Common sense and some good advice can make the process of buying your dream home easier and more affordable. Here is some common sense advice to help you get through the buying process.

1. Take a few moments to discuss what you're looking for with your spouse or partner before you start setting up appointments to look at properties. Make a list of "must have" features together, then discuss other "would like, but can live without" features. After you've looked at a dozen or so properties, re-evaluate your criteria. Often priorities shift with time.

2. Have a realistic idea of how much you can afford before you start looking (most lenders will pre-qualify you for free). Not only will this save time, but will also avoid needless disappointment on everyone's part. Note: Keep in mind that pre-qualified and pre-approved are two very different things. Don't mislead sellers by telling them you are pre-approved unless you have a commitment to lend from a mortgage lender.

3. Don't sign a contract with an agent that locks you into looking with him or her, or guarantees them a commission even if you find the house yourself! Specify, instead, that a commission will be paid only if you buy a property shown to you by that agent. Why should you pay an agent commission if you find your own home?

4. Don't bring an agent with you to look at FSBO properties, or bring them into the picture when it's time to draw up a contract, unless you are willing to pay their commission through either a higher sales price, or out of your own pocket. Otherwise, you may risk losing the house (note: your lawyer and banker can help you if you aren't sure of the process).

5.If you find the house you want to buy before you've 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. This way you will be notified immediately if the seller has another offer, giving you an opportunity to re-offer if necessary. Another option is to put a non-refundable deposit on the property. This shows the sellers that you are serious about buying their property.

6. When presenting an offer, be courteous and respectful of the sellers. In general, avoid criticizing the property with statements like "we don't care for the new carpeting, and therefore we'll have to replace it". This will not justify a lower offer and may possibly insult the sellers, decreasing your chances of their accepting your offer.

7. If you feel the property may be overpriced, yet the seller refuses a lower offer: Make your offer contingent upon the property appraising for the selling price or higher.

8. Request that you be permitted to walk-through the house (shortly before closing) after the furniture is removed to make sure that some of the home's faults weren't covered with furniture, rugs, or wall coverings. It is far easier to request compensation for necessary repair work before the house is sold than afterwards.

9. If you don't know much about building construction, don't worry. Simply make your offer contingent upon the property passing a professional home inspection. This is also an excellent way to become more familiar with the upkeep needs of your future home.

10. Put everything in writing. Your sales contract should spell out whether the washer and dryer stay, draperies, etc.