For many people, buying their own home remains out of reach for a lot of people, even though housing in many areas of the country is as affordable as it's ever been. If you're not prepared to buy a house now, then affordbility doesn't matter.

If you are planning to stay in the same house for a few years buying a home can make perfect sense. What if you're a first-time buyer or you haven't owned a home in a while, how do you prepare for what is often the largest purchase you'll ever make? Simple steps can help you move from renter to home owner. First familiarize yourself with your financial health. If you know what lenders are looking for before you apply for a loan, you'll have a greater chance of getting it. Your time will not be wasted looking at homes that aren't in your price range. You will know what you can afford.