START SAVING EARLY
Here are the main costs to consider when saving to buy your home:
Down payment - Your down payment requirement will depend on the type of mortgage you choose and the lender.
Closing Cost - These are the fees and expenses you pay to finalize your conveyance of mortgage and conveyance of deed. 
Move-In Expenses - You'll need some cash after the home purchase. Set some money aside for moving transportation cost, immediate home repairs, upgrades and furnishings. 

DECIDE HOW MUCH YOU CAN AFFORD
Figure out how much you can safely spend on a house before starting to shop. A price range will be set based on your income, debt, down payment, and where you plan to live. 

CHECK AND STREGTHEN YOUR CREDIT
Your credit score will determine whether you qualify for a mortgage or not and affect the interest rate lenders will offer. Pay all your bills on time, and keep credit card balances as low as possible. 

EXPLORE MORTGAGE OPTIONS
A variety of mortgages are available with varying down payment and eligibility requirements. You also have options when it comes to the mortgage term. 

COMPARE MORTGAGE RATES AND FEES
Request loan estimates for the same type of mortgage from multiple lenders to compare the costs, including interest rates. 

GET A PRE-APPROVAL LETTER FROM THE LENDING INSTITUTION
A mortgage approval is a lender's offer to loan you a certain amount under specific terms. Having a pre-approval letter shows home sellers and real estate agents that you are a serious buyer and can give you an edge over home shoppers who haven’t taken this step yet. Apply for pre-approval when you're ready to start home shopping. A lender will pull your credit report and review documents to verify your income, assets and debt. 

SPEAK TO A QUALIFIED REAL ESTATE AGENT
A good real estate agent will scour the market for homes that meet your needs and guide you through the negotiation and closing process. Choosing the right Agent can save you a lot of time and money.

PICK THE RIGHT TYPE OF HOUSE AND NEIGHBOURHOOD
Weigh the pros and cons of different types of homes, given your lifestyle and budget. A condominium or townhome may be more affordable than a single family home with some green space, but shared walls with neighbors will mean less privacy. Another option to consider is buying a fixer upper — a single-family home in need of updates or repairs can present a great opportunity. Fixer-uppers usually sell for less. However, you may need to budget extra for repairs and remodeling down the road.