There are common mistakes first-time buyers make. Avoid making critical missteps by being informed and asking the right questions upfront. A large percentage of buying blunders are avoidable. Try to avoid the following mistakes...
Don’t borrow the full amount the bank is willing to lend
Just because you’re approved for it doesn’t mean you should buy the most expensive house you can. As a general rule, take 20% less than the amount the bank is willing to lend. Buying a home below the maximum will safeguard your financial security.
Avoid extra-low, short-term adjustable rate mortgages
Skip the adjustable, creative financing, balloon payments, and teaser loans. No matter what life brings, you will always have your monthly mortgage payment.  A fixed mortgage will remain the same 10 or 15 years from now, regardless of how the market, interest rates, or the economy changes over time. A predictable, constant mortgage will help you determine other financial deci ...

When it's time to find a new home, it's usually time to move into a new neighborhood. Sometimes the neighborhood is as important as the home, when decide which house to buy. Everyone wants different things from their neighborhood, so know what you want before you start looking to save yourself a bunch of time and hassle. The following are things to consider when deciding on which neighborhood you want to live in...
Does The Neighborhood Match Your Lifestyle?
Do the homeowners have similar demographics to yours? If you have a family, is the neighborhood good for families? If you are a young single professional, will a suburban community really fit your lifestyle or would a downtown setting be better?
Do the Neighbors Take Pride in Their Neighborhood?
It's easy to know if neighbors are maintaining their homes and belongs just by looking around.
How is the Crime Rate?
Check local crime statistics for the neighborhood. Make an appointment with local law enforcement to find out more. ...