Be prepared; stand out from other buyers

When demand is higher than inventory, you can often feel frustrated as a buyer. You might be competing with several other offers, or your dream home might be snatched up before you can even submit an offer. As you prepare …

Ten things to do before you start house hunting

1. Set a target price range before you start looking. A good rule of thumb is to look for homes valued at two or three times your annual income.
2. Understand the costs of home ownership. Buying …