To help make the home buying process easier, it is advisable to create a plan that contains the individuals that you will need to contact to ensure that the process runs smoothly. This will eliminate any surprises that might occur. This column provides you with such a list.

Step 1- Establish the financing: Before you begin home hunting, you should determine an affordable price range. You can start with a lender to determine what you can afford. It is advisable to obtain a pre-approved mortgage. This will enable you to look at homes that fit your price range. Failure to do this can place you in a difficult position. For instance, you do not want to be in a position of having bought a house only to learn after that you cannot qualify for the mortgage required to purchase the home. As well, a pre-approved mortgage locks in the interest rate for a certain period so that if the interest rates increase, you still receive the lower rate.

Step 2- Determine the mortgage options: Contact a lender, a mortgage specialist or a mortgage broker to review the various options that are available to you.

Step 3- Retain a Real Estate Agent: It is best to retain an agent who is experienced in the area to which you are moving. One way to ensure that you will be comfortable working with a particular agent is to rely on referrals from family and friends. The experience of a real estate agent will prove to be invaluable. He or she will make all the arrangements necessary to view homes and to help you to locate the right home and at the right price. Real estate agents will assist you with the negotiations regarding the purchase price of the home.

Step 4- Retain a Real Estate Lawyer: A real estate lawyer is an important part of the home buying team. Once again, take into consideration referrals from friends and relatives. Often, real estate agents have pre-existing business relationships with several real estate lawyers. Look for an experienced lawyer who is willing to explain the legal aspects of the home buying process from beginning to end. While legal fees are a factor in choosing a lawyer, they should not be the determining factor. If you are buying a newly built home, you should always have a lawyer review the Agreement of Purchase and Sale before you sign it. Failure to do so is a common mistake made by new buyers.

Step 5- Begin Searching: Now that a team of professionals are helping with your search, the process will invariably be much easier.

All of these steps are necessary to ensure that the home buying process is a smooth one. Your team of professionals are there to guide you through each step of the process. Going through the process without your team in place is risky and not advisable.