Buying a home is one of the most important purchases most people will make. In order to make the right decisions the first time, potential buyers need to be prepared. Consider the following before starting negotiations:

• Be prepared
  
  Research the housing market in the target area. Once you have information about the general area, focus on the particular property. Look for answers to questions such as:

1. Why is the homeowner selling? (If they're moving because they find the area undesirable, you might as well.)

2. How long has the home been on the market? Most properties are sold within a short period of time in our current market. (If it has been on the market for a long time, perhaps there are negative facts about the property that you need to know.)

3. What is the seller's time frame for selling and moving? Does it fit with your needs? Will the seller require a rent-back?

4. Are there any defects in the home or problems with the surrounding neighborhood? (For example, is the roof so old that it will likely leak during the next storm? Is there a new construction project in the area that will lead to major traffic congestion?)

As the potential buyer, you want to maintain as much of an advantage as you can in a busy market like San Francisco's. While you want answers to all your questions, reveal very little about your circumstances as you tour many properties, such as open houses, without your agent. Do not give the seller or the seller's agent personal information such as your income, the maximum you're able to pay for a down payment or for the home, or when you want to move. Your agent will know not to reveal any such information to the seller or their agent.

Also, don't let the seller see how much you want the property. Even in the current competitive atmosphere if you appear eager, the seller then has the stronger bargaining position. When meeting with the seller or listing agent, keep your emotions in check. Your agent will advise you more about this and help you structure the offer competitively.

• Establish a Timeline
  
  Find out if the seller needs to have the sale closed sooner rather than later. If the seller is feeling pressured to sell, use that to your advantage in negotiating. Even if you, the buyer, are the one with the deadline for purchasing a home, don't let yourself be rushed into making concessions or a purchase you may regret later.
  
  Above all, maintain control over purchasing experience. You know yourself better than anyone else and how you react under pressure. The home buying process is lengthy, time consuming and can have an effect on your piece of mind. This is, after all, one of the biggest and most expensive Decisions in your life. Don't let your fears and exhaustion hold you back. Keep yourself moving forward. Your greatest tools in this experience are your agent, your questions and the knowledge you gain. Use them. With all of this in mind your home buying experience will be exciting, rewarding, enriching and even fun.