The first step to homebuying is getting with a reputable mortgage company to assess your credit and debt ratio. This determines how much house you can truly afford. Also, meeting with a reputable mortgage company allows you to gather additional tools and resources to help you prepare for homeownership. Tools such as budgets, homebuying workshops and an actual plan to achieve the goals. While in this process you can seek a Realtor who can guide you along the way. The Realtor and mortgage broker are both allies in the homebuying process.