How long is too long when it comes to financing a new vehicle? Apparently for many buyers there is no such thing as too long, provided the monthly payments are kept low. The average length of a car loan today is an astounding 70 months, up from about 62 months a year ago. On some higher-priced vehicles, nine-year car loans are starting to appear. And none of these figures take into account buyers who have taken out home equity loans to purchase new vehicles, often extending the payments over as many as 15 years.

Auto financing can come from one of several sources, including banks, credit unions, and auto dealerships. If you're serious about buying a car, you need to investigate the various possibilities. Here are the top mistakes some people make when seeking and securing an automobile loan.

Theory's great and reality's scary. The answer is "yes." But there are several big "ifs" attached. The question? Oh, sorry and it's one I get asked so often I thought you might know what I was referring to. So let me back up. People from all walks of life are inundated through e-mail or snail mail with long-term, low-interest credit card offers. You know the type: 1.99 percent interest until the balance is paid off, or something similar.

Before zeroing in on the vehicle you want to buy-new or used-it pays to have your financing already in place. This will eliminate one more area where a dealer can slip a few more dollars from your pocket into his. There are several places to borrow the money: Brick-and-mortar banks and credit unions. You can get an auto loan from a bank, credit union or another financial institution. You can have these loans approved before you ever hit the showroom. These sources of financing will usually offer the lowest rates you'll find, and credit unions are generally lower than banks.

Next to buying a home or funding your children's education, buying a car is the most expensive purchase you'll make. And car-related expenses, such as gas, maintenance and insurance, can take a big bite out of your wallet. Kicking a few tires is only half the battle. Before you begin looking for a new car, you should know your limits and what you should be spending. Experts say you shouldn't spend more than 10 percent of your gross income on car expenses, which includes the cost of the car along with insurance, gas and maintenance.

DEAR BOB: I plan to sell my home. Should I stay in my home while trying to sell it? We could move into our new home and leave the one we are trying to sell vacant. Which scenario will help sell our home faster? --Dana P. DEAR DANA: Your listing real estate agent is in the best position to advise you whether to stay or move during the sales process.

Spring is the traditional peak sales season for houses and condos. Summer is also usually very good until the traditional August slump, especially for families who want to relocate before school starts. More prospective home buyers are in the market at this time of the year than during any other season.

First-time buyers typically have less money to spend on a home than more experienced property owners. If you're selling a smaller home, with one or two bedrooms and bathrooms, you may want to consider marketing your property as a starter home. To sell a starter home quickly, you'll have to balance affordability with attractiveness and utility. Starter homes tend to be less aesthetically pleasing, but a quick sale is possible if you can make up for it in other ways.

If you're a first-time home buyer, you've probably discovered that you have a lot to learn - and unfortunately, it's all too easy to get burned. But don't be discouraged. By doing some research, you can avoid common first-time buyer mistakes.

If you're thinking of purchasing a newly-constructed home, you should first consider a variety of important factors. Many home buyers want brand-new homes because they're energy-efficient and offer the opportunity to choose specific design features. However, without the proper research, you may find your new home doesn't measure up to the specifications you desired.