Buying your first home is listed (somewhere) as one of the top emotional events in your life. Unless you are Donald Trump or Warren Buffet  house buying will expose a few new raw nerves probably. Ask for help instead of doing all the due diligence alone. 

    Tips for the novice buyer like on www.doeBusiness.com/2008/10/5/buying-a-house.html in plain language are very helpful for a newbie. What to do first can be puzzling, or what questions to ask may be a stumbling spot for some buyers. Good advice relative to staying in your financial market is given and an introduction to monthly payments, mortgages and other costs encountered. Not mentioned in the article is the option to pre-qualify once your affordable cost is determined. It is definitely a good consideration and may save some stress and extra steps. Always deal only with well referenced professionals and those you feel comfortable doing business with.

     It is a good idea to understand as much as possible the impact of the current mortgage and banking climate, especially now in 2008 -2009. Possibly wait for stability in the economy before buying unless you know for sure it is a good buy. Property moguls are promoting investments in foreclosures as well since the failure of Fannie and Freddie. 

    Dr. Phil, did you include house purchasing in you new book about the seven things everyone needs to prepare for in life?