Remember to:

Ask enough questions of your lender--don't miss out on the best rates, lock-in times or creative types of loans that may fit your personal situation.

Be picky...but not unrealistic. There is no perfect home.

Do your homework before you start looking. Decide specifically what features you want in a home and which are most important to you.

Get your finances in order. Review your credit report and be sure you have enough money to cover your downpayment and your closing costs

Don't wait to get a loan. Talk to a lender and get prequalified for a mortgage before you start looking.

Don't ask too many people for opinions. It will drive you crazy. Select one or two people to turn to if you feel you need a second opinion.

Decide when you could move. When is your lease up? Are you allowed to sublet? How tight is the rental market in your area?

Think long-term. Are you looking for a starter house with the idea of moving up in a few years or do you hope to stay in this home longer? This decision may dictate what type of home you'll buy as well as type of mortgage terms that suit you best.

Don't let yourself be house poor. If you max yourself out to buy the biggest home you can afford, you'll have no money left for maintenance or decoration or to save money for other financial goals.

Don't be naˆØve. Insist on a home inspection and if possible get a warranty from the seller to cover defects within one year.

Act quickly enough in making your decision. Make sure another buyer doesn't make an offer before you do.

Find the right agent--one who is willing to help you through the home buying process by answering your questions and helping you find the other business professionals you'll need.

Make your offer look good to a seller: go over your budget and calculate what mortgage amount you can afford, get pre-qualified for a loan before house hunting and put at least 2% down as earnest money.

Factor in your household needs: remember that long commutes will make your work day longer. Children need to be near day care, and teens close to school events and friends. Adults need services that are only a short drive. Seniors need to be near healthcare professionals. If you live close to your place of worship and social activities, you'll adjust to your new neighborhood even faster.

Make sure the house you love fits the way you live. If everyone in your family ends up working at the dining room table, is that room large and comfortable? Handymen will want a space to work, and the garage may not have enough room for cars and projects. Have many overnight guests? Work at home? You'll need extra bedrooms. Gardeners need lots of sunshine and good soil; puppies and small children need level fenced areas for play. If your family includes crowds for the holidays, think about the size of your kichen, dining room and living areas.