Buying a home takes a lot of preparation and planning. It’s important to get your finances in order and other tasks done before you even start house hunting!

Have you been watching the interest rates climb, nervously nail-biting, hoping they fall ASAP? If so, you’re not alone. Yes, rates are higher than they’ve been in years.  But should higher rates prevent you from moving forward with buying a home?  Maybe, maybe not.

Many first-time buyers look forward to finally visiting listings and stepping into an actual home they’ve seen only online.
House hunting can be exciting and even fun at times, but you still need to have a strategy in place. That’s why the tips below can give you an added edge.

Don’t let your excitement or desire for a home spur you to make any rash decisions or overlook some serious red flags. You don’t want a home you’ll regret buying, so carefully weigh the pros and cons before making an offer. Some homes might seem good at first sight, but our list of hidden red flags could save you in the long run.