Spring is just around the corner! This is the time for the flowers to start blooming, the birds to start chirping and the home buyers to start buying.

2014 was a good, strong year for economic growth, and according to the National Association of Home Builders (NAHB), 2015 is predicted to outperform 2014 in the single familyhome sector. With these kinds of statistics the buyers will be armed and out in force this season ready to pounce on the best deals and the competition will be fierce.

Here are few tips to help you purchase that house that you've been looking for, before that other guy gets it first!

• When you are looking to get approved for your mortgage, use a local lender. Don't waste time with an out-of-town mortgage lender. Get your finances in order before you startto look for your house. Having an up-to-date pre-approval letter is a huge advantage over a buyer that doesn't.
• Hire a professional real estate agent. Not only will a real estate agent that specializes in the area that your are looking to buy be a wealth of information for you, but can also help you get that bid in quick and efficiently. Remember to never talk to the seller directly, that is what your agent is for. What you believe to be a minor change, may be something that creates an issue with the lender, or worse. It may seem inefficient, but it could save you valuable time and huge mishaps in the end, you hired your agent, you must let them do their job.
• Before you decide how much to offer, have your broker calculate your estimated monthly expenses for the home, including insurance and property taxes. You don't want to endup inching that price up and find yourself in a situation that requires you to pay more than your budget will allow for. Make your first offer your best offer and be certain that isreasonable and simple. Price is not always the reason that a seller accepts an offer. Don't weigh them down with stipulations and unreasonable requests.
• Be quick in responding to counter-offers. If you delay, you leave time open for another buyer to step in and allow the seller to be aware that there are other serious buyersout there besides you. Make sure that you don't counter-offer with any term that may be a deal breaker. If this you have found a home that you like and it's priced right, don'twaste time offering too little for the home.
• Be ready to move quickly. If you see that house you want on the market, don't wait to see it. Call your agent right away and schedule a showing and be ready to make an offer.It is predicted that things are going to move fast this spring, so have your lender lined up, your paperwork ready, your check book in hand and be ready to move fast!

Okay all you buyers out there, bring your toe up to the line...On your mark, get set, GO!