Michael J. Gardiner, Esquire

All the 4 answers I read contain good advice. But its even easier then your question assumes. The best thing you can do is to hire an able realtor. Sign he buyer's agreement and et them know you are committed to the realtor clients relationship and that you respect their efforts. Let them know what you want in a home, and what you think you can afford. Chances are you'll look at several homes based on your initial discussions, and then from that process have a better mutual understanding of what you are looking for and can afford. The seaching process is an education especially when you are working with a professional. Eventually you will locate a home buying opportunity and your realtor can help you handle that situation appropriately based on your finances and the seller situation. Please hesitate to buy a mess to fix up if you are going to live in it with children. Its not right to have little ones in a construction site, and it can be very stressful to try and operate as a family in a constuction site. Dust and Debris and Lead and other chemicals are a real danger. I don't even like it when children are living in a house that is suddenly filled with all sorts of fumes from new carpet and furniture or paint and the windows are all closed up. It takes weeks for these fumes to cook off and abate. If you are a young person on your own, you can be bold and asume the risk of injury or compromise of well being for yourself. If you have family, well, buy a good home. One that releives the stress of the toils of life, and is not just another source of stress. If you have a realtor assisting you, you can adjust your purchase plan according to whateever opportunity is presented. I think many of the things I discuss will result in you buying a home that is not a foreclosure home. There is no absolute answer of course, and that's why your involvment of a professional to assist you is the ultimate best answer. I think that is true even if you weren't first time buyer. Best wishes in finding a professonal who will, I believe, save you money and help you buy a fine home at a price that works for you. - Wed Apr 16 2008, 11:15