There are several items that must be taken care of prior to
shopping for your new home:
Get
your loan pre-approved first so you know how much home you can buy.
Take inventory
of how many bedrooms/bathrooms/garage space and other items you
need in a home.
Check Locations or areas you may want to live.
Check school districts, see if they meet your standards!
Find out about down payment
assistance programs if needed.
Get Crime statistics from the local law enforcement
on your favored area.