Are you financing more than 80% of the purchase price of your home? Don't pay mortgage insurance to the lender (lenders usually require this if the principal amount owed exceeds 80%). You can avoid PMI by making sure the principal amount owed on any one loan does not exceed 80%. For example, if you obtain 100% financing, do a 80/20 split -this will keep you from having to pay mortgage insurance. Also Mortgage Insurance is not tax deductible.
Let me help you take the first step in purchasing by getting you a preapproval letter. Remember, sellers won't look at your offer w/out one. Revisit my site often to search properties, open houses, and keep up on the market and real estate news.