Meet with a Lender.

It's never too early to check out your financials. The earlier you meet with a lender, the more time you have to correct any issues that may harm your ability to get a loan and possibly get you a better rate.

There's a difference between pre-qualified and pre-approved.

Being pre-qualified and pre-approved are not the same thing. Being pre-approved gives you a step up on the crowd by showing you are serious and already approved for a loan. Its especially important to make a strong offer in such a competitive market.

Do NOT make any large purchases or open/close lines of credit before buying a home.

Large purchases or opening and closing lines of credit can affect your credit and in turn your loan. Even if you've been approved for a loan, making any big changes to your credit can affect your loan and may keep you from closing on your dream home.

Keep in mind your needs.

Don’t fall in love with a home if it doesn’t fit your needs. Needs can be extra room for starting a family or even how much you can afford a month. Also remember a home is not a forever purchase. We are ever changing people and therefore our wants and needs change as well.

Take pictures and notes.

Looking at multiple homes every week can be overwhelming. Make sure when home shopping to take specific notes about what you like and don't like, and even how the home made you feel. Although most homes these days have photos and virtual tours online, feel free to take photos if it will help you remember better.

Picking an Agent.

Its okay to interview multiple agents just like you interview lenders. In fact, the agent you decide to work with can refer a good lender to you. What you are looking for in both is communication and honesty. The buying process can be a long and difficult experience to maneuver. Finding an agent with good communication can make the process easier.