Here is a great article by Dian Hymer, a nationally syndicated real estate columnist and author 
Sellers are inclined to go with the highest-priced offer when they receive more than one. But, price is only one factor to consider. An offer with a lower purchase price but a large down payment and a quicker close could be best. The terms of a purchase offer can make or break a deal, particularly given today's stringent mortgage qualification requirements. Buyers with large cash down payments usually have an easier time qualifying for a mortgage than do low-cash-down buyers. However, today even large-cash-down buyers need to qualify.
Unlike in 2006, lenders now require verification of employment, a great credit record, and one or two acceptable property appraisals. A large cash down payment can salvage a transaction that might otherwise fall apart if the property appraises for less than the purchase price. If the lender is willing to loan the buyer up to 80 percent of the appraised. ...

This is a great article published on Realtor® by Maggie Kasperski

WASHINGTON (January 12, 2015) – Homeowners often consider various remodeling and replacement projects as a way to add value to their homes. Some projects add more value and better recoup their costs than others, according to Realtors® who rated small and exterior projects as the most valuable home improvement projects in the 2015 Remodeling Cost vs. Value Report. Compiled annually in collaboration with Hanley Wood's Remodeling Magazine, the report compares changes in home improvement project costs with Realtors®’ perceptions of what those projects contribute to a home’s price at resale.“It can be a daunting task to even decide on what home improvement projects to undertake, let alone to physically tackle and complete them,” said National Association of Realtors® President Chris Polychron, executive broker with 1st Choice Realty in Hot Springs, Ark. “Realtor; ...

This is a great article by Tara-Nicholle Nelson
 
"In life, and in real estate, there are decisions that, if we had them to do over again, we might do x, y, or z differently. But all in all, we are not too upset about how things turned out. Then there are the decisions and actions we actively regret, worrying over their long-term consequences, wishing we could have a cosmic do-over, stewing and ruminating over what we did wrong. Contrary to popular belief, the vast majority of home buyers commit what they see as the first type of mistakes, but not those deep, dark regrets. However, those that do have serious regrets can lose many hours of sleep and many thousands of dollars trying to remedy them. Their only gain? Experience and gray hairs.
Here are the top five true, deep regrets of home buyers and some insights for how to prevent them from taking over your own life:
1. Premature buying. This is not at all about timing the market or making sure you get in at the "just-rig; ...

Please check out this great article by: Jill Hamilton"Buying a new home is an exciting and sometimes demanding process. The heightened emotions and the high stakes make it extra important to find a home that fits your family financially and “feels right.” Knowing some of the most common mistakes home buyers make will put you in a better position to make the best choice. Here are some things to avoid.
--Being too in love with a house. Yes, you should love a house, but stay realistic. Don't get so smitten that you ignore your budget and overbid or refuse to accept major defects or problems with a house.
--Ignoring your instincts. If a house doesn't feel right, it probably never will. Instead of wasting time wavering over a not-quite-right house, just move on.
--Failing to research beyond the house itself. Don't forget to research the neighborhood, the quality of the local schools, and think about how commutes might work. Visit the house and neighborhood at different tim; ...

Please check out this great article written by Inman News: 
"An analysis of homebuyer assistance programs available through state and local housing finance agencies (HFAs) and nonprofit groups around the nation found that 90 percent are funded, and that 70 percent of homes for sale could be eligible for one or more programs.
The analysis of 1,654 homebuyer assistance programs, by Down Payment Resource, found that Southern states had the greatest number of programs (598). But the 228 programs offered in the Northeast were the most likely to be funded — 96.5 percent had money to provide help to eligible buyers such as down payment and closing cost assistance, grants, tax credits, and affordable first mortgages with competitive or below-market interest rates.
A state-by-state breakdown shows California had the most programs — 283 — but that only 81.6 percent were funded. Hawaii had 13 programs, but only six were funded.
Funding for homebuyer assistance programs ...