by Francis Jock

Created on: November 21, 2008   Last Updated: May 01, 2012

Now is a great time to consider buying a house, despite the collapse of the housing bubble. Consider these facts: there is an abundance of homes on the market, real estate loans are available for buyers with good credit, interest rates are low, house prices have tumbled over recent months, and house sales are beginning to rebound in many real estate markets. If you are thinking about securing your financial future by investing in a new, or perhaps a foreclosed home, you should find the following seven most important considerations when buying a house helpful.

1. Where can you find a real estate agent you can trust? The answer to this question is not so difficult. Real estate agents and brokers stake their success on how well they serve the needs of home buyers and sellers. They are licensed and highly trained professionals that understand the real estate market and marketing, demographic trends, financial opportunities, and are there to help you find your dream home. You should begin to consult with them early in the home buying process.

2. What should you be looking for in a house and a neighborhood? The perfect new home demands in investment in quality, which always comes at a price. Once you have determined how much home you can afford, you can begin to look for homes that not only fit your needs, but also secure the quality of life and style that you are accustomed to. Naturally, not everyone can afford to live in exquisite comfort, so there are likely to be a few tradeoffs in the selection process. For instance, you will have to consider the value of having enough room to grow your family against the importance of having a yard, fences, security and privacy. Another consideration might be the condition of your home and how socially comfortable your home is likely to be. Does the homes neighborhood fit your ideals about community values, schools, religion and politics? You might want to walk through the neighborhood to develop a sense of how your individual lifestyle will fit, or not fit, with that of your neighbors.

3. Where can you save money when buying a house? Unless you're independently wealthy, you will want to consider how to save money when buying your home. You can begin by selecting a lender that offers the best mortgage package you can live with. Mortgage lenders have tightened credit requirements and are being more cautious about whom they lend their money to. While you may want to buy the most expensive and attractive home you can afford, it

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