While no two searches are exactly alike, by reviewing the guide below you can begin to get an idea of what will be involved in your search for a new home. Consider printing this list out as a sort of road map for your upcoming adventure. Don't worry though, it's not as stressful as it seems and if you'd like, I can be there to help you every step of the way.

• Understand your financial situation. To effectively search for a home you have to know what you can afford and what "amount" of home will fit into your life style. Educate and prepare yourself by getting pre-approved for a mortgage, looking into credit reports, and your FICO score. Take that information and start to shop for a type of mortgage, interest rates, and programs that will fit your situation. If you are unsure of who to go to for such services feel free to check out my resource page.
  
  
• Determine your wants and needs: style of home, size, price, location. Don't worry if your completely unsure, often you become more aware of whats available in the market, your list will change!
  
  
• Seek a Real Estate Agent to begin working with. The earlier in the process you reach out the more smooth your transaction will go! A good agent will understand that all buyers have different time frames. If you feel rushed or unimportant to your agent don't hesitate to find a new one!
  
  
• Check out the neighborhoods your interested in. How are the schools, crime rates, traffic, zoning, and work commutes for each area?
  
  
• Begin to view homes with your buyers Agent. Take the interesting listings your agent has sent you and ask them schedule viewings. By seeing homes in person you can help your Agent better refine your search criteria. 
  
  
• Find a home and put in an offer! Wow, sounds a little quick and scary huh? Theres no need to feel stressed at this point of the process. Just know that by working in a steady process you'll be ready to put in an offer when you find your new home.
  
  
• Hire a certified inspector to conduct a home inspection. By being armed with this information you will be able to ensure the sells price reflects the condition of the home and that you are comfortable with your purchase. From here, complete your offer and negotiations  that include fulfilling any contingencies that may be built into the contract. All of this will allow you to move forward and continue to settlement.
  
  
• Attend settlement and move into your new home! When working with a title company and lender that are attentive and value their clients you will find that the settlement process can run smoothly! Lenders and settlement companies are obligated by law to meet certain disclosures so its important that you have clear lines of commucation with them through out your home buying process!
  

You many find that you need to add some steps, based on your special situation, to create a customized home buying checklist for yourself. However, this should serve as a helpful guide as you start on the road to purchasing your dream home.