• Pre-Qualification: Meet with a mortgage broker and find out how much you can afford to pay for a home.

• Pre-Approval: While knowing how much you can afford is the first step, you will not be in a strong position to make an offer until you have been pre-approved. In this scenario, the buyer actually applies for a mortgage and receives a commitment in writing from a lender prior to submitting an offer on a property. This way, assuming that the house you desire is at or under the amount you are pre-qualified for, the seller knows immediately that you are a serious buyer for that property. Costs for pre-approval are usually free and often involve pulling your credit score.

• List of Needs & Wants:  Make 2 lists. The first should include items you must have (i.e., the number of bedrooms you need, is parking important, what about outdoor space, etc.). The second list is your wish list, things you would like to have (views, a second or third bathroom, quick accessibility to shopping or public transportation) but are not absolutely necessary. Realistically, you probably won't get everything on your wish list but it will keep you on track for what you are looking for.

• Representation by a Professional:  California law affords you representation. Hire your own real estate agent, one who is working for you, the buyer. The listing agent advertising the property or at the open house works for the seller.

• Focus & Organization:  In a convenient location, keep handy the items that will assist you in maximizing your home search efforts. Such items may include:

1. One or more detailed maps with your areas of interest highlighted.
2. A file of the properties that your agent has shown to you, along with ads you've cut out from the newspaper.
3. Paper and pen, for taking notes as you search. Make notes on the property statement after viewing each home so you won't forget the impressions it made.
4. Take pictures of a home you especially like. It will refresh your memory later, after viewing alot of homes. Word of caution: never take pictures without the permission of the listing agent or seller.
5. Leave your children and pets at home when touring property and attending open houses. Children need care and attention and can be a distraction for you. As for pets, you may unwittingly bring a pet into the home of someone with severe allergies. Be considerate when touring through another person's home. Always ask if it is okay to open closets.
6. Location: Look at a potential property as if you are the seller. Would a prospective buyer find it attractive based on location, crime rate, proximity to positive features (shopping, parks, schools, freeway access) and negative features (commercial properties, busy street, noise)?
7. Many properties are staged to act attract your interest. Look beyond the sellers possesions or staging.
   

• Visualize the house empty & with your decor:  Are the rooms laid out to fit your needs? Is there enough light? Would your decor or cosmetic changes make it a place you could be comfortable in?
  
  
• Be Objective:  Even though most people think with their hearts when purchasing a home, stop and think with your head. Does this home really meet your needs? There are many houses on the market, so don't make a hurried decision that you may regret later.