You have spent years saving for it and dreaming about it. Now that you are ready to buy you own house, the questions surrounding it seem to be endless. Here are some tips to help you with the process of becoming the owner of your first castle: Prequalify for a loan Being prequalified for a loan determines what you can afford. It also allows you to move more swiftly when you find the right house, especially when you are not the only interested buyer.

Shop for mortgage rates and terms
A difference of even half a percentage point can make a huge difference in how much you pay over the life of a loan. For example, the difference in the monthly payment on a $100,000 mortgage at 8 percent vs. 7.5 percent is about $35 per month. Over 30 years, that's $12,600.

Using a buyer agent
A buyer agent is legally responsible for representing the buyer's interest in a real estate transaction. Generally, the seller compensates the buyer agent at the time you purchase a new home and you do not have to pay for the buyer agent's service. There are some limitations to using a buyer agent, however. Before you decide, have a Realtor explain the advantages and disadvantages of using a buyer agent.

Watch out for features that help or hurt resale value
In some areas, a swimming pool actually detracts from a home's value and makes the home harder to sell. A good school district may not matter to you now, but it might matter to someone when you eventually sell your property. A house with unique personal style might appear to less buyers and thus minimize the resale price. As your Realtor I can point out features that hurt or help resale value.

Record features of houses you viewed
Keep record of the feature of the houses you have viewed after touring each home. This will allow you to compare them with your wish list in the comfort of your home. Develop a rating system that will help you narrow the field down to the house that is most suitable to you.