Your first step to buying a home is to first ask yourself why you want to buy a home: to stop paying rent? To start building equity? To have a place of your own? To raise a family? To entertain family & friends, To move up to a bigger house? Next, list what kind of home you'd like and where you would like to be. Consider location (city, neighbourhood, community). a particular school zone; recreational facilities; and other community amenities such as transportation, day care, library, stores & entertainment. Ask yourself how many minutes you are willing to commute to work.
Think about home styles. How much space do you need? Does your situation require a one-level home, or are stairs acceptable? Consider size and kind of property. Do you want a newer home, or maybe an older one to fix up? Consider how long you expect to stay in this home. Will you need a mortgage helper to make this home affordable?