When buying a house is high on your priority list and you spot The One—the house that has everything you've ever dreamed of and more—it can be tempting to put pedal to the metal and close the deal as quickly as possible. But slow down! No home is perfect beneath the surface, and few know this better than your real estate agent. And that means it's time to sit down with this professional and pepper him with questions about the place you're hoping to make your own. And while ce

If you're house hunting, you're probably getting snowed with advice from well-meaning friends and family members on which neighborhoods are hot, how so-and-so is selling a place you have to see ... and plenty more. That's all fine if you have an insatiable appetite for info, but what if you're a bit more discerning about the tips and tricks you want delivered your way? We asked home buyers and real estate agents to share not just any old advice, but the very best home buying

While it might seem premature to think about selling a home before you even buy it, it's important to remember that a house is an investment. And in an ideal world, investments make money—not lose it. That's why resale value should be an important consideration when house hunting. No, it shouldn't supersede your must-have requirements (if you demand 20 acres and lakefront access, prioritize that). But if you do your best to predict how the house you're buying—and the neighbor