This is a list of tips to help ease the buying process

When financing, get pre-approved for a loan. This identifies the price range of home for which you qualify and helps save valuable time and energy during the looking phase.

Know what you are looking for. Make a list of "must have" features, and also a list of items you "would like, but can live without." Also include the things that are important to you i.e., schools, area or neighborhood, etc. .

Select a Realtor with whom you have confidence and a comfortable working rapport. You should feel comfortable to pick up the phone and call your Realtor to discuss any problems or concerns you may have.

Make sure that everyone involved in the decision-making process is available for all showings and meetings. It is often ineffective for just one person to see houses if that person will not be making the decision alone.

Trust your agent. Local customs may vary and laws vary from state to state. It is best to allow the agent to guide you through the buying process.

Unless you have designed your home, no home will have everything you are looking for. Look for the best home on the market in your price range that meets your criteria.

Do not be afraid to offer a fair price. It is not unusual for homes to sell for list price or sometimes higher. If you find the home you want, offer what it will appraise at or what it will take to buy it. Your Realtor will be able to advise you on what that price would be.

If you sell your home before finding a home you want to buy, be sure your sales contract is contingent upon your finding suitable housing.

If you find the house you want to buy before you have sold your home, and the seller is reluctant to sign a contract with you with the contingency that you sell your home first, you may draw up a contract that allows the seller to continue marketing and advertising the property yet gives you the "first right of refusal" should they receive another offer.

Have your agent make the time frame of your offer short (24 hours or less) so the seller has less time to "shop the bid" among other interested parties, or to accept another offer.

It is your option to do a home inspection but it is highly recommended that you walk-through the house (before closing) to make sure that some of the home meets with your expectations. It is far easier to request compensation for necessary repair work before the house is sold than afterwards.

Put everything in writing. Your sales contract should spell out whether the washer and dryer are included or not, whether the carpets will be shampooed by a "professional," whether the blinds and ceiling fans are included, etc.