The Rivendell ManorTraditional Exterior, Portland

“The bottom line: Use every tool available to find out what homes are selling for in the neighborhood where you’d like to live.” — Christine TusherDo you wish the asking price was just the price, or do you love the thrill of negotiating? Either way, this ideabook will help you make the best offer on the home you want. These days there is too much information about how much a home should go for — it’s very confusing. Tusher helps us figure out how to do the right research, consider the fluctuating market, look for special features that can affect the price and find someone whose opinions to trust. Then she shares how to weigh and use that information. If you ever plan to buy a home, bookmark this ideabook now.Full story: How to Avoid Paying Too Much for a House

You can check neighborhood prices online as well. This will help you target your search and make the most of the time you spend house hunting with your agent. Just don’t rely on home valuation websites for the duration of the home buying process.“I like to be as specific as possible when looking at comps, because that’s what Zillow can’t do,” Daughtrey explains. “Zillow can’t evaluate a remodeled kitchen, how great the view is, vaulted ceilings, master bath remodels — any unique features like that.”Your agent, however, can provide a clearer picture via their access to a multiple listing service, or MLS. These are private services on which brokers share information about which homes are on the market, how much they’re listed for and which sales are pending. If you’re working with an experienced agent, chances are, he or she has been tracking listings in your neighborhood for years, which is part of what makes him or her an expert on both current comps and how prices have fluctuated during the past few years.With your due diligence done and an agent on your side, the next step is to start looking at properties — and not just six or seven. DeSimone says the best buyers look at 20 or even 30 properties before making a bid.

Roof combinations and decorative truss

Love a cute little cottage - it'll have to be a holiday home though. Looks like a little fairytale cottage

I like the three tone stone color