Don’t let purchasing a home become an intimidating endeavor. Sure, the entire process is a learning experience, and mistakes are bound to be made. But, with enough preparation and due diligence, you’ll get through the process unscathed.

Find the Right Real Estate Agent

Before you begin searching for homes online or at open houses, you’re going to want to find a trusted real estate agent that will guide you through the entire process. Your friends and family members are bound to have resources that will help point you in the right direction. Make sure that you interview several agents before deciding which one will suit your needs the best. Be sure that they answer all of your questions about the buying and selling process and are highly knowledgeable about the area that you’re favoring.

Pre-Approval

Unless you’re paying the house in full cash, you’re going to need to seek out a lender that will set you up with a loan. After interviewing and settling on a lender, you’re going to need to get pre-approved. What this basically does is tell the mortgage lending company that you qualify for the particular loan amount that you’re taking out based on your income.

Meet With Your Agent

Now comes the fun part. Once all the financial and legal matters are taken care of, you can finally search for your ideal home. Be sure to meet with your agent to discuss what type of home that you’re interested in and the specific area that you want to live in. Your real estate agent should be able to pull up a variety of homes that fit within your budget.

Bio: Kuba Jewgieniew is the head of Realty ONE Group, a real estate brokerage firm that has been ranked as one of the fastest growing companies by INC. 500.