Answers by Greg Mosley

I know one common mistake is to listen too closely to either friends or family. I know they all are looking out for you but they can also influence your decisions and that is not always a good thing. The first thing to do is talk with a few Real Estate agents to see what they tell you about the current market. If you like what that person is telling you, then listen to your agent's advice but also be sure the agent is telling you information that is helpful and beneficial for your path to ownership. A few things I would recommend right off. 1. Don't buy without an inspection contingency in place. Then review the inspections with the realization not everything will be perfect. 2. Use a local direct lender. Avoid big banks and brokers who are not direct lenders. Never use an agent who is also a lender. 3. Don't ask the listing agent to write the offer for you - have your own buyer's agent working for you. 4. Your first house is just a step in the process and most likely won't be a castle. 5. When you are doubting things, remember the person who gets the house is most likely the person who paid more than everyone else in the world for that property. 6. Understand you probably won't be having a dinner party for the neighbors and bragging about the great deal you got. Instead, you will be admitting to the high prices and the neighbors will give you a high five for helping them all increase the value of their own homes. There are many others, these six just came to mind.