Some real estate agents think that a home buyer should make an offer on any property they like, no matter what the odds are that their offer will be accepted. The thinking is they'll never know whether the seller will accept the offer unless they try.

Home buyers who haven't bought or sold a home recently are often surprised by the complexity of today's purchase offers.

Preparation, mental toughness and negotiating strategy play key roles in the home purchase process, and as a home buyer you need to master them.