You've made it to the finish line. That in itself is cause for celebration! But we know, the celebrating is going to start the minute you've signed the last paper and are holding those new keys (or, if you just sold a house, that check!) in your hand.

But you may be wondering what exactly to expect at the closing table, especially if this is your first time at it. Whether you're a first-time buyer, a first-time seller, or someone who is seasoned in the home buying and/or selling process, there are a few things you may want to be prepared for.

Interest rates are at record lows and the housing market is red hot. Isn’t it time for you to jump into the deep end of the pool and buy your dream home before you get priced out of the market? Maybe. But you need to be honest with yourself to determine whether you are financially ready for a home purchase. For some – especially for a short period of time – it may make better financial sense to opt for renting your dream home over buying it at first.

The decision to buy a new home or sell your current home is one that is typically taken seriously. Whether it's your first home, or you are making the leap from your starter home to your dream home, it is a big decision and a big step.

Interestingly, something many people don’t think about early in the process is how important creating open and transparent communication between all parties involved can be. Like all relationships, communication remains a vital aspect of success and something you and your REALTOR® should discuss from the onset. A real estate transaction involves more than a dozen people in making the transaction a success, so it is key that you communicate successfully to ensure you are on the same page as you navigate through the buying or selling process.