You can enjoy peace of mind working with RE/MAX, the industry leader in experience and service. Here are some tips & services to help you with the process of buying a home.

Shop for mortgage rates and terms A difference of even half a percentage point can make a huge difference in how much you pay over the life of a loan. For example, the difference in the monthly payment on a $100,000 mortgage at 8 percent vs. 7.5 percent is about $35 per month. Over 30 years, that's $12,600.

Rate the houses you tour. After touring each home, write down what you liked and didn't like. Develop a rating system which will help you narrow the field down to the house that's the best for you.

Prequalify for a Loan. Being prequalified for a loan determines how much house you can afford. It also allows you to move more swiftly when you find the right house, especially when you aren't the only interested buyer.

Using a Buyer Agent. A buyer agent is legally responsible for representing the buyer's interest in a real estate transaction. Generally, the buyer agent is compensated by the seller at the time you purchase a new home. There are some limitations to using a buyer agent, however. Before you decide, let Kerry Payne explain the advantages and disadvantages of using a buyer agent.

In some areas, a swimming pool can actually detract from your home's value and makes it harder to sell. In neighborhoods with two-car, attached garages, a single-car or detached garage may impact the home sale and future value. Kerry Payne can point out features that hurt, as well as those which help the resale value of a property.