Top Tips For Making A Successful Real Estate Purchase Many homeowners worry about their property's long-term value. They worry about whether the house will be worth more when they choose to sell in 20 or 30 years rather than going down in value. The following article contains some helpful hints and tips on all aspects of the home buying process. Mortgage companies typically charge a minimum down payment, and you want to be sure you can cover it in its entirety. If you are unable to handle the bare minimum that the mortgage company requires, you may be forced to pay a rate that includes private mortgage insurance (the PMI rate). A PMI policy will require that you prove your reliability to the bank by paying higher premiums. When selecting an agent to help you with your home search, ask them how long they have lived in the area. An agent who is relatively new to the area won't be as familiar with the roads, neighborhoods, zoning and projected growth as someone who has lived there for many years. Ideally, you want an agent that has lived and worked in the same town for ten years or more. If a new potential rental property has a garden, make sure you ask your landlord about it. Some rentals require the tenant to perform yard duties. Other places have this included in the monthly payments. Market Value Monitor pre-foreclosures. In the event you are able to spend substantial time searching for investment