If you are serious about buying a home and want to do everything possible to make it a successful venture, the following suggestions are worth the time and effort.
 

• Check your credit- there are three major credit-reporting agencies and you are entitled to one free credit check a year. You can do this yourself at the following Internet sites:

•   Get Pre-approved - Your REALTOR® can help you find a mortgage broker. Mortgage brokers provide customers a wide variety of loan programs to insure the best match for your needs. The broker will help you determine the amount of loan you will qualify for. There is usually no fee required for this service. ( You can visit "www.mortgage101.com" to calculate and approximate amount you might qualify for.) Once you have received the loan pre-approval, it will help you to negotiate a better price for the home because the seller will feel more secure about the sale actually closing.

• Find a REALTOR®- A knowledgeable agent is valuable to make certain the process goes smoothly. The training, past experiences, and personal relationships can protect the largest investment that some people make, their home. Certified Residential Specialists represent 7% of the REALTOR® membership nationally that actually participate in 25% of all transactions and you would be wise to choose one.

• Making an Offer- Your experienced agent can show you with comparable sales that will help you determine what kind of bid to make for the home.

• Inspect the Property- A REALTOR®  can arrange a professional inspector to obtain an objective, unbiased report on the condition of the structural, mechanical, electrical, and plumbing systems that will help you avoid unnecessary surprises.

• Settlement- Once your REALTOR®  has negotiated a successful contract, the loan process will be completed by the mortgage company having an appraisal done on the property, to assure the value of the home meets their requirements. Prior to the closing, you will need to provide proof of property insurance. you will need to bring all required funds in certified funds; certified check, wire transfer, etc.

• Moving- Planning the actual moving requires time to arrange for a mover, sorting what is going to the new home and what is going to be sold, discarded or donated. Proper packing is important to prevent damage to your valuables, so if you are not using a professional moving service, you can go to "http://www.moving.com" for suggestions.