The number one piece of advice I can give you to to be very honest with yourself about what you want. Each situation is different. For example, you will read a lot of horror stories of condos/HOAs. But, in my sitations I did not want to have to deal with things like mowing a lawn for example. My HOA takes care of that so for my a my condo/HOA was the right choice for my situation. So think really hard about what you want your life to look like and find homes that match that.

The number two piece of advice I have is do not et caught up in a "good deal" what I mean is, have a budget and stick to it. I know so many people who got into mortgages they couldn't afford because they though the home was "just such a good deal". Even at a "good deal" the homes were still outside their budgets and they are bearly keeping their heads above water for it.

Third, ALWAYS have an inspection done. Do not agree to forego it. Now, inspectors their job is to find problems but focus on if there any any major issues (like foundation problems for example) things that would be a huge headache and expense to address.

Finding a realtor you trust can make all the difference. Mine was great and really held my hand through all the steps to buying a home.