Buying real estate is a complex matter and can be especially confusing for the first-time homebuyer. Do yourself a favor and learn as much about the process as you can before you begin. There are plenty of resources on the Internet, and most real estate offices will have pamphlets to explain things in plain language.

When choosing an agent, get referrals from friends, relatives, and co-workers, and then interview several agents. Pick an agent that works in the areas or with types of property in which you're interested. Listen to your agent, but make your own decisions. Go to a lender to find out the size of mortgage for which you qualify and get pre-approved. When calculating the costs of home ownership, remember to plan for homeowner's insurance, property taxes, private mortgage insurance (if required), utilities, repairs, and maintenance.

If it's not located in a neighborhood you like, your new house will never feel like home no matter how nice it is. There are several factors that go into making a "good" neighborhood for most people; it should be safe, close to things that are important to you, and should offer the services you depend upon.

It's up to you to tell your agent what you want and how you want to be involved in the home search process. Listen to your Realtor's advice, but remember that YOU are the buyer. The process may seem complicated; but home ownership is worth it!

When selling your home, you should select a real estate agent who can expose your property to the largest market to ensure the fastest sale at the best possible price. Ask your prospective agents about the different ways they plan to advertise your home. Effective agents should use the MLS, national and local promotion on the Internet, yard and neighborhood signs, as well as local print media. Many buyers these days are internet savvy, so that is currently the hottest marketing tool out there; make sure your agent uses the internet effectively.

This is generally sound advice unless you live in an extremely hot market and your Realtor is sure you'll be able to sell your home quickly. Sales statistics show that properties that are initially priced too high eventually sell for less than properties that were correctly priced in the first place. When selecting your agent, make sure that each Realtor you interview presents a CMA (Comparative Market Analysis) that shows what he or she thinks your house is worth. The average or median price will likely be very close to your home's true market value.

While showing you don't have to keep your house 100% clean all the time, but you should make any necessary repairs and perform all major cleanup work BEFORE you start showing your home. Your Realtor should be able to advise you on how to make your home ‘show’ ready so it looks its best to a potential buyer.

Seabolt Brokers/Harry Norman Realty: http://www.seaboltbrokers.com

Savannah Bed & Breakfasts: http://www.bedandbreakfast.com/savannah-georgia.html

City of Savannah Official Website: http://www.savannahga.gov

Savannah/Chatham County School Locator: http://www.sccpss.com/school_locator.shtml

The Savannah Economic Development Authority: http://www.seda.org

Historic Savannah Foundation: http://www.historicsavannahfoundation.org/

The First City Network: http://www.firstcitynetwork.org/

Savannah Area Information: http://www.city-data.com/city/Savannah-Georgia.html

The Creative Coast Initiative: http://www.thecreativecoast.org/

Savannah Now: http://www.savannahnow.com/

Sherpa Guides/Georgia Coast Attractions: http://sherpaguides.com/georgia/coast/northern_coast/index.html

Landscape Plants for the Savannah Area: http://aggie-horticulture.tamu.edu/plantanswers/publications/easttex.html

Georgia Department of Driver Services: http://www.dds.ga.gov/

Compare Prices & Set Up Utility Services for Savannah: http://www.whitefence.com/ or http://www.movegeorgia.com/

Chatham County Humane Society (Adoptions): http://www.humanesocietysav.org/adopt.asp

Savannah Weather: http://www.weather.com/outlook/homeandgarden/home/tenday/31405?from=36hr_topnav_home