Buying a home is certainly one of the most rewarding experiences most of us ever have; it's also one of the most challenging. If you're buying for the first time, the process may seem overwhelming. And even if you've been through it several times, every move is different, and presents new challenges.

So one clear advantage of enlisting the help of an agent is simply that you don't have to "go it alone." A good agent has the training, the know-how, and the experience to help you through each step of the process, and make the process of finding, buying and moving into your new home as smooth, quick, and enjoyable as it can be. Another advantage is that an agent represents a valuable source of information about market trends, communities and neighborhoods, and especially, homes for sale throughout the area. Remember, not every home seller runs an ad in the local paper or puts a sign up in the yard. In fact, many of homes actually sell before there is ever a need to advertise them. An agent offers you market expertise augmented by access to complete, regularly updated information about every home listed by area agents through the Multiple Listing Service (MLS). As you'll see in the following several questions, professional expertise and services can be of considerable help throughout the buying process.

The first thing you should do is begin focusing on what you're looking for in a home. You can start by establishing priorities in the following three areas: Location: Are you relocating to a new town because of a new job, or to be closer to your current job? How will the location of schools, shops, and transportation affect your choice of neighborhoods? Personal tastes: How large a home do you need? What style of architecture to you prefer? On what kind of lot? Depending on where you live, you may have a choice of homes in dozens of styles, sizes, and settings. Budget: How much home is it wise for you to own?

As you consider these areas, do a little research of your own. Look through magazines for ideas about home styles and features. Drive through neighborhoods that appeal to you to see what's available. Read the real estate listings in the newspaper to learn about current prices in the areas you're considering. Talk to friends about the features that you'd really like to have in your home. The more knowledgeable you become, the better your final decision is likely to be.

The key word here is right. While there's certainly no shortage of qualified agents to choose from, it's important that you find one who can fully understand your wants, needs and individual tastes, and whose personal and professional judgment you respect. Today's buyers also have more choices when it comes to choosing the agent that can best represent them in a real estate transaction. Until recent years, virtually all real estate agents involved in a given transaction worked for the seller. However, a growing number of today's home buyers are choosing to be represented by a "buyer's agent " In contrast to traditional agents, a buyer's agent represents the buyer in the real estate transaction. Most real estate companies throughout the United States have both buyer and seller agency. You should be presented with a disclosure statement by an agent before any working relationship between the two of you is created. That statement should explain what a buyer's agent is and does, what a seller's agent is and does, and what dual agency means. It is very important to remember that real estate firms are governed by state laws that can vary, and so disclosure laws also may vary.

We suggest you talk to several different agents before choosing one. We've included a few guidelines about the kind of experience and service capabilities you should be looking for. Above all, look for someone who makes you feel comfortable.

We've found that affordability is probably the single biggest concern of today's first-time home buyers. Given the wide range of media coverage regularly devoted to the issue, it's not surprising that many young families wonder how long it will take them to afford their first home. Our advice: Don't sell yourself short. Talk to your real estate agent. A good agent is committed to honestly and responsibly working with you to determine your affordable price range. There are many financing options available today, and some include low down payments Your agent will help find an option that fits your budget, and you may be surprised at just how much home you can afford.

Good city services, nice parks and playground facilities, convenient shopping and transportation, a track record of sound development and good planning -- these are just a few considerations that are important to many people when they choose a community in which to live. At GRE.com, our visitors have access to Know The Neighborhood. . Neighborhood information is only a click away from every listing on our site. You may also enter a location of your choice and get neighborhood information.

Again, a good real estate agent is perhaps your best source. They know where the local schools are, and can provide you with valuable information about school districts, including test scores, extracurricular activities, bus service and more. If you're relocating, an agent may even be able to put you in touch with teachers and principals when you visit the area. And if you want to do a little searching on your own, the Internet may also be a good place to start. GRE.com has a special links to Neighborhood Information including information about area school districts.

In most areas, home sales are a matter of public record -- you can get all the information you want about recent sales, including prices and listing times, by calling the county Recorder of deeds. You may also access general housing value information online at Know The Neighborhood for GRE.com. Complete reports and additional information are available at our office.

If you run across any other abbreviations or terms you don't understand, don't be embarrassed -- after all, you don't buy a home every day. For quick help, check the glossary of real estate terms in the back of this book. Or simply contact us -- and we'll be happy to "translate" for you.

The house you ultimately choose to call home will play a major role in your family's life. A home can be an excellent investment, of course, but more importantly, it should fit the way you really live, with spaces and features that appeal to everyone in the family.

As you look at each home, pay close attention to these important considerations:

• Is there enough room for you now, and in the near future?
• Is the home's floor plan right for your family?
• Is there enough storage space?
• Will you have to replace the appliances?
• Is the yard the size that you want?
• Are there enough bathrooms?
• How much maintenance and/or decorating will you need to do right away? Later?
• Will your present furniture work in this home?

