So……just hypothetically…if, say, one has chucked the idea of moving into an apartment…and if, in about six months’ time, one were to consider looking for a starter home…where would one start? Find a realtor? Look in the paper?
As the debts are slowly but surely paid off, this will become the plan…and I think it’s the better plan. Any advice?
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Do you have any friends, friend’s spouses/S.O.s that are in the realty game? It helps if they know who you are and exactly what you are looking for… My favorite realtor ever was not in it for the money and was extraordinarily helpful in finding, and then, sigh, selling my first and only land-based house.
First step though? Use the internet to see what is selling in your area to get an idea of what’s out there. Zillow.com or go for the big realty websites, or online newspapers (cuz I am cheap and work has internet).
Talk to a few friends who own homes - find out what realtor they used and where they looked. I talked to friends and co-workers about realtors and their neighborhood. Take drives on Sunday near where you like to shop and hang out and buy yarn….check out those neighborhoods and houses.
Both times I bought, I used a realtor who found homes for several people at my office at the time. After I found the realtor, we did a two pronged attack…she gave me several miles of listings that I reviewed against my list of ‘must-have’s’ at the time - first house HAD to be affordable, nice yard, close to work etc…. second house - good lighting in all rooms (lesson learned with 1st house being too dark), fireplace, gas stove etc.. - and then she ran me around to look at them all. I found a cheap place to live for a few months before buying so I could save up the down payment cash. It’s good you are taking the time to plan… be sure to find a house with room for your yarn and a room just for crafts.
Most definitely get pre-authorized for a loan. Since so many people have defaulted on their loans recently, the banks, credit unions, and mortgage lenders have tightened their lending restrictions.
Know what you can afford, before you find and fall in love with the home of your dreams.
Good Luck! It’s definitely a buyers market right now.
I know two very nice realtors. And good luck!
Thank you all so much for your advice!
I know of one realtor who is a friend of my sister’s but that’s it–Tasha, I’m emailing you since you’re local! 
When we bought our house I found it on realtor.com You can search for the amenities you’re looking for, price range, etc. They can also hook you up with a realtor, but *everyone* is a realtor, so you could ask around if you don’t know a million already. You can also shop around with different companies and see which one you like. I wouldn’t recommend using the agent that is selling the house you like, get your own agent who will represent just you and not have “dual agency” or represent you and the seller. Good luck!