Buying real estate doesn’t have to be scary or intimidating. Buying a home is a large investment, but it is also a great one. If you read on, this article is full of great tips that will have you well on your way to making that big purchase in no time.

Check out potential home inspectors and real estate agents carefully before you hire them. Purchasing real estate may be the priciest transaction that you ever have, and you need to make sound decisions. Check references, credentials and performance histories of anyone you hire to help you with your real estate purchase.

Check with the local tax office to find out what square footage has been recorded for the home. Any work that has been completed without permits can lead to problems in the future for you. You will be required to make any changes or improvements to bring the work up to code.

Have a garage sale, or consider selling off some of your furniture or electronics in order to have a down payment for buying a house. You can always re-purchase these things later on after you are in your great new home. Consider it a temporary separation in order to get what you want.

If any of your family members is suffering from allergies, talk to the rental agent before you sign the lease. Make sure that previous renters had no pets, such as dogs or cats in the apartment. Allergens and hair from pets that lived in the apartment previously are hard to remove and may require taking medications all the time.

When purchasing your first home you should try to think about resale value when you are making a decision on where to live. Properties that are located near hospitals, schools, and downtown areas normally have the most amount of buyers interested in them and they sell much faster than other homes.

Always shop mortgage brokers before settling on a mortgage. Different brokers have different credit requirements, which might mean a lower interest rate for you. In addition, some will waive a few closing costs if your credit score is good, meaning more money in your pocket after closing on your new home.

Buying a home has become a lot more affordable in recent years. Home prices have fallen tremendously and the interest rates on mortgages are at historically low levels. Now is the time to look for the home of your dreams and there is a great chance for you to get it at a great price.

When buying real estate, make sure to investigate similar real estate properties in the area to ensure that the price being charged is in line with the neighborhood or property type. If the property is overpriced in relation to the neighborhood, it gives you some negotiating power with the seller.

There are so many great deals out there on real estate right now. If you follow the advice in this article you will be well on your way to owning a home of your own. It’s just a matter of taking charge of your future and using the knowledge that is out there.