Home buying can be stressful.  To help you through the process of buying a house, here are some steps to buying a foreclosure or a short sale that will make sure you get a smooth and trouble free real estate transaction.

1. Know your needs and priorities.  Consider your lifestyle and the size of your family before buying a house.

2. Determine your current financial status, possible expenses and price range.  Don’t buy a house that is way beyond your budget.

3. Identify the kind of neighborhood and location where you want to live in.  Choose a neighborhood that is safe, near establishments, parks or your workplace.

4. Find available properties that meet your criteria.  Don’t buy a house just because you fell in love with it.

5. Get professional assistance.  Find a knowledgeable real estate agent to help you decide on a short sale or an assumption.  Avoid risks, pitfall and frauds by getting advice and help from credible and reliable professionals.

6. Learn the buzz words if you’re a first time home buyer.

7. Shop around for a loan.  Check out different types of loan, credit unions and mortgage lenders.