+ Discuss your situation and make sure you are ready to buy a home or property. See how long it will be or remain in the area, current employment, family size, etc.. Make sure it makes sense to buy now.

+ Talk with your family or partner before you start looking for property. Make a list of essentials. After visiting several properties, re-evaluate your list. Remember that needs change as time passes. Be sure to include criteria on the neighborhood.

+ When submitting a bid for the desired property, be kind to sellers. In the negotiation process the seller may accept, reject or return a counteroffer. This process continues until there is an agreement between the parties.

+ If there is a formal appraisal on the property desired, offer the same price or a little higher.

+ A few days before closing, ask permission to visit the property to give a final review. It is much easier to ask for a discount or negotiate a better price before closing the business.

+ Find out how much you pay in property taxes, utilities, maintenance etc. before buying. This will give you a better idea of how much will your monthly and annual expenses.

+ Take into account the costs incurred when moving to a new place.

+ Get a good lawyer for the transfer and other legal services.

+ If you have questions concerning the contract for purchase or rental, call your lawyer.