There are several things to consider when you are considering a home purchase:

• Talk to the experts

Working with a Realtor, lender and attorney may save you a lot of wasted time and energy. These professionals can expertly guide you through the process.

A Realtor can provide you with expert knowledge about the local market and will be a useful resource throughout the entire process from the initial search through closing on the purchase of your new home.

If your Realtor is working for you as a buyer’s agent, they are on committed to helping you find the best home for you and then negotiate the best possible price and terms.

• Be smart about financing

You may have savings allotted to cover your down payment, but don’t forget about other upfront expenses like closing and inspection costs.

We can help you find ways to reduce upfront costs, including the possibility of the seller paying these for you.

We always recommend that our clients get pre-approved by a reputable mortgage lender before we even go out to visit homes.

Why go see a home that you may not be able to afford?

This will enable you to understand what price range you can afford, and set realistic expectations from the beginning. Many people get focused on getting a “good deal” and start focusing on the sales price of a home.

We encourage our clients to focus on the monthly payment that they will have. A difference in the sales price by a couple of thousand dollars will not mean much at all in your monthly payment.

Many lenders will approve you to borrow much more than you are comfortable with, once you understand the monthly payment associated with the loan!

We can refer you to reputable lenders for pre-approval, and help you determine exactly how much home you are comfortable buying.

Remember, you have to live with the monthly payment, not the price of the home.

• Determine your preferences

Speak to your Realtor and browse online for homes that meet your criteria.

Many websites allow you to see multiple photos, view school and neighborhood information and set up e-mail alerts to notify you of new listings.

Before you begin looking at homes, be sure you have a clear idea of what your wants and needs are, as well as the price you are willing and able to pay.