So you’ve finally decided to take advantage of San Antonio’s healthy housing market and make a solid investment decision. Or you’re sick of living with your smelly roommate. Either way, buying a home takes more work than just driving around and looking at cool houses. Here are the steps you’ll need to take:

DETERMINE YOUR BUDGET

Many people got into trouble in the subprime mortgage crisis because they purchased homes way more expensive than they could afford, and they had little or no cash for a down payment. Factor in your income, credit rating, interest rates, down payment and your monthly expenses (car payment, student loans, etc.). Visit a lender to determine how much you can afford or get an estimate using a home-buying calculator online.

KNOW YOUR RIGHTS

Mortgage borrowers have several rights, including the right to shop for the best loan and ask for a good-faith estimate of all loan and settlement charges before agreeing to the loan. The Fair Housing Act prohibits many forms of discrimination in housing.

FIND THE BEST LOAN FOR YOU

You can save a lot of money by shopping for lenders, comparing costs and interest rates and using your credit rating to negotiate a deal.

EXPLORE HOME-BUYING PROGRAMS

Are you a veteran? A first-time home-buyer? Disabled? Low-income? There are federal, state, city and county home-buying programs available to help qualified buyers. Check out the Texas Department of Housing and Community Affairs site, tdhca.state.tx.us, and hud.gov.

FIND A HOUSE

The fun part! Find a reputable real estate agent and let them know what you need in a home — do you want to live near your job or school? Is the school district important to you? Do you want a newer home or a fixer-upper? Or do you want to build a home?

MAKE AN OFFER

The actual sales price may require some negotiation between you and the seller, and this is where a real estate agent really comes in handy. Put your offer in writing.

GET IT INSPECTED

Hire a home inspector to make sure you’re not inadvertently buying a home that needs a brand-new foundation or other costly repairs. Make your offer contingent on the inspection.

GET HOMEOWNERS INSURANCE

This is required by lenders, so make sure you’re getting the best deal possible by shopping around.

SIGN THE PAPERS

Don’t forget to read the papers before you sign them, and make sure you have enough money for the closing costs.

Source: U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development