interest rates, and the overall condition of the economy. It’s imperative that you pay attention to these trends, and to consider how the housingmarket changes in your ideal location, as home prices vary fromone location to another. Stay on top of comparable sales in the area: If homes sell for below listing price, it’s likely a buyer’s market; if homes sell above listing price, it’s likely a seller’s market. This information is useful whenmaking offers, allowing you to calibrate your proposal to better suit the market and, if you’re lucky, your budget. Mistake #5: Not Being Represented by a Buyer’s Agent Plenty of buyers don’t engage the services of a qualified real estate agent, which can end up being a big and costly mistake. Sure, you can go ahead and start browsing online without an agent, for curiosity’s sake and to get the ball rolling, but once you are considering seriously looking at a house, please hire a professional buyer’s agent. Don’t make the mistake of relying on the listing agent to represent you, and never walk into an open house without your own agent, as you could look vulnerable, making you an easy target, and the listing agent could really take advantage of you. The seller’s agent has the seller’s interests in mind, whereas a buyer’s agent will be paid from a commission that’s split with the seller’s agent. Overall, it’s just too risky to try on your own to negotiate the home’s sale prices and conditions without your own professional representation. Mistake #6: Not Getting a Pre-Approved Home Loan Not getting a pre-approved home loan is one of the most common mistakes made by buyers. Why? Some people hoping
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