When I started in real estate I worked mostly with buyer's. I love working with first time buyer's. They are so eager to learn all they can about the entire process. I remember buying my first home. Back then we didn't have the enormous amount of information that is out there today. You can google anything you want to about the home buying process and with a simple click of a mouse there it sits right in front of you. Pages and pages of websites to browse through.
Information overload? Perhaps that can be true. The best thing to do is consult a real estate professional and lender with questions or concerns. There isn't going to be a magic answer to a specific question because every situation is unique.
There are many variables that enter into the home buying process. I have my clients talk to a lender and find out where they are financially and to see if their credit is high enough to qualify for a loan. Your income, work history and debt to income ratio is also something a lender will look at.
Once that has been established you are given a price range that you can afford. I like to set my clients up with a personal account to the MLS. Every time a new listing is uploaded onto the MLS you receive them and it will be the ones that match your price range and criteria. Sites like Realtor.com are not as immediate with price and status changes to the market. You also may not know the property taxes which is crucial since they are calculated into your monthly payment. You must know that they are going to be affordable for you. I check these out for my clients before ever sending the available properties. Imagine having your heart set on a home that you can't even afford because the taxes are too high!
If you want to know more about the home buying process check out move.com where you will find a lot of useful information.
SUN ON SNOW!
I don't know why but I keep taking pictures of the shadows on the snow!
This is my patio. I still can't get back there because the snow is too deep so I had to take this picture from my window.