Congratulations! You're about to move out of an apartment into your first home. What a great move, but you need to know a few things and buy a few things. Remember there will be no "building manager" to take care of things for you - you're it!

Complete this checklist for each home you visit...

No one likes to think they will get old but we all seem to. Equally, no one likes to think that they will be living in their parents' basement until they're thirty-something! While saving for a mortgage may be the last thing on young minds preoccupied with sports, dating, or academics, it's never too early to plan for the future. A few small steps can become giant leaps towards financial security!

Here are several points to consider when looking for a professional/reliable Realtor:

Obtain recommendations from friends and business associates;
Check the reputation of the brokerage firm.

Make a list of all the features you want in your new home such as number of bedrooms, bathrooms, proximity to schools, shopping and workplace.