"If you want to buy a house there's probably never been a better time," encouraged Donald Trump recently on Good Morning America.



If you are single you are probably not going to be in the same situation as someone married. If you are married and have children, you are going to have different needs than a couple without children. Retirement might suggest a smaller home to be in your near future. On the other hand you may be just beginning your career and you don't have time for fixing up a house or lots of yard work. Every situation is different.

Perhaps you prefer small town living or want more opportunities for outdoor recreation. On the other hand, some people love living in the city to take advantage of cultural and social activities. Try to plan for your favorite activities such as snow boarding or surfing. If you have school age children then finding the best school district may be important to you.

You can also think about what type of home would work best for you. A condominium would require less upkeep. Condos are perfect for those who want pools, recreation areas, exercise equipment and built in security.

For many people, a single family home is appropriate. Think about bedrooms, bathrooms, living space, square feet, single story or two-story, and what kind of amenities you would prefer.

Of course, location is one of the primary issues that most people focus on and will probably be first on your list. You can start to identify areas or neighborhoods that you like as well as research other locations that you may not have given thought to before. With a little effort, you'll find it is easy to pinpoint a couple of neighborhoods you like and can afford.

In addition to examining your personal situation and preferences regarding buying a home, start to think about how much of a mortgage payment you can afford. Do you have a steady and reliable income? Is your current employment reliable, secure and in demand?

Do you have the habit of paying your bills in a timely manner? Are there any credit issues that you need to clear up? If you find yourself buried in debt, consider selling assets on eBay to decrease your obligations. Have you put aside money for down payment and closing costs to purchase a home?

Begin to think about the two most important people that will be a part of your home purchase, your real estate agent and your mortgage lender.

Start to take notice of real estate agents that seem to work the neighborhoods you prefer. A knowledgeable and experienced agent can save you time and aggravation when searching for a home. Take a day on the weekends for visiting open houses and meeting Realtors. Discuss the real estate market and ask questions. In addition you can ask friends and family if they know agents that they have used and feel comfortable with.

Searching for a mortgage lender is similar. Ask real estate agents who they would use if they were searching for a mortgage. Again ask co-workers and family. Although you don't have to be best friends with your mortgage loan officer, it still helps if you feel that you can easily talk about your personal finances with them.

Of course when you are ready, be sure to get pre approved for a mortgage. It helps to know before hand what price range you can qualify for and what kind of mortgage payments you can expect.

To help simplify the process of getting started, begin a to-do list today. This short article will be your biggest asset. As you address each point, you will have your own ideas to add to the list.

The process of buying a house should begin with enjoyment. So at the top of your to do list write these words. HAVE FUN!