[randles]

We are going to check out houses this weekend, know our budget and are ready to make an offer. Any advice before we jump the gun?

[Kamara]

Drive by the house and neighborhood at night, several times. Then you can see how the neighborhood is at nightime. If neighbors are outside, strike up a conversation. Sometimes they can give insight on the house, or maybe problem neighbors. Good luck, in your house hunting adventure!

[Mia28]

Did you pre-approve at a bank first? That is the key in buying a home. If you are looking and others are looking and you pre-approved and they did not you might get the house.

[cookiemonster]

No doubt about that one. I know some people who skipped this part and got up to the paperwork and then had to take another deal or lose the "house of their dreams". They ended up with a higher rate too.

[KDUB777]

OF course getting pre approved is key. I am also looking to be a first time home owner in the near future. Check online for crime stats in the area as well, car prowls, etc. That to me is huge, I want to feel safe at my home not on edge about every noise that I hear. Congrats

[jason]

Check insurance rates too. If it is a stick home and far from a fire hydrant your insurance coast goes up.

As others have said, check the house out several different times during the day. I remember my parents looking at a house on the water. The first time it was nice, the water was 4 or 5 feet deep where the dock was. The next time they looked was low tide. There was no water near the dock that time.

I tend to come back at another time with a friend or family member. Someone who in unattached emotionally to getting a house. They are able to pick up things you may miss.