How should a first-time homebuyer begin the process?

Q: I am a 27-year-old single female who lives with her parents. I would like to purchase my own home within the next year. I have no clue how to start this process. Any advice on where I should begin? -- e-mail.

A: One program that will help you is $8,000 tax credit program, if you contract for a house by April 30 and complete the purchase by June 30. For more information, visit irs.org.

Start by visiting open houses in the neighborhoods that interest you, or just walk into nearby real estate offices. Either way, you'll meet agents and will soon find one who is interested -- ready to give you a financial analysis and eager to help you buy a house. You won't have any obligation or owe any fees unless you specifically hire someone to act as your agent, legally putting your interests first. Even then, most agents are paid by sellers in the end.

You might also contact mortgage brokers. They're not the same as mortgage bankers. Mortgage brokers bring borrowers and lenders together. They can tell you how much you're qualified to spend and will help you find financing after you have your house. Again, that should not cost you anything.

Paying the agent

Q: My husband and I have decided to sell our home ourselves. We had a woman look at our house and she brought along her agent.

This morning, the woman's agent called and said her client would like to make an offer. The agent said we would owe her half of the commission rate because she helped sell the house. Do I owe her anything? I never signed a contract with her. -- e-mail

A: You don't owe the agent anything right now. You would if you accepted a written offer that stipulated you'd pay her a commission.

Edith Lank will respond personally to any questions sent to her at 240 Hemingway Drive, Rochester, NY 14620 (please include a stamped return envelope), or readers may e-mail her at ehlank@aol.com.