Which emotion surges higher when buying a home: excitement or anxiety? Either or both can take significant hold during the home buying process. Imagining the possibilities of your new house can bring great joy, while the financial implications of making such a purchase create worries for most people. You can take steps to reduce the stress, though, and focus on the enjoyable aspects of buying a new home.

Get ready
Long before you start walking through properties, you can lay the groundwork for a good home buying experience. The sooner you start saving for a down payment the better. Having some money to put toward the purchase gives you more flexibility when it comes time to get a loan.

You'll want to check your credit report, too, to see if there are any mistakes or problems you can clear up prior to applying for a mortgage.

Speaking of mortgages, what do you know about all the options available to you? Learning about various types of loans and assistance programs will give you the knowledge to find the right loan for you - one that you will be able to afford for the life of the loan.

Finally, you'll put yourself in a strong position by getting pre-approved - not just pre-qualified - for a mortgage. And don't necessarily jump at a high loan amount just because someone says they will lend you that much. Take a hard look at your own finances and future plans to make sure you are living within your means.

What do you want?

Do you see yourself in a ranch-style home in the suburbs? A downtown loft apartment? A neighborhood where you can walk your kids to school? Take the time to figure out what features are most important to you. You will also find it helpful to decide if there are some items you desire but might be willing to look past if everything else falls into place. Once you can distinguish between the must-haves and the features that would be nice if you can get them, you'll have the ability to quickly make decisions about which properties to view and won't waste time on homes that ultimately won't make the cut.

Get someone on your side

Buying real estate is much more involved than most other transactions - even high-dollar purchase like automobiles and stocks. It can be a tremendous help to have a professional looking out for your best interests along the way. I'm sure it won't shock you that I recommend hiring a Realtor. Your Realtor can explain the entire process and all of its elements, help you negotiate, keep the transaction on track, and make sure you have the information you need to make good decisions.

Understand what goes into an offer

There's much more to making an offer on a home than deciding what price you're willing to pay. Before you even find the home of your dreams, learn as much as you can about what goes into an offer, what makes one offer more attractive than another, and what the possible responses are from a seller.

Don't let up after your offer is accepted

Not every transaction successfully progresses from an accepted offer to a closed deal. However, if you stay on top of the many tasks required after both parties sign on the dotted line, you give yourself the best chance of making it to the closing table and getting the keys to your new home.

On the other hand, you may not want the keys to some properties. To make sure you don't wind up in a home you regret owning, get the home professionally inspected and make sure there are no problems with the title or survey. And don't put any of this off until the last minute. If something undesirable does show up, you may still want - and be able - to work things out.

Buying a home should be an exciting time in your life. If you plan well and work with people who are looking out for your best interests, you can minimize the pressures involved and enjoy the process of purchasing a new place to call your own.

For more information, I invite you to visit http://www.texasrealestate.com/ or http://www.har.com/ and for all of your Pearland TX and Northern Brazoria and Galveston County real estate needs, please visit my site at http://www.danfrankrealty.com/.  Danny Frank is a local Pearland Real Estate expert.

This column was published in the 20April08 edition of the Galveston County Daily News.