1) Check credit report to identify any errors and clear them up. It may take one to two months to straighten out problems because credit agencies