1) Find a agent that's simpatico.  Home buying is not only a big financial commitment, but also an emotional one.  It's critical that the agent you chose is both skilled and a good fit with your personality.  FYI - you'll be better served if you work with an agent with years of experience in the local real estate market and who has a good reputation among other agents - that can be critical when negotiating your offer.  Remember, your agent is normally compensated by the seller not by you so choose a quality one - there's no reason not to!  Click here for a news article from RisMedia about finding a good real estate agent!

2) Keep in mind, there's no 'right' time to buy, any more than there's a right time to sell.  If you find a home now, don't try to second-guess the interest rates or the housing market by waiting.  Changes don't usually occur fast enough to make that much difference in price, and a good home won't stay on the market long. 

3) Don't ask for too many opinions.  It's natural to want reassurance for such a big decision, but too many ideas will make it much harder to make a decision.

4) Accept that no house is ever perfect.  Focus in on the things that are most important to you and let the minor ones go.

5) Don't try to be a killer negotiator.  Negotiation is definitely a part of the real estate process, but trying to negotiate in this market is the kiss of death.  Offers with the best price and terms win.  Ask me about Judy's rules for multiple offers.

6) Remember your home doesn't exist in a vacuum.  Don't get so caught up in the physical aspects of the house itself - room size, kitchen - that you forget such issues as amenities, noise level, school quality, ease of commute etc. that have a big impact on what it's like to live in your new home.

7) Don't wait until you've found a home and made an offer to get approved for a mortgage.  Investigate insurance availability, and consider a schedule for moving.  Presenting an offer without a pre-approval letter (not just a pre-qualification) will take you out of the running pronto.

8) Factor in maintenance and repair costs in your post-home buying budget.  Even if you buy a new home, there will be some costs.  Don't leave yourself short and let your home deteriorate.

9) Accept that a little buyer's remorse is inevitable and will probably pass.  Buying a home, especially for the first time, is a big commitment, but it also yields big benefits.

10) Choose a home first because you love it; then think about appreciation. While the average sale price of a home in central Contra Costa County went up between 10-20% in 2004 (see Market Statistics), a home's most important role is as a comfortable, safe place to live.