Posted on February 27, 2010 by Carole Somer

Create a personal checklist for your own real estate shopping and look out for the features listed in your checklist when comparing prices, payment options, borrowing options, discounts by lenders recommended by the real estate seller.

Try and give an offer price or rate. If you succeed in getting a counter offer out of your broker or lender or seller, then you both may need to brainstorm and negotiate until you arrive at a mutual agreement.

Check out the property in detail in terms of defects, repairs, legal complications, etc. and assess if you can accommodate the extent of defects, repairs or legal problems that the property faces. If it is a flat or residence, check the carpet area, built up area, and percentage of loading, and whether you are being charged on the built-up area at a higher percentage of loading, which is disadvantageous for you. If your answer is affirmative, then make an offer citing these drawbacks and get a bargain.

Shop for the best home insurance options

Consult friends, colleagues, relatives, acquaintances, classmates, playmates neighbors etc. for benefits and hurdles faced by them with various lenders, insurance companies, property owners, sellers, brokers etc.

Steer clear of service providers or sellers with issues. Alternatively, have a written agreement to steer clear of the cited examples of issues, if you decide to still go ahead with a particular service provider or seller.

While signing the agreement papers for the loan or insurance or property or home, be sure to read and interpret, counter-interpret, as well as clarify doubts if any. Have any suspicious claims written, signed and stamped by the lender or insurance company, or property owner or seller respectively, to be on the safer side.