Wow! Where to begin with the major exciting journey in front of you. Sit down and write all the things you want in a house/home and have hubby do his own. Compare notes and see where you are. This gives you an idea of what you are interested in before looking.

The cost of a home is not just what you pay your lender. There are maintenance costs that need to be considered. It is so nice to have a place of your own, creating the look you want and being free (well free-er than renting). Just like car buying, house buying is what you want to spend and what you want to live with. How much maintenance will you 'have' to do and how much will you want to do. A wood house needs to be painted, vinyl needs to be checked, metal needs to be checked, brick needs to be 'pointed' on ocassion. Do it yourself can be fun, it can also become a chore.

I really recommend checking the energy efficiency of the house. Also before you buy, make sure a professional inspector that YOU pay for goes through and makes sure it is sound. Have fun looking into various locations and styles of houses. I prefer a ranch style (single level with a basement) some like tri levels or split levels. Remember to think about safety should something happen like a fire, how will you be able to get out. The less doors and obstacles, the faster the escape. Make sure you take the extra precaution of changing the door knobs and deadbolts and have them keyed alike (lowes/menards/ home depot do this when you buy them for free).

measure any large furniture and think about where it might go, make sure it will fit!!!!

Happy hunting! Hope this helps!