Here are some tips that could save you a lot of time, money and trouble.

• Plan ahead.
  Establish good credit and save as much as you can for the down payment and closing costs.
• Set a budget and stick to it.
  We can help you determine a comfortable price range.
• Keep your day job.
  If there's a career move in your future, make the move after your loan is funded. Lenders tend to favor a stable employment history.
• Know what you really want in a home.
  How long will you live there? Is your family growing? What are the schools like? How long is your commute? Consider every angle before diving in.
• Make a reasonable offer.
  To determine a fair value on the home, ask your real estate agent for a comparative market analysis listing all the sales prices of other houses in the neighborhood.
• Choose your loan (and your lender) carefully.
  For some tips, see the question in this section about comparing loans.
• Consult with your lender before paying off debts.
  You may qualify even with your existing debt, especially if it frees up more cash for a down payment.
• Don't shift money around.
  A lender needs to verify all sources of funds. By leaving everything where it is, the process is a lot easier on everyone involved.
• Don't add to your debt.
  If you increase your debt by financing a new car, boat, furniture or other large purchase, it could prevent you from qualifying.
• Timing is everything.
  If you already own a home, you may need to sell your current home to qualify for a new one. If you're renting, simply time the move to the end of the lease.

If you dream of buying a home. Once you have a good idea of how much home you can afford, it's time to start figuring out what features are the most important. It's time to ask yourself a very important question - What am I looking for in a home? Once you have zeroed in on a neighborhood, you may want to drive around and note the number and the locations of "For Sale" signs. Pick up the local newspaper to get a taste of the area. This will help you get a sense of the local housing market.