Buying a home is nerve wracking. You can’t help but worry about the price and if it’s too much. The recent troubles in the real estate market do not make the decision any easier. If you are worried about getting the best deal in town then you just need to follow your ABC’s.

A. Save now for your investment tomorrow. The down payment is the perfect negotiation tool. The more money you are able to put down then the more serious you will look to the seller. Making a large earnest money payment with that down payment money is also another way to show that you are a serious buyer.

B. Shop around for the best lender. Talk to banks, loan officers and other companies that offer mortgage loans (many insurance companies now have bank products as well). Find the product and the company that fits your needs and your price.

C. Be willing to walk away. Set your top price and refuse to negotiate above that.

Purchasing a home ” for the first time or the billionth time ” is usually a painstaking process. Just following these three easy tips will help make the process a little easier the next time around.