The first point the make is that there is no wrong or right way to buy a house, but there is a smart way and a not-so-smart way. Some people are out just out and about with no intention of purchasing a home, but they drive by a home they love and make an offer on the spot. Others agonise for years over finding the perfect house. Some are ruled by emotions, others by their wallet. A few are ruled by solid reasoning and a clear understanding of actions and consequences. No matter what rules your decisions, you should know that there is much a less stressful path to purchasing a home than many take.

Much of the stress associated with purchasing a home involves applying for and being approved for mortgage quotes. However, if you apply for mortgage quotes at the right time, much of your stress and apprehension will be relieved. So, when should you apply for mortgage quotes? The answer is: before you begin shopping for houses. About a year before you plan to purchase a home, you should begin doing research into your credit and begin talking to mortgage experts. Three to six months before you begin looking, you should begin applying for mortgage quotes.

Here's why it makes sense to prepare properly when getting a mortgage quote:

• Avoid Heartbreak – If you start out by looking at houses, you may find a house that you absolutely love. But it may be out of your budget. It can be heartbreaking to watch a house that you adore slip through your fingers simply because you cannot get approved for it. It would be better to never have seen the house in the first place. That way you will not emotionally compare it with houses you can afford.

• Realistic Budget – Applying for mortgage quotes before you shop allows you to set a realistic budget. You will be able to see exactly what you can afford and will be able to make sound decisions based on the information you have at your disposal.

• Pre-Approval Offers – When you make an offer on a home, it pays to be pre-approved for a mortgage. This makes your offer stand out from the rest of the offers that the home owner has received. They know you can afford the home and will be able to purchase it as stated in the contract.

Now that you know when to apply for mortgage quotes, you need to know how. There are many online mortgage quote comparison services that make applying for mortgages easy. You may take advantage of these services or contact a mortgage broker. You may also talk to your financial institution to see what types of mortgages they offer.

Remember; there are many ways to go about purchasing a home. But if you know what you can afford and what to expect before you start, you can save yourself a lot of heartache. Buying a home can be an emotional experience, so get the facts before you get attached.