But there are a few things you can do both before and during the search that will lessen the chances of things going sideways. First, surround yourself with professionals you trust. Along with your real estate agent, connect with a mortgage broker and a building inspector – we are all people you can turn to when you have questions and concerns. If you build these relationships at the start, you’ll feel confident the advice we give has your best interests in mind. The second thing you can do to help deter problems is to know what you can afford and stick to it. Don’t get caught up in a bidding war and make an offer you didn’t budget for. Make sure you know your mortgage lender’s terms. Making an offer on a home when you only have a 5 per cent down payment if your lender requires 15 per cent will quickly put an end to things. Most importantly, trust your instincts. Even if things don’t turn out the way you had hoped, you can rest assured that you did your best.