Before You Shop:

• Be a smart buyer Know the basics of financing. Learn how to find the right home loan for you.

• Get Pre-approve. It takes only a few minutes and allows you to determine the right price range for your needs.

• It is important to know what you want. It's not a good idea to sign a contract only to find out later that you didn't like the house. Before you start looking at homes, think about what you want. Consider the size, commute time, and repairs that are necessary.

• Reduce your debt load. Do not make large purchases or take on additional debt after you have purchased. Don't apply for new credit cards. Instead, pay down your existing credit cards. Financial institutions will evaluate your financial situation based on your gross monthly income. Your monthly house cost should not exceed 28 percent of your gross monthly income.

• You should be prepared to quickly view new properties. Sometimes houses sell quickly so be prepared to make quick decisions. You should be able to modify the terms.

  You can have instant access to your agent. You can communicate with your agent instantly to make the purchase of the property you want.

Before You Buy:

• Send a strong, competitive offer.

• Include a large earnest money deposit. Sometimes, offers will be accepted based upon the amount of the deposit.

• Limit the number of contingencies. A stronger offer will be made if there are fewer contingencies.

• Hiring an inspector. An appraiser or professional building inspector will inspect the house to ensure it is in good condition.

• Be sure to check the covenants and zoning regulations. Zones that are good for residential areas will exclude industrial and commercial users. Make sure to read any restrictive covenants.

• Ask for a current property survey. Make sure the boundaries are clearly marked. Look out for potential problems.