Contact your realtor 3-6 months before you plan to buy your home and start saving for down payment and closing costs.
Do not buy a new car or take on any new loans when you are planning to purchase a home.
Do a free consultation with your agents preferred lender ahead of time to get pre-approved for a loan before you start shopping.
Search, save, and receive alerts on all of the properties you've visited, right on your mobile device.
Use the home search that your realtor has set up for you. Sites like Zillow, Tulia and others are not always accurate.
Be realistic and flexible. Make a list of the things you really need and if you find a home that checks the majority of them, buy it.