Go House Hunting

Now that you've had your credit pre-approved and know how much you can afford, it's time to go house-hunting.  You may look at one house or two dozen before you find the one that's right for you.  Just keep an open mind, and focus on the things that are really important to you, and you're sure to find a place where you'll feel at home.

Choosing a neighborhood
House-hunters should keep in mind the familiar adage about the three most important features of a home: location, location, location.  That's because finding the right home for you and your family has as much to do with the neighborhood as with the home itself.  In fact, you'll probably notice during your search that a home in one area costs much more than a similar home in another. Factors like safety, school quality, and proximity to shopping and entertainment all contribute to demand for homes in a given neighborhood. 

Beyond price, what you look for in a neighborhood probably has a lot to do with your personal situation.  How far are you willing to commute to work?  How close do you want to be to family and friends?  Do you have young children who would enjoy a nearby playground?  Picturing your day-to-day life in a certain neighborhood is a good way to predict whether you will feel comfortable there. 

Considering different house styles
You may want to look beyond the traditional detached single-family home.  Condominiums, town houses, and duplexes can be more affordable options, especially if you're looking in a densely populated area.  These types of housing may not offer as much yard space or privacy as single-family homes, but those may not be as important to you as the chance to own a home in the neighborhood of your choice. 

Building a new home
If you've looked and looked for your dream home without success, or if you want to be the very first owner of a brand new home, consider building.  You'll have more opportunity to customize the home's features and design, more up-to-date appliances and building materials, and usually a builder's warranty to cover problems that come up in the first year.