Hey it's no secret - it's a buyer's real estate market in many parts of the country. Interest rates are at reasonable levels, and home buyers have checkbooks in hand for the first beautiful home purchase.

But not so fast, get out your hand calculator. We have some numbers to run before you get too excited.

Now the Dolans are not dream busters, but we are realists. It's exciting to shop with your heart and emotions, but it's dangerous. There's a lot more to owning a home than a monthly mortgage payment.

In your calculations, factor in home insurance, property taxes, maybe even private mortgage insurance, depending on the size of your down payment.

The last thing you need with this pressure-filled lifestyle we all lead is to fall in love with a home that's simply more than you can afford. And know the zip code of the home that you're thinking of purchasing, because even in the same town or city, rates may vary widely by zip code.

So do the math and avoid any unpleasant aftermath.

To learn more about making your home more money-savvy, click here now.