-through. Budget at least a few thousand bucks for the “surprise fund.” Your future self will high-five you.

Your Dream Home Might Not Exist (At Least in Your Budget)

Social media is full of “Pinterest-perfect” homes, but in reality might look more like beige carpets and popcorn ceilings. And that’s okay. You might not get everything on your wishlist—especially as a first-time buyer. Focus on the stuff you can’t change: the neighborhood, layout, and overall structure. Cosmetic stuff? You can update it over time (and even make some fun DIY content).

It’s an Emotional Rollercoaster

What TikTok doesn’t show? The heartbreak of getting outbid. The anxiety of waiting on loan approval. The panic when your inspection finds foundation issues. It’s normal to second-guess everything, from your realtor to your life choices. The key is to take a breath, keep perspective, and remember: You’re making a big move—literally and financially. It’s okay if it doesn’t all feel Instagram-worthy.

Buying your first home is exciting, no doubt. But it’s also messy, emotional, and filled with way more paperwork than TikTok ever lets on. The good news? You’re not alone. Every homeowner has been where you are, wondering if they’re doing it right. So tune out the noise, ask real questions, and give yourself some grace. TikTok can show you the highlights—but you get to live the real story.…

Mistakes You’re Making When Cleaning With Pine Sol

10/01/202210/30/2022 Ruben Peach

Are you using Pine-Sol to clean your house? If so, you may be making common mistakes preventing you from getting the most out of this powerful cleaner. This blog post will discuss some of the most common mistakes people make when using Pine-Sol and how to avoid them.

Mixing Bleach When Cleaning With Pine Sol

One of the common mistakes people make when using Pine-Sol is mixing it with bleach. Although Pine-Sol does contain some bleach, it is not meant to be combined with full-strength bleach. This can cause severe respiratory problems and should be avoided at all costs. If you need to use a bleaching agent, mix it with water before adding it to your Pine-Sol solution.

Mixing Other Solvents With Pine Sol

Another mistake people make is mixing other solvents with Pine-Sol. This can dilute the solution and make it less effective at cleaning. It can also potentially cause damage to surfaces if not used correctly. If you need to use another solvent, test it in a small area before using it on your entire project.

Not Using Enough Pine Sol

Not using enough Pine-Sol is also a common mistake. It would help if you used enough of the solution to do its job correctly. If you don’t use enough, you may not get the results you’re hoping for. Be sure to follow the instructions on the bottle and use the recommended amount for the best results.

Cleaning Wrong Surfaces

Pine-Sol is a powerful cleaner and can be used on a variety of surfaces. However, there are some surfaces that it should not be used on. These include marble, granite, and other natural stone surfaces. Use Pine-Sol on these surfaces can damage them and leave them looking dull. If you’re unsure whether or not you should use Pine-Sol on a specific surface, test it in a small area first.

Cleaning Vinyl Floor With Pine Sol

Cleaning your vinyl floor with Pine-Sol is a big no-no. Although it may seem like a good idea at first, using Pine-Sol on your vinyl floor will damage it and make it more susceptible to scratches and scuffs. If you need to clean your vinyl floor, use a mild soap and water solution.

In conclusion, there are a few mistakes you might be making when cleaning with Pine-Sol. Be sure to avoid mixing it with other solvents or bleach, using too little solution, and using it on the wrong surfaces. By following these tips, you can get the most out of your Pine-Sol and keep your home clean and fresh. Thanks for reading.…

Tips for Choosing the Right Scratching Post for Your Cat

06/04/201912/11/2019 Ruben Peach

If you have just managed to get your first cat, it might be hard for you to take good care of it since it is your first time having a cat in your compound. Taking good care of your cat will force you to research on the effective means that you can use to ensure that your cat is healthy always. During this process, you will also need to identify the right materials you will have to purchase for your cat. One of the standards and useful tools you need for your cat is a scratching post.

How will you find the right scratching post for your cat? What are the essential options you need to consider in your selection? These should be the questions that will guide you to make the right choice and find a quality scratching post for your cat. On the same note, ensure that you avoid using sources that are not trustworthy in offering you with the information that you need. Let us discuss some of the factors that you should consider when you decide that you need to buy a scratching post for your cat.

Texture

When you want to go outside there and look for the right type of a scratching post that your cat can use, remember that cats are different and due to this reason, you might buy a scratching post that your cat will not bother to apply. Just like human fingernails, the cat claws also keep on growing throughout the cat’s life. Even though they need regular attention, most of the cats take care of it themselves. If you notice that the cat is scratching the side of your couch, then you need to consider getting a post that is dense like sisal. It is one of the best options you should consider because they are durable.

Placement

When you have bought the cat post, you need to place it in front or near an object that your cat has been scratching. If it were scratching the couch, it would now choose whether to scrape the post or continue with the sofa. If it starts scratching the tool that you bought, then this will become a habit, and then you will have to move your post to a better and desirable room within your house.

Stability

Stability is another vital factor you will be asked to consider when you are choosing a scratching post. You need to find a portable and stable scratching post in case your cat starts to scratch it; you will want to ensure that it remain upright regardless of its weight. Once your cat realizes that it is a scratching post, it will be spending most of the time tipping on the scratching post.

Height

Before you buy this material or a tool for your cat, you need to remember that it is not only about claw health. The type of post you will buy will help your cat to stay active and healthy. Know that when cats scratch their claws, it is also another way to flex and stretch their bodies.…