•(1)   Homes are long term investments.  When looking to purchase a home plan on living in the home a few years before moving to you next home.

•(2)   Check your credit.  Shore up your credit by getting a copy of your credit report and clean up any discrepancies.

•(3)   Meet with a loan officer.  They can help you clean up those discrepancies on your credit as well as get you pre-approved.  Pre-approval can help you save time and grief of looking at a house you can't afford.

•(4)   Explore different loan options and determine how large you mortgage can be.  Don't be house poor.  Make sure you don't over extend yourself. 

•(5)   Decide what kind of house you want to purchase and where you want to live.

•(6)   Study the area and familiar yourself with home prices in the area.

•(7)   Make sure to consider items like property taxes, insurance and association fees.

•(8)   Get help.  Hire a Realtor to help you with these items.