Whether you are ready now or will be down the road, buying your first home takes preparation. Here are some tips from us to you to keep in mind.

- Save aggressively for your down payment. 
- Get your finances in order. 
- Clean up your credit report. Your credit score is critical to a mortgage application. 
- Don't apply for credit. Keep in mind that a mortgage lender is determining your ability to pay back a mortgage up until the minute you sign the mortgage papers. 
- First-year expenses. You should consider putting away an additional $5,000 to $10,000 for expenses such as a lawnmower, furniture and basic decorating, and for potential repairs involving your furnace, air conditioning, water heater and other appliances.

• Save money
• Do not apply for new credit
• Get your finances in order
• Ask about HOA fees
• Ask about taxes in the area
• Get an insurance quote
• Put away at lease $5,000
• Ask about Utility fees
• Get all documents ready
• Do not go over your budget
• Do not expect a dream home
• Find your starter home
• Do a home inspection
• Get Pre-Approved

Also it is really important to shop around. Why? Because when you take the time to look at the market in the specific area where you are looking to buy you will have an idea of how much money you are expecting to pay every month, also the conditions of the homes around the neighborhood and the escrows you will pay for your new property in the other hand, when you shop around you can get the best home possible for your dollar.

Don't expect your dream home.

Many first-time homebuyers purchase what's called a "starter" home or a "fixer-upper." While these are often relatively small and need some repairs, they're also an opportunity to enter the real estate market and build sweat equity. 

Home inspection. Even if you've come across the deal of a lifetime, never buy a house without a home inspection. An inspection will alert you to potential problems that may not be obvious to a person buying his or her first home.