The first step in buying a home is getting a credit pre-approval.  You'll receive a loan commitment from your mortgage company before you've found a home, so you can start house hunting confidently.

There is no right or wrong way to approach house hunting—it's all about finding a place where you'll feel at home.  Think about the neighborhood, the schools, how much room you need, and how different types of homes will suit your lifestyle.

Once you've found a home you want to buy, you will need to decide how much you're willing to pay to make it yours.  Think about what other homes have sold for in the area, how much money you might have to put into repairs or renovations, and how much you're comfortable spending.

An inspection by a qualified professional makes you a more informed buyer, which is essential when you're making such a large investment.  Your inspector will examine the foundation, roof, heating and cooling system, plumbing, and much more.  Any problems will be recorded in an inspection report, which you can use to negotiate with the seller.

Closing is the culmination of the home buying process, when you, the seller, the closing agent, and others meet to transfer funds and finalize paperwork.  And when the last check has been written, the last document signed, you are left holding the keys to your new home.

So you're ready to start life in your new home—congratulations!  Now all you have to do is get yourself, your family, and your belongings there intact.  Whether to do it yourself or hire a moving company depends on how much stuff you have, how far you're moving, and how much you can afford to spend.