Buying a home can be a very complex, and sometimes an emotional experience. Stay grounded and avoid some common pitfalls during the home buying process:

1. DON’T fall in love with the first home you see. You need to keep an open mind to make sure you find the right fit for all your needs.
2. DON’T buy beyond what you can afford. Make sure that the down payment, closing costs, monthly expenses and taxes are truly within your income and savings range.
3. DON’T treat your home like your stock portfolio. Buying for lifestyle reasons, as opposed to trying to turn a quick profit, will help ensure that you are viewing home purchasing and ownership in the right context.
4. DON’T try to time the market. Instead of waiting for a slim and unreliable window – and potentially missing out on the perfect home – you should focus on your own lifestyle and buy when the time is truly right for you.
5. DON’T underestimate the value of a real estate agent’s on-the-ground expertise.

While being a savvy buyer and doing one’s homework will help on the road to homeownership, a realtor with years of negotiating experience is invaluable when it comes to scouting out the perfect home – and closing the deal.