Q: How should I select an agent?

• The same way you would look for a doctor - ask your friends for a personal recommendation,
  find out who specializes in the type of help you need, and check their references.

Q: What will it cost?

• More than likely, the cost of a Buyer's broker service is paid by the Seller or the listing company.

Q: What is an inspection?

• An inspection is meant to evaluate, at minimum, the structural and mechanical condition of a property.

Q: What are closing costs?

• Closing costs are an accumulation for charges paid to different entities associated with the buying
  and selling of real estate. For buyer's, they are usually about 2 - 2.5% of the total sales price of a
  property.
  
  Some of the closing costs you might encounter are: application fees, appraisal fee, county taxes, credit report, discount points, documentation fee, escrow fees, homeowners' association fees, loan fees, mortgage insurance, original fees, tax registration and title insurance premium.

Q: What is the difference between "pre-qualified" and "pre-approved"?

• If you are "pre-qualified" it has been determined, with a loan officer, what price you can afford based on the down payment, debts and the amount the mortgage company will approve for the mortgage.
  
  Being "pre-qualified" is only a determination of probable credit. If you are "pre-approved", credit, employment and funds have been approved by the lender.