Buying your first home is so exciting, but it is also a big step. There are a lot of additional responsibilities that come up once you transition from renting to owning a home. Yes, you get to decorate and remodel the space to suit your own needs, but you're also responsible for maintenance. If you go about it the right way, it's entirely possible to minimize the strain and maximize the excitement that comes with buying your first home. Here are the five steps our real estate agents recommend following as you start looking at St. Louis homes for sale.

• Get a Handle on Your Budget and Expenses
  If you don't already have a budget, now is the time to start making one. Get a clear idea of how much you spend on essentials each month. Figure out how much disposable income you have and how much you can afford to save. This way, you'll have real numbers to work with as you calculate what you can afford and how much you need to save. If you don't already have a down payment, start saving for one. While a 10 or 20% down payment is often cited as the standard, there are loan programs that allow you to buy a first home with as little as 3.5% down.
  
  
• Find an Agent
  Once you have a reasonable down payment saved, look for a real estate agent. Even if you're not ready to buy just yet, it's a good idea to find an agent early on. They can help you determine what price range you should look in. They can also help guide you through the remaining three steps on this list.  Ideally, you want to hire an agent who knows the local area well. Choose someone who has experience working with first-time home buyers, too.
  
  
• Decide on a Price Range
  Before you even start looking at homes, it's smart to decide on a price range. This way, you won't risk falling in love with a house you can't afford. A good "rule of thumb" is that your home's purchase price should be no more than three times your annual salary. However, this is highly individual. A good starting point is to apply for mortgage pre-approval, see how much the bank is willing to lend, and go from there. You do not, and in most cases should not, borrow the maximum the bank will lend.
  
  
• Make a List of Must-Haves
  Sit down and list features you must have in a home. This often includes the neighborhood it's in, the number of bedrooms, whether there's a fenced-in yard, and how many floors the house has. Also, make a list of nice-to-have qualities. Then, ask your real estate agent to show you homes with all your must-haves and as many of your nice-to-haves as possible.
  
  
• Start Looking at Homes
  All that's left to do is look at houses! This can be fun and easy when you have a good agent by your side. They'll narrow down the options to homes that fit your criteria. Your agent can help you compare and contrast various homes. When you find one you love, they can walk you through the process of making an offer. In today's market, you often have to move fast, but this shouldn't be an issue with a good agent in your corner.

We hope this advice helps guide you on your journey from renter to homeowner. Don't hesitate to get in touch if you have any other questions. Happy house hunting!