Barbara Corcoran’s No. 1 Thing To Do Before Buying a Home
Written by
Caitlyn Moorhead
Edited by
Gary Dudak
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Buying a home is one of the biggest financial decisions you’ll ever make, and with all the economic uncertainly in 2026, it’s easy to get overwhelmed. Mortgage rates, tight inventory and competitive bidding wars are all factors that can make you rush to sign on the dotted line, but you may want to slow your roll.
Barbara Corcoran — the popular real estate mogul, money expert and “Shark Tank” investor — warns that there’s one crucial step every buyer should take to avoid costly mistakes before you close on a home.
Why a Second Home Visit Is Essential Before Buying
If Corcoron had you take one piece of real estate investing advice, it would be to always go back for a second look. Simply put, never skip a second visit before making an offer, so you can evaluate the home and neighborhood at different times as well as look beyond the aesthetics. Give yourself a chance to focus on functionality and potential issues.
Many buyers fall in love at first sight and overlook potential deal-breakers. A second visit gives you the chance to think twice with the benefit of some added or new perspective.
Check the Neighborhood Before You Commit
Your home isn’t just the property — it’s the community. Drive around the area during morning and evening hours to assess all the surrounding factors. In the 15-second video posted to her TikTok and Instagram accounts, Corcoran spelled out the most common mistake promising homebuyers make.
“They don’t go back for another look. That’s when you discover the noisy neighbor, the barking dog, the party house right across the street,” she said. “Go back for another look.”
When prospective buyers become enamored with a home, they can have blinders after that first-time feeling. However, it’s crucial to confirm that sense of certainty once you’ve driven around the neighborhood and seen the house at different times. This second glance can also help you discover the following:
- Traffic flow and parking availability
- Safety and overall vibe
- Proximity to schools, shopping and amenities
Inspect for Repairs and Expansion Potential
Buying a house is expensive enough without the potential for costly repairs, maintenance or financial shocks down the line. A second walkthrough also helps confirm your initial impressions and uncover:
- Structural issues or cosmetic repairs
- Floor plan functionality
- Space for future renovations or additions
With average mortgage rates hovering around 6%, affordability is tight. Making a rushed decision could lead to buyer’s remorse or worse — unexpected costs. Taking time for a second visit ensures your investment aligns with your lifestyle and financial goals.
“People fall in love with the house and think at that moment in time it’s their new house,” Corcoran said. “No, you got to see it in the morning and you got to see it at night. Do your snooping.”
David Nadelle contributed to the reporting for this article.
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