Q. I'm trying to buy a house for the first time, but everything in my city is too expensive. Is there anything I can do?

A. If real estate in your city is expensive, here are some hints to help you find a house for less:
• Try the 'burbs: You might find undervalued real estate in smaller towns as opposed to urban centers. Zillow.com compares home values and prices in many areas.
• Fix it up: Minor cosmetic problems may lower asking prices, though extensive surgery may not be worth it.
• Find foreclosures: Organizations looking to unload foreclosed homes may sell low. Find foreclosures at hud.gov and many commercial websites.
• Get help: You may be eligible for financial assistance at hud.gov or programs for first-time buyers, like the HLPR mortgage that is offered by some credit unions.
Visit bankrate.com for a calculator to find out how much home you can afford.

Q. I want a new cell phone, but my service provider charges a fortune for the cool ones. How can I find better deals?

A. If you don't want the hassle of switching plans or providers, negotiate with your provider over prices. In 2003, a court ruled that providers are allowed to negotiate with customers–just be sure to get their promises in writing. If that doesn't work, many online vendors offer cell phone deals that you can't find from your provider. Check these websites for the phone you've always wanted without the big price tag:
• Check mobilementalism.com to find merchants with the lowest prices on phones.
• Locate cell phone deals others have found at Deals Plus, a user-generated shopping site. Visit dealspl.us.
• Find phones, deals, and free shipping at amazon.com and letstalk.com. Package deals that include a free phone after signing up for a new plan may work to your advantage.
Ask your current service provider about compatibility, fees, and locking issues before buying.
 

Editor's Note: When answering your questions,brass consults with experienced professionals from a wide spectrum of industries. We utilize their expertise to give you the answers you need, but it's always wise to seek additional opinions from other professionals.

Sources: money.cnn.com; hud.gov; bankrate.com; realestate.msn.com; moneycentral.msn.com; amazon.com; mobilementalism.com; dealspl.us; laptopmag.com; ebay.com; usatoday.com