5 New Rules for Home Buyers Surviving and thriving in the real estate market these days means following a whole new set of rules. Here are five imperatives for those who want to master the home-buying game. 1. Gaming the market doesn’t work. There's a chance that the home you buy today will be worth MORE next year. So instead of trying to time the market, get the best bargain on a home you really love. 2. Real winners get the lowest mortgage rate. Financing is getting more expensive; rates are expected to climb through 2010. 3. Jumbos are a big bargain. A new law temporarily allows Freddie Mac and Fannie Mae to buy mortgages as big as $729,750, which is keeping the jumbo rates down. The deal disappears at year-end. 4. Good schools count. Neighborhoods with highly rated schools are holding their value better than most. 5. Honesty is the best policy. Be upfront about your situation letting all information to all parties involved.