• Determine how much you can afford. Use the Budget Worksheet to identify how much of your income will be required to purchase and maintain a home.
   
• Contact a mortgage broker or bank to pre-qualify for a loan with affordable monthly payments.
   
• Contact a local realtor to obtain a list of properties that fit within your price range.
   
• Research local ordinances on multiple occupants in single-family housing. If you are considering renting rooms to your friends and others, read the section called Occupancy Limits to learn more about local property zoning laws.
   
• Research state laws regarding shared property ownership. For more information, visit the Laws and Regulations section of this website.

NOTE:  Please be sure to check our Resources section for much more information, including additional worksheets and checklists.