The market has finally bounced back from the big crash, but that doesn’t mean those in the market for Lavallette real estate should start slinging their money around without a care. Be smart, because buying real estate is a big decision. Here are 4 things to keep in mind:

Don’t Bite off More Than You Can Chew. While the real estate market may look attractive to buyers right now, that doesn’t mean throwing money around like you’re at a carnival. If you get into a bidding war, avoid overreaching. If you pay an inflated price, it will make it tough for you to sell if and when the market depresses again, at least not without taking a big loss.

That doesn’t mean avoiding bidding wars or paying a premium entirely. If you know you plan to stay in a house for a while, for instance, paying a little more to secure the house and location of your dreams may not be a bad thing when searching for Lavallette real estate.

Be Prepared, and Be Prepared to be Flexible. These days, it’s not unusual to find that the best houses are getting scooped up before you can even act. That’s good reason to have your preapproval letter in hand, ready to go from the very start.

Have an inspector ready who can do last-minute site visits, too. Sellers love somebody who can move quickly and get a deal done in days instead of weeks, so going in prepared gives you a leg up over your competitors.

Be Cautious When Buying New. Since the real estate market is back to pre-recession levels, builders once again have their shovels in the ground and are churning out new homes – and in some cases, that may be a problem. Some (though certainly not all) may be inclined to cut corners in order to build as much as possible while the market is good. Cheaper materials, unskilled labor, and other issues could spell long-term problems for you.

The solution? Research the builder thoroughly. Ensure they have a good reputation. Do your homework. This is definitely a case where knowledge about Lavallette real estate is power.

Look Towards A Future Neighborhood. The old cliché about location is true, but when making a long-term investment in real estate that can be a little misleading. To get the most bang for your buck, look for a neighborhood that’s on the rise rather than one that is well-established.

Are a lot of young families moving there? Are there new retail outlets popping up? Is it surrounded by other growing neighborhoods? These are all signs that the future is bright, which means your house will appreciate in value faster than the market overall – and that’s good for your peace of mind.

Finding the right home for you can be tough, but if you play your cards right and follow the above advice, you’ll end up in a home you love. Good luck!