FrontDoor.com

Read on to learn how to avoid 10 scary scenarios you might encounter when buying or selling a home.

If you're a buyer trying to take advantage of the down market's opportunities, you've likely scraped together nearly all the cash you have to close the deal. So what happens when -- horror of horrors -- you get almost to close of escrow and, surprise!, you're told that your interest rate or closing costs or even mortgage payment are higher than expected? Receiving a surprising figure required to close feels like being hijacked -- no housejacked, as in, "you'll get your keys when you give us your money!"

TIP: If you find yourself in this situation, first of all, don't panic. Second, have your agent and mortgage broker help you determine if the increased costs are legitimate. They may reflect errors, typos or even shady business. If it is a legitimate issue, your agent and broker may be able to help you cut costs by reviewing your closing papers line-by-line.

• Don't freak out if you see some surprises at closing

• Learn what costs you should expect at closing

• Get through the buying or selling process in one piece with tips from our Real Estate Survival Guide

• Take the drama out of buying or selling a home with our Drama-Free Real Estate Guide

NEXT: #9: Awful agents >>