Buying a house is a major purchase for many of us. Finding the right home at the right price for you can be an overwhelming process. With so many variables to consider, it may feel impossible these days. But buying a house should be exciting, so learning what to look for and how to stay organized while searching will help ease the home buying process.

Below are some best practices when buying a house.

Know What You Want and What You Need

Know what your budget is, what neighborhood you want, how many bedrooms and bathrooms are non-negotiable, and proximity to work or school will help to streamline the process of searching for a house. Only looking at options that will work for your budget and lifestyle will help the process move faster, and decreases the chances of disappointment.

Get Approved for a Mortgage

Whether you get pre-approved or wait until you make an offer, getting approved for your mortgage will help you to create a realistic budget for the home buying process. With things like upgrades, potential repairs, closing costs, and redecorating, it is important to know how much you can spend before you need to start spending.

Work with an Agent

Hiring a real estate agent can take a lot of pressure and responsibility off your plate. They will find what works best for you, especially if you are upfront with your wants and needs. And they may even be able to find homes you wouldn’t normally have been able to find yourself. Look into if the cost of hiring an agent works with your budget.

Get a Home Inspection

This is a nonnegotiable after your offer has been accepted. Getting an inspection will let you know if there are any major issues in your home. This can affect what you actually end up paying for your home. Knowing if there are major repairs can affect what you actually end up paying, as well as the budget you will need to set for home upgrades.

Buying a house, whether it is for the first time or for an upgrade, can be a lengthy and overwhelming process. But doing it right is important for getting the best house for you and your family’s needs and budget. Talk with your financial advisor today to see if you are ready to start the home buying process.