Here are nine tips to help you get a home you’ll love and be prepared for additional costs you may not have considered

1. Ask yourself if you're ready. Are you financially ready to buy a home?  Do you have a steady job and income?  Do you have money for the down payment, which is usually 20 percent of the purchase price-10 percent at contract signing and then an additional 10 percent at the time of closing.
2. Get pre-approved.  When you get pre-approved for a mortgage loan, your lender checks your credit and lets you know the amount of mortgage for which you qualify.  Having a pre-approved loan will put you at the top of the list when presenting an offer.
3. Identify closing costs. The cost of closing on the purchase of homes shouldn't be overlooked. Closing costs include mortgage origination fees, title and settlement fees, taxes and prepaid items such as homeowner’s insurance or homeowner’s association fees.
4. Calculate your total monthly housing cost.  Include taxes and homeowner’s insurance as well as your mortgage payment.
5. Include home maintenance expenses in your budget.  Maintaining your investment can be labor intensive and expensive. Unexpected costs for new appliances, roof repairs and plumbing problems can drain your bank account.
6. Find a home.  Identify the neighborhoods that you would like to live in.  Hire a full-time realtor who specializes in that neighborhood to help you find and negotiate the purchase of the home.
7. Get a home inspection.  Make sure your agent includes a home inspection contingency in your offer to buy a home. Remember that no home is perfect but if you are unsatisfied with some of the items in the inspection you can have your agent try to negotiate with the seller to make repairs, pay for repairs or lower the price. The seller is not obligated to make the requested adjustments, however, you can proceed as an educated buyer.
8. Select an attorney.  While your friend or relative who is an attorney, but not necessarily a real estate attorney, might offer to represent you for free, it is always best to use a local attorney who is knowledgeable in real estate.  Having an attorney who knows the local regulations, customs, and inspectors can prove very valuable to you.
9. Make it to closing.  You have your financing, your offer has been accepted, and you’re anxiously awaiting the day you close on your home.  Now, you just have to make sure you don’t do anything to jeopardize your credit.  Do not change jobs, buy a new car or apply for credit cards.

Celebrate.  Congratulations!  You’re now the proud owner of your first home.

Buying your first home can be exciting, especially if you’re knowledgeable about the process and prepared.