Expert advice from Bob Vila, the most trusted name in home improvement, home remodeling, home repair, and DIY. Tried, True, Trustworthy Home Advice

You see the list price, meet it, and get the house... right? Wrong—the current owners often have their pick of buyers, and in a competitive market the price can be bid up, or the house could go to a different buyer who’s offering cash instead of a mortgage-backed bid. So, before you get your heart set on a dream house that’s “the one,” be prepared to suffer through a few rejected bids, a little more negotiation, and a couple of road bumps before you finally secure a house you love.