While the Internet has proven to be an invaluable tool for homebuyers, the wealth of information posted on the Net can also cause confusion. The Web has countless sites that target buyers, and all of them claim to offer the most accurate data and some even claim to be able to estimate property values.  Among the most frequently visited national real estate listing sites are the National Association of Realtors' Realtor.com, Microsoft's HomeAdvisor.com, Homes & Land's Homes.com, and CyberHomes.com. These sites offer interactive maps to locate neighborhoods and useful links to real estate broker websites.  What is unquestionably a complex process can seem that much more daunting thanks to this information glut.

To help sort through all of this information, many potential buyers turn to their REALTOR or Loan Officer for answers.  Did you know that in most cases "Your" agent is representing the seller?  Did you know that your  Loan Officer is probably on commission and won't be paid unless your loan closes? How does a buyer protect his or her own best interests? 

One of the BEST lines of defense you can have during a real estate transaction is to work directly with an "independent" appraiser. Sounds simplistic, and yet, it's so vital to ensuring that your interests are protected.  Especially if you're a first-time buyer, preparing to make the most significant financial commitment of your life, you'd better make sure you've got an “objective” professional on your side.