What is the first thing to do when buying a house?

What is the first thing you should do when you want to buy a house? Get on the internet and find your dream home, only to find out you can't qualify? Buy a whole house of new furniture so when you move the house will look awesome? Put a thousand miles on your car driving through your choice neighborhood everyday waiting to see the coveted "just listed" sign? ( I actually know someone who did this.) What is the best thing to do? Well there are actually 2 things that you should do when you want to buy a house: 1. Get with a lender and find out what you need to do to get your finances in order and what you are qualified to buy. This will make sure that you don't go through the heartache of finding your dream home only to find out you can not afford it. It will also let you know if there is anything that you need to clear up on your finances (ie your credit score)on the front end so you are not running yourself ragged trying to get things done after you have already put in an offer on a house. 2. Find a trustworthy realtor.(This is equally as important as number 1) Someone who can relate to you, knows the market, and can help find the best home for you and your family. The reason it's as important as number one is chances are your realtor has closed a lot of deals and can refer you to a great lender that will get the job done. Your dream home is out there waiting for you, it'

s dream family. Just go out and and take the first step. So many questions and concerns will be covered in your first step..... Happy Home Hunting! :)