Buying A Home
jessicaehutson
newb
Dear Community,
Our tech team has launched updates to The Nest today. As a result of these updates, members of the Nest Community will need to change their password in order to continue participating in the community. In addition, The Nest community member's avatars will be replaced with generic default avatars. If you wish to revert to your original avatar, you will need to re-upload it via The Nest.
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Thank you.
Note: This only affects The Nest's community members and will not affect members on The Bump or The Knot.
Our tech team has launched updates to The Nest today. As a result of these updates, members of the Nest Community will need to change their password in order to continue participating in the community. In addition, The Nest community member's avatars will be replaced with generic default avatars. If you wish to revert to your original avatar, you will need to re-upload it via The Nest.
If you have questions about this, please email help@theknot.com.
Thank you.
Note: This only affects The Nest's community members and will not affect members on The Bump or The Knot.
Just starting to research...
What was most helpful to you before you actually started the home buying process? Are there good website you stumbled upon? Did you get good info from friends/family?
Just wondering where to start 
Thanks!
Re: Just starting to research...
Home Buying for Dummies
Mortgages for Dummies
SUPER information.
First step - get your finances in order. Pay off consumer debt. SAVE, SAVE, SAVE
You need a good (preferably 20%) down payment, closing costs, moving costs, utility deposits, repair/renovations, decorating/additional furniture&appliances, tools/ladders and yard items (hoses, rakes, lawn mower, snow removal items, lawn chairs, grill, etc)
AND STILL HAVE a 6 month emergency fund in place.
That is a good amount of money.
My standard advice - keep your housing costs to no more than 25-28% of your TAKEHOME pay (mortgage+insurance+taxes+PMI+HOA+utilities) 30-35% if you are in a HCOL area.
More than that amount you can easily find yourself house-poor.
Make a list of NEEDS (those you will not compromise on)
and a list of WANTS - (you will not get all of those -so know where you are willing to give in)
Look at realtor.com at listings for your area and it will give you a general idea of what is available and what you get for your money.
Do not be in a hurry.