Shopping for a new home is always exciting. Unfortunately, it can also be equally stressful. Add the fact that this is your first time buying a home and the process can seem unsurmountable. Don't panic. By planning your attack carefully, buying your first home doesn't have to be painful. Here are four steps you can take to make buying your first home less stressful.

Make Sure You're Ready

Owning a home is a big responsibility. Before you buy your first home, make sure you're ready for everything that goes along with home ownership. While the expected payment for your new home might be roughly the same as your rent each month, you'll need to consider all of the other expenses that will be involved. For instance, home ownership will require property taxes, insurance premiums, maintenance costs, and HOA dues. When working out your monthly budget, make sure you consider those expenses. Planning ahead will prevent you from purchasing a home that you weren't quite ready for.

Save for a Down

If you have good credit, there are loans available that don't require a down payment. However, it's still a good idea to bring some type of down payment to the table, especially during a seller's market. Having a down payment shows prospective sellers – and lenders – that you're invested in the home that you're trying to purchase. Not only that, but putting money down on your home allows you to start out with equity already accrued.

Spring for a Land Survey

There's nothing worse than having the owner tell you where the property lines are and then discovering that they were wrong after you've purchased the home. Avoid headaches – and possible legal problems – by paying for a land survey before you agree to purchase a home. The land survey will tell you exactly where the property lines are, which will make it much easier for you to install fencing and take care of other home improvements once you move in.

Pay Attention to the Inspection

Your pre-purchase home inspection is more than a mere formality. It's actually a way for you to identify potential defects in the home you wish to purchase. To protect yourself, be sure you pay close attention to the inspection report. If the report identifies problem areas, have a more in-depth inspection carried out on those particular areas. Identifying problem areas will allow you to one of two things. First, walk away from the sell if the problem is too significant. Second, use the defect to negotiate a lower selling price.

Now that you're in the market for your first home, make sure you get the best deal possible. Use the tips provided here, and work with professional real estate agents like those at Coldwell Banker George Realty, to avoid costly mistakes when shopping for your first home.