CUMBERLAND — Melanie Pratt Dimaio, a real estate agent for 15 years, said the lessons she uses for home buyers come from life lessons she learned from her dad.

• “If you can’t afford it, you don’t need it and you shouldn’t buy it.”

She advises getting a “reputable, local lender,” someone you can meet face-to-face with and someone you trust.

• “Live within your means.”

Don’t spend money you don’t have, she said. While you may be able to afford the house, you should also think whether you still can afford a car payment, vacations or your child’s education.

• “Do a job well or don’t do it at all.”

Select a real estate agent who is knowledgeable about the local market. That person will have the buyer’s best interest at heart.

For sellers:

Dimaio said the market peaked in 2005 and sellers should not expect to see those same prices. Property should be priced competitively and the proceeds used to pay off the house and to help purchase another, not to make enough money to do that and to pay off a car or other bills.

If the property is priced correctly and the first 10 people go through it but don’t make an offer, ask the real estate agent why.

Also, if you price a property at $175,000 but actually will take $150,000, you’ve eliminated a number of potential buyers who may be able and willing to purchase the property at the lower amount.