Buying your new home is a serious venture. It can be an absolute pleasure or a massive headache. Your house is not just your home, it is a serious investment in the dwelling, the area and your future.

When buying a home - you're bound to have many questions. For example, "In what area can I find a home that suits my needs?", "How much money will I need to afford the monthly payments?" and "How long will the home buying process take?"

Below are some articles that you might find useful in the home buying process. Please feel free to click on one of the links below to read more.

Buyer Articles

• Advice for First-Time Buyers
• How to Negotiate with Sellers
• Types of Mortgages
• Getting the Best Mortgage Rates Online
• Surviving Escrows

10 Ways to Save Buyers Time and Money

1. Get pre-approved prior to making an offer.
2. Include a complimentary note to seller when making an offer. Sellers will negotiate for the benefit of buyer, if they like the buyer.
3. Ask your agent for a market analysis on the property you want to buy.
4. Choose a top agent -Tom and Debaran Hughes..The Hughes Properties.
5. Know the difference between your wants and needs.
6. Have your agents search other sources beyond the MLS.
7. Have a home inspection prior to close.
8. Have as little contingencies as possible in making an offer.
9. Work with an agent that has a quick return call guarantee - when negotiating, time is money.
10. Work with an agent that has a transaction checklist to be sure that ALL details are tended to and completed for a positive and closed transaction.

Sellers

When selling your home, there are no guarantees that a buyer will simply walk through the front door. In many cases you may have to bring your home to the buyer. Effective marketing will help ensure that your property receives maximum exposure to attract a ready, willing and able buyer.

The appearance of your home, a buyer's first impression, and other considerations can also affect the sale of your home. Have you considered that home prices in your neighborhood and the value of your property are also factors used for pricing your home?

Below are some articles that you might find useful in the home selling process. Please feel free to click on one the links to read more.

Seller Articles

• Risks of Remodeling Without a Permit
• Selling Your Own Home
• Traversing The Pitfalls of Home Inspections
• What is a CMA and Why Do You Need One?
• The Home Sale: Securing The Deal

10 Ways to Save Sellers Time and Money

1. Turn lights on for all showings -- this will make you more money.
2. Paint any areas that are peeling -- before the appraiser notices and before the buyer tries negotiating.
3. Have furnace and air conditioner checked, service, and cleaned prior to the sale.
4. Have carpets cleaned for a faster sale.
5. Price your home at or just 1% below market to bring you a quicker sale with less negotiating.
6. Keep agent informed of any showing lasting over 30 minutes.
7. Declutter -- what you can live without pack.
8. Box and stack items in storage and garage on a wall in garage.
9. Change light bulbs to the highest wattage acceptable to fixture.
10. Negotiate quickly and remember your first offer is most likely your best offer.