Buying a residence can be a hair raising experience. You will experience a roller coaster of emotions while finding the right place, securing the loan, closing and finally moving in. For most of us, the first time home purchase is the largest investment weve ever considered. The emotions of purchasing something so expensive and personal can often cloud our business judgment.

Most home purchasers do little or no research before they make such a large investment. Doesnt it make sense to become as completely informed as possible before you buy your first home? This special report is designed to help you avoid 10 common and crucial mistakes.

1. Thing about using a Professional-As a buyer, consider using a Professional Real Estate Agent. Its free! All of your Agents fees are paid by the seller of the home you buy. You as a buyer, get the experience and knowledge of an expert and dont have to pay for it. An example of this is, say for example, that you have $150,000 to invest in the stock market; most of us wouldnt attempt this without the help of a professional. Just as this is most likely the biggest investment you will ever make, dont go at it alone, the paperwork, the legal aspects, making sure your rights are protected and many more major parts of the purchase should be handled by someone with experience. Especially if its FREE!

2. Inspect, Inspect, Inspect-Whether you hire an Inspection Company or you ask a knowledgeable family member or friend to inspect your new home, a small investment in the beginning can save you hundreds or even thousands of dollars down the road.

3. Income + Lifestyle = Mortgage Payment-Sit down with your mortgage officer and honestly discuss your income level and living expenses. Take into account future considerations, children, add-ons, amenities, and fix-ups. Your dream home is certainly worth a sacrifice but dont mortgage your entire future.

4. View Several Homes-See at least 4-6 properties. Dont move too slowly but dont move on the first property you see. With your agents help you should be able to view enough properties to get a good overall perspective of the home market. When you find the right property all the leg work will be worth it.

5. Utilize Your Team-By aligning yourself with the right real estate professional you will have an entire team at your disposal. Utilize your lender, title rep and agent. Each of them should work hand in hand for your benefit. Explore all the options before you sign.

6. Be Columbo-Check out all costs and expenses before you sign, utilities, taxes, insurance, maintenance and home owner dues if applicable. Make sure all utilities (gas, electricity, and water) are on during your walk-through so you can inspect everything in working order. Ask lots of questions and be very detail conscious.

7. Do a Final Walk-Through-Visit the property after all furnishings have been moved out to be sure there are no surprises. Be absolutely positive the property was left exactly as you had agreed upon in the contract. Things that could have been spotted in a final walk-through are often unintentionally overlooked.

8. Plan For Flexibility- Closing dates are not written in stone. Allow for contingencies and have a back-up plan. If you or the sellers need a little more time to conclude the final arrangements, dont let these delays upset or frustrate you. These types of circumstances are not uncommon in a real estate transaction.

9. If Its Not in Writing, It Doesnt Exist- All promises and discussions should be in writing. Dont make any assumptions or believe any assurances. Even the best intentions can be misinterpreted. Have your professional keep an ongoing log in writing of all discussions and get the sellers written approval on all agreements.

10. Loyalty Breeds Loyalty-Be open, honest and up front with your team. Hard feelings and disloyalty will cause head aches, delays or may even keep you from getting into the home you worked so hard to locate. Take the time to select the right team in the beginning and your first home purchase will be a pleasing and memorable experience.