Before investing in owning a home or apartment, readers should know what their real estate agent or broker is doing. The possibility for mistakes and dishonesty will always be there, and consumers need to be fully armed to make sure their dream of owning a house or apartment doesn't become a financial or domestic nightmare. Readers will be much more confident about the sale knowing -- for themselves -- how to get the best price for property and mortgage rates, the pros and cons of hiring a broker, and how to determine if property values will rise or fall.