Having said that, if you feel confident about buying, many websites offer online mortgage calculations. So if you find a few listings that sound like they're perfect, in an area you want to live, plug in the purchase price listed. Note that most mortgage calculators will allow you to figure by various lengths (10, 20, 30 year), fixed or variable rates, and some will even help you calculate annual taxes! Based on this information you can shop smarter. Do remember, however, that the mortgage is just the beginning - all your utilities including water get added on to that.
Next make your wish list - all the things you want in a home. Siding or not? Driveway or not? Fenced yard or not? Think long term, including potential family growth. For example, you might love big, old homes but these houses require more upkeep and maintenance that gets difficult as one gets older. Remember you're buying for 30 years, not just today. On the other hand, older homes typically reside in well-established communities and may have lower property taxes. Then there's location. Where you live determines school district, taxes, building regulations etc. Know your potential neighborhood. How easy is it to get where you want, when you want to get there? How well are the roads maintained? All of these little things affect how happy you will be in your home for the years ahead.
After all this minutia you're ready to find a real estate agent. In this case, networking and word of mouth really does help. You want an agent who knows your area, who listens to what you want, and provides you with information in a timely manner. For example, a good agent will know what homes are selling for in a specific neighborhood, and can therefore tell you if a specific house is overpriced. Additionally a good agent walks you through the whole process of home buying from pre-qualification to signing final paperwork, professionally, checking each step of the way that the buyer understands any issues or concerns.
As you look at houses with your agent, try everything. Check the water pressure, look for cracks and watermarks, think about the layout and your lifestyle (does your furniture fit?). Overall, try to see yourself in this space for a long time and see how you feel after pondering that. It's recommended that you review at least 15 homes before buying, and even then getting a home inspection before making an offer final.
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