Buying a home is the biggest financial decision most people make in their life.Doing some preliminary planning before you begin your home search will make the entire process more manageable and less overwhelming.

As part of your initial game plan, you should:

• Fine-tune your credit rating
  
• Explore mortgage pre-qualification and pre-approval
  
• Become an educated buyer by researching the Internet and various publications and books on the home buying process
  
• Select a real estate professional who knows the area you are looking in and will offer you complete buyer representation
  
• Make a wish list to learn what you need, what you want and don't want in a home