by Attorney Ilona Bray

Interested in buying a house? Orient yourself to the steps ahead, from researching neighborhoods to closing the deal.

You've probably been thinking -- or at least dreaming -- about buying a house for a long time. (Some people start going to open houses way before they're able to buy, just for the fun of it.) But buying a first home can be intimidating. Are you're ready for the multiple tasks involved in the homebuying process? Most people aren't. The preview below will alert you to the steps you'll need to take, and link you to other key information.

Step 1: Decide Which Community or Neighborhood You're Interested In

If you're already committed to a certain geographical area, and know you can afford it, jump down to the next step. However, if you're moving to a different state, or you have an inkling that your ideal neighborhood might be out of your financial reach, it's time for a little research. Driving or walking around, talking to local residents, and noodling around online are all good approaches. For details, see How to Research New Communities or Neighborhoods.

Step 2: Begin Looking at Houses

Even if you've never made a hobby of going to open houses, now is a good time to start. Visit a wide range of houses, in any of the neighborhoods that might interest you. Pay attention to the numbers of bedrooms and bathrooms, special features, and overall charm. If the seller has made pest or other inspection reports available, read them carefully, paying particular attention to the estimated cost of repairs. Ask the agent how many offers he or she expects on the house (multiple bidders can drive up the list price).

After a few weeks of this, make a game of testing what you've learned. Go to open houses where you don't know the list price, and then see how closely you can guess it.

For an armchair approach to the same process, scan the classified ads of your local newspapers, and look online for websites that publish the Multiple Listing Service (MLS), such as http://www.realtor.com, by the National Association of Realtors (NAR).

If you might be interested in a newly constructed home, see Buying a Newly Built House.

You'll inevitably start narrowing in on what type of house will meet both your wishes and your budget. To get organized about this, create a profile of your ideal house, then carry it with you as you get more serious about your home search. For more details on these early phases of the process, see Beginning Your Home Search.

Step 3: Assemble Your Team of Professionals

Most people prefer to work with a real estate agent or a lawyer at some point in the process. (In fact, in a handful of U.S. states, a lawyer must be hired to help finalize the sale.) A mortgage broker can also be of great help in finding the right home loan.

Experienced, responsible professionals can save you time, money, and aggravation. By the same token, incompetent or unethical ones can mess matters up badly. Take the time to get referrals from friends, and meet with a few prospects before you hire anyone.

For more on whether and how to get outside help, see Should I Hire a Real Estate Agent or Lawyer to Buy a House?