Whether you are married or not, or have kids or not, spare bedrooms come in handy when family and friends come to stay. And when you're not having guests, extra rooms are useful as a library, den, or TV room.

Another good reason to choose a home with extra bedrooms: Extra space will make your home more appealing to a larger number of interested buyers when it comes time to sell.

It's a matter of personal preference. Both new and older homes offer distinct advantage, depending upon your unique taste and lifestyle.

New homes generally have more space in the rooms where today's families do their living, like a family room or activity area. They're usually easier to maintain, too.

However, many homes built years ago offer more total space for the money, as well as larger yards. Taxes on some older homes may also be lower.

Some people are charmed by the elegance of an older home but shy away because they're concerned about potential maintenance costs. Consider a home warranty to get the peace of mind you deserve. The HWA home warranty protects you against unexpected repairs on many home systems and appliances for a full year or more after you move in.

Bring your own:

• Notebook and pen for note-taking
• Flashlight for seeing enclosed areas
• Tape measure for checking room sizes, clearance, etc.

Be prepared to "snoop around" a little. After all, you want to know as much as possible about the home you buy. Sellers understand that because their home is on the market, it will be looked over pretty thoroughly.

If you need to go back to a home for another look, your agent will be happy to schedule an appointment. Also, be sure to ask any questions you have about the home, even if you feel you're being nosy. You have a right to know.

As a rule of thumb, ask any questions you have about specific rooms, features, or functions. Pay particular attention to areas that you feel could become "problem" areas -- additions, defects, areas that have been repaired. And above all, if you don't feel your question has been answered, ask until you do understand and are satisfied.

In most cases, your real estate agent will be able to provide you with detailed information about each home you see.

Tell the agent everything you liked and didn't like about each home you see. Don't be shy about talking about a home's shortcomings. Is the home too small for your needs? Let the agent know. Was the home perfect except for the carpeting? Let the agent know.

However, remember that the real estate agent is frequently paid by and working for the seller. The seller's agent is obligated to help secure the best price for the seller. In addition, agent's working for the seller may also report any confidences you share to the seller - including any willingness to pay a higher price should the seller not accept your initial offer(s). This is why you may want to be represented by a buyer's agent because he/she will keep your input confidential. A buyer's agent puts the interests of the buyer - not the seller - first.

There is no set number of homes you should look at before you decide to make an offer on one. That's why providing the agent with as many details as possible up front is so helpful. The perfect home may be waiting for you on your first visit. Even if it isn't, the house-hunting process will help you get a feeling for the homes in the community and narrow your choices to a few homes that are worth a second look.

At that point, you typically will begin the process of arranging for an inspection and applying for a mortgage. See the financing section for more information.

Your agent can help you with many of these items:

• Are all the necessary inspections complete?
• Are all the required repairs complete?
• When will you conduct your final walk-through inspection?
• Is your attorney satisfied that title to the property is clear (no one else has a claim on it)?
• Have you confirmed a date, time, and place for your closing?
• Who will conduct the closing?
• Is your insurance policy paid and ready to go into effect the day you close? You'll need a receipt for proof.
• What form of check should you use (and who should it be made out to) to pay for the closing ?
• Has your closing agent told you the closing amount?
• Do you have receipts for the items you have already paid for, including your deposit and inspection fees?
• Bring your checkbook to cover any last minute extras that might have been overlooked.

In most cases, you'll be given the opportunity to inspect the home immediately prior to closing. At this time, it's important to check on any work the seller agreed to have done in response to your initial inspection. You should also carefully check the condition of walls and ceilings from which window treatments, pictures, or any other attached furnishings have been removed. If you find any problems, don't hesitate to bring them up at the closing. It's the seller's responsibility to correct them.

1. The lender's agent will ask for your paid home insurance policy.
2. The agent will list the adjustments . These include the money you owe the seller (the remainder of the down payment , prepaid taxes) and what the seller owes you (unpaid taxes, prepaid rent).
3. You will sign the mortgage. This gives the lender legal rights to the property if you don't make your payments.
4. You will sign the mortgage note , the promise to repay the loan in regular monthly payments.
5. You will get title from the seller in the form of a signed deed .
6. The lender's agent will collect the closing costs from you and give you a settlement statement of all the items you have paid for.
7. The deed and mortgage will be recorded in the town or county Registry of Deeds.

The first thing you'll want to do is have the locks changed. Also, put your deed and other important paperwork from the closing in a secure place, preferably a safe deposit box. Even though it's all on file with the county, it's smart to know where your copies are and have access to them at all times.

In almost every case, you can save yourself time and energy by using a reputable moving company to help you move.

Ask your agent, friends, and co-workers for recommendations, then get estimates from several companies. Don't choose a mover based on price alone -- consider the reputation and professionalism of the company, too.

Work closely with the moving company to coordinate your efforts and your move will be achieved with maximum efficiency.

Yes. Most agents are more than willing to offer advice and assistance to new homeowners; all you have to do is ask.