Before you could compete in the Olympics, it's a safe bet that you would want to do some strength and aerobic training. How could you hope to compete if you weren't fit for the competition?

Planning to buy a home?  Hmmm. Are there some things you could do to prepare for the event? What steps could you take to convince sellers you are a sincere, motivated buyer, capable of purchasing their home?

First, get your finances in order. Ask the real estate agent to set an appointment with a mortgage lender.  By providing information about debts, employment, etc., you may obtain a firm mortgage commitment before ever beginning your home search.  What property owner wouldn't be pleased to know that you already had loan approval?

Next, when you find the right home, offer a substantial earnest money deposit. Again, sellers are looking for the most promising of buyers. Even though they will not receive your deposit money until closing, they will react positively to your larger deposit offer, believing you to be a more substantial buyer.

Using the suggestions above, your purchase offer may be given more favorable consideration, allowing you to edge out less qualified buyers. Look for other ways to strengthen your buying position too.  Each added benefit to the seller might increase your chances of "going for the gold!

Homebuyers sometimes scuttle their home purchase by making it difficult for the sellers to say "YES!"  Instead of making a clear, concise offer to purchase, they complicate it by including too many "ifs, ands, buts, and wherefores."

Pretend you are a homeowner. Your home is priced fairly at $875,000.  The buyers' offer reads: "Price is to be $855,000. Sellers are to pay all closing costs. Buyers have up to six months to sell their existing home, and may cancel the contract at any time. Sellers agree to leave microwave oven and riding mower at no cost to buyers.  Inspections must be satisfactory to buyers, and sellers agree to pay up to $8,000 for needed repairs."

Get the picture? Where does it all end? How can the sellers predict a satisfactory outcome?  The offer is so confusing and requires so many concessions.

The alternative is a clean offer, one which is easy to accept. Informed buyers first get a solid loan commitment from a mortgage lender. Then, knowing their financial limits, they make a firm offer, accompanied by a sizeable deposit and an early closing date.  If money concessions are required, they are totaled and presented as a single request.

The result can be prompt acceptance from grateful sellers. With all the facts clearly included, their decision is an easy one - "YES!"

In the olden' days of real estate, there was an expression - "caveat emptor" - used to warn buyers about possible defects when buying a home.  That expression translates to "Let The Buyer Beware", and was used to put buyers on notice of their responsibility to discover potential problems when purchasing a home.

Today, and always, it is a good idea for buyers to ask the right questions, thereby making sure a home purchase is right for them.  Other safeguards are also available today that can help ensure and reassure buyers that the home of their choice is in tip-top shape.

One of the best methods is employment of a home inspector.  Inspectors provide a comprehensive examination of all plumbing, heating/AC, electrical systems, as well as the structural integrity of the home. Appliances are tested, the roof examined, attics checked for structural weaknesses, and foundations reviewed for settling and cracking.

Upon completion, home inspectors should provide a thorough written disclosure of all defects, as well as minor shortcomings found during their inspection.  A home inspection can be the buyer's best approach to a no-surprises home purchase.

In addition, ask the sellers for a written statement disclosing known defects in the home. As a homebuyer, expect to be fully informed about all aspects of the home you have chosen - then make your purchase with confidence!