Foreclosure is a four-letter word to those shopping around for their home or who have recently bought a property. There are things you can do before you buy to reduce your chances of foreclosure.

Buying more home than you can afford is the number one reason for a foreclosure. Just because the bank approves you for $300,000.00 doesn’t mean you should buy a house for $299,000.00.

Be very cautious about the size of your mortgage. Instead of going for the maximum allowance of what you are approved for, leave some breathing room. Live below your means instead of right at them.

A Rainy Day Fund

Its also a good idea to work to keep at least six months worth of mortgage payments in the bank in case something happens to your income level so you have time to react. Keep this money in a high interest bearing account but ensure you can get to the funds easily if need be.