Once you've decided that it's time for you to buy a home, the process may seem very complicated, but this suggested checklist might help make the tasks more manageable.

• Assess your financial situation and calculate
  • What you can afford to pay in principal and interest each month
  • What size mortgage that amount, given a few different interest rates, will allow you to obtain
  • Whether you have enough cash on hand to cover a down payment, usually 10% to 20% of the home's total cost
• Begin to search for homes in your price range, either on your own or with the help of a real estate agent
• Compile a list of potential mortgage lenders and visit each to compare the style of mortgage, interest rates, terms and costs you're offered
• Take one of the loans you've been offered, if you feel it meets all your needs
• Agree to purchase one of the homes you've seen, if you feel it meets all your needs
• Complete the closing process with lender and with seller of the home, paying for title searches, attorney fees, property taxes, transfer taxes and homeowners insurance
• Sign all documents and move into your new home!