I'm a first time home buyer and don't know where to start...please help?

Hi Cindy: Welcome to the world of todays home buyer. You are really in a unique time right now as home prices are still low and mortgage rates are even lower. The first advice I would give is ask questions. Ask a lot of questions. First to your Realtor who will be your lead person in your search for your home, unless of course you already have one in mind and can deal directly with the owner. Make sure you work well with the personality of the person you have chosen to represent you in your search. Don't be intimidated and don't be afraid to ask why. Once you have located a Realtor you feel comfortable with you should find a mortgage professional you also feel comfortable with. You can put a request in on this site and will be contacted by a few lenders who are licensed in your state. It is totally your choice whether to work with a local lender or a national one. Licensing and training requirements for loan originators have improved greatly over the last year eliminating most of the less than reputable brokers and lenders from the business. Again ask questions and make sure you understand the reasons for any advice you receive from a lender. Your first goal is to get pre-qualified for a loan based on answers to a lot of questions from the lender. Guidelines today require you to document your income and assets and credit history to qualify for a mortgage.Once you are pre-qualified your Realtor will use the verification from your lender to help in negotiations for the property you are interested in buying. The process itself can be frustrating but it can also be extremely fulfilling to be approved for a loan and to hear your Realtor say your offer was accepted and to know you will soon be a "Home Owner" with all the rights and privileges afforded thereby. I wish you all the luck and good fortune you deserve in your pursuit. If you have more questions of a general nature please feel free to contact me anytime. lharvey@advisorsmortgage.com