• Use common sense.  If an offer sounds like it is too good to be true, then it probably is. 
• Do not succumb to high-pressure situations.  Whether you're looking for a loan or you're at the purchase stage, beware of any "last chance" or "buy immediately" campaigns.
• Consider the source.  Mail advertisements and spam are not reliable sources for mortgage loans, debt consolidation, or anything else of that nature.  No stranger will offer to save you from foreclosure or offer you a zero-down loan out of the blue.
• Never sign anything you don't understand and never sign anything with blank sections yet to be filled in.  Your best bet is to have qualified professionals on your side, looking things over.
• Do your research before you make an offer.  Familiarize yourself with the prices in the neighborhood as well as the title history of any given property.  If the home has been sold multiple times in a short period of time, especially recently, chances are the house has been flipped, which artificially inflates its value.
• Examine the accuracy of statements of actual financial value, comparable sales, etc.
• Ask friends, family, co-workers and other trustworthy people with recent experience if they can recommend or refer you to mortgage/real estate professionals. Individuals in the industry will have tools and information that will help you with everything from loan modifications to restructuring.
• Obtain financial education before embarking upon your home-buying adventure.
• Tell the truth.  Don't allow yourself to be talked into making any false statements, especially those detailing your income, your employment, or your down payment.

An ounce of prevention goes a long way when it comes to maintaining your home. Taking the time to take care of your home now can save you thousands down the road. Here are a few tips:

• Heating and cooling systems: replace or clean filters monthly to keep the system working smoothly. Check any accessible belts and hoses for tautness, tears, or wear.

• At the beginning of heating season and every other month during the cold months, use creosote cleaners on your wood-burning chimney or fireplace, to prevent this dangerous buildup. Check chimneys and fireplaces for cracks. You should have these periodically inspected by a professional to detect minor problems.

• Keep the gutters and your roof clean and free of debris and leaf build up. Check for proper fastening and attachment to the fascia of the home.

• Check for termite or carpenter bee damage, and contact an inspector and exterminator immediately if either of these pests are suspected

• Check and replenish the caulking around the perimeter of the foundation 

• Look for cracks where ceilings and walls join. 

• Inspect the condition of wiring in exposed areas such as the attic, basement and crawl spaces.

• Check faucets, plumbing joints, and toilets for faulty parts, low pressure, and leaks.

Home warranties are available for the peace of mind of both buyer and seller.  The buyer can rest assured that the home they buy will remain in good condition after the sale, and the seller can move on peacefully, knowing that they won't be getting any calls from the buyer hoping that they'll pay for breakdowns that occurred post-sale.  A home warranty is also a good selling point. Especially in difficult economic times when buyers do not have extra money to spend, knowing that the home comes with a warranty can tip the scale in your favor. 

A home warranty will cover most of the major appliances and mechanical systems in the home.  While plans differ from company to company, you can expect a home warranty to cover air conditioning, furnaces, plumbing, kitchen appliances, washer/dryers, and electrical hardware.  It works just like any other warranty -- if something goes wrong, the current homeowner calls the company, which sends out a technician to assess the problem.  The warranty company either repairs or replaces the item, while the homeowner simply plays a flat fee for the service call.