Did you know that home sales in California increased 25.2% from October 2011 to October 2012? In addition, the California Association of Realtors predicts that home prices in California will rise from 2012 to 2013. As a result, it is important to buy a new home before houses start to become unaffordable. Buying your first home is often a stressful experience, though, so it is important to thoroughly prepare for this event in order to make it more manageable. There are several steps to buying your first home, and following them can help put you in the home of your dreams.

1. Consider your top priorities. Before starting to search for a home, it is important to consider everything you want in a new home. Amenities, location, style, and proximity to stores, school, and work, for example, are all things to consider ahead of time. By determining which of these factors are most important to you, you can begin searching for your new home in the right place.

2. Narrow down your search. After determining which priorities are most important to you, search for and tour homes with those specific criteria in mind. Once you browse and tour a number of homes, narrow your search down to only the homes you want to see again. By doing so, you will be able to choose between the best houses that are available.

3. Determine which loan is right for you. There are a number of different mortgages you are able to obtain. VA home loans, for example, are provided to military personnel, and they enable the lender to provide the borrower with more favorable terms, while FHA home loans are designed for buyers who cannot provide large down payments. Although there are numerous loan choices available, many home loan lenders will help you determine which type of mortgage is right for you.

There are several steps to buying your first home, and following each one will help put you in the home of your dreams. Considering your top priorities, narrowing down your search, and choosing a loan that is right for you, for example, are three important steps to buying your first home. By following these steps, purchasing your first home will not be a nightmare.