5. Shop for a home.  Find a Real Estate agent that you trust. Finding the right home is a very important process. There are more factors involved than the home itself. Look at the school systems, the emergency service personnel, and the town or city government. Make sure the home you pick is in the place you want to live as well. Make sure you look at more than one home. Even if your first impression of the first home you look at is "This is the one!" take a look at a few more just to make sure. This, for most people, is the biggest purchase they will make in their entire lives. Take your time and be sure about the right home.

6. Make an offer.  When making an offer make sure everything is put in writing. What items you would like included. Things like curtains, blinds, fixtures, chandeliers. All of these things should be listed on the purchase agreement to make sure you are getting what you requested. Simply because you place an item on the purchase agreement does not mean the seller will agree to it. It does mean that it will at least get addressed and will be factored during the negotiation. Make sure you make the sale contingent on a home inspection and have everything put in writing.

7. Have a professional inspect the home.  Hire a professional home inspector. The home inspector will go through the home and make sure the home is in good condition. Although a home may look beautiful from the outside, there could be some underlying issues that would change your opinion. The home inspector will make sure all of the mechanical and electrical systems are sound and will also make sure there is no damage from water, rodents or insects.

8. Shop for home owner's insurance.  There are plenty of insurance companies out there. Just like auto insurance, the premiums can vary greatly between companies. Check several companies and make sure you are getting a good price for the coverage you need.

9. Close on your first new home.  When closing on a home it is very important to read everything that you sign. It is important to get copies of the documentation prior to closing so you can go through them. You need to be able to address any concerns prior to the final signing date. If everything is in order, receive your keys, and move into your new home.

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