Having someone that can advocate and stand up for you, negotiate on your behalf, and communicate with all parties throughout the process are just a few reasons of many, why having representation is important. 

It is very crucial to know exactly how much you can afford before searching for a new home. It is always best to consult with a lender to review all options available for you. This will eliminate any lost expenses as well as wasted time. Having a pre-approval from your lender will put you in a stronger negotiation position with the selling party.

One thing you want to always remember when purchasing a new home is that your monthly expenses should not exceed 30% of your monthly income before taxes are taken out. This is referred to as your Debt-To-Income (DITI) ratio. (Click here for more real estate terminology).