If you’re looking to buy a house, there are 2 important steps to take. The first step is to get prequalified. With so many changes happening in the mortgage industry, you want to make sure that you can afford the houses you are looking at. Remember, there can be a difference between the amount of money that a bank will lend you and the amount of money you feel comfortable paying each month. You don’t want to be house poor - keep your monthly payment at a level that lets you sleep at night.

The second step is to interview until you find a buyer’s agent you are comfortable with. If you are buying, a buyer’s agent works for you. Their job is to help you get the best price and terms for the property and to guide you through the process, putting your needs first.

I recently talked to someone who started looking at houses for sale in Somerville, MA without doing either of the 2 important steps I recommend. By the time they had received my name as a referral, they had already seen the house they liked 3 times with the listing agent. The listing agent works for the seller. Don’t put yourself into this situation. Find a buyer’s agent you feel comfortable with before you start to shop for your new house.