Some homes are priced well; some are overpriced. And once in a great while, some are underpriced. The more homes you have looked at, the better feel you will have for pricing. However, a major advantage of hiring a Buyer's Agent is the agent will divulge to you everything he can find out about the house. How long has it been on the market? Why are they selling? What other homes in the same area have sold and for what prices? How do they compare to the one you want to buy? This is important information; make sure you get it.

If time permits, before making an offer, visit your new neighbors. They will know lots about the house you are about to offer to buy.

One word of warning: buyers buy by comparison. Other buyers in the market also will be shown the same homes. If you come upon one that seems particularly well priced and well maintained, move quickly. Make an informed decision, but don't dawdle. Once you start negotiations, stay on top of them. Other buyers may enter the negotiations at any time. Just because a seller is countering your offer doesn't mean he can't look at others and select another.

Always put your offers in writing. If it's not in writing, it doesn't exist. No matter how pleasant the seller and the agents are, insist that everything material to buying the house be put in writing.