Buying a home can be a lot like losing weight (all the more so if it’s your first home) in the sense that people end up doing and buying some pretty dubious things. But while desperate dieters might waste money on “miracle” weight-loss pills or near-useless exercise equipment, misguided home buyers could be doing far more serious damage to their financial situation—like undermining their ability to purchase a house at all. The Cascade Team is here to shed light on some of the dumbest reasons people become unable buy a home. The good news? These flubs are easily avoidable. Read on and be aware.