How much the homes you would "like" to buy and how much you can afford may be two different numbers. Before you buy a home, it is a good idea to sit down with your budget and see how much you can afford.

If you think you are destined to a life of renting, you might be surprised at some loan programs available to first-time home buyers. I know when my husband and I were married and began having children, we "assummed" for a number of years that buying a home was simply out of the question. We didn't realize there were alternatives to the typical 20% down.

If you have a rough estimate of your budget, this will help you remain realistic when the lender tells you how much you qualify for. In some cases buying a home that maxes out your loan qualification can create a financial hardship. Here are some other tips you might find helpful...