Get a map of the maze -- Buying a house can be a life-altering experience. It can be the day your dreams come true or the day your nightmares begin. The difference, say experts, is in the preparation. Determining if buying a house is the right thing for you to do right now and then going through the process by following a realistic and sensible map can lead you along the labyrinthine path to a successful closing.

How much house can you afford? -- Let us help you do the math by figuring your housing expenses against your income.

Should you use a mortgage broker? -- More and more home-buyers are discovering that working with mortgage brokers can save them time, money and stress. Even better, you don't pay them a cent.

Owning beats renting in many cases -- With interest rates near historic lows, many consumers wonder if it's the right time to buy or if they should continue to rent.

Housing market remains bullish -- Canada's hot housing market continues to defy gravity, and experts say it's likely prices will keep climbing in 2004.

It's real estate season - or is it? -- There's a distinct home buying season. Whether you're a buyer or a seller, knowing what the season is can help you plot your strategy.

The big move -- Research is the key to successfully relocating from one region to another.

Get pre-approved, not just pre-qualified -- Learn about the difference between getting pre-approved vs. pre-qualified for a loan before you start shopping for a home.

Should you use an agent? -- Find out if you have what it takes to sell your home yourself.

Buying a house timeline -- Your sequence may differ greatly, although you'll probably need to do most of the same things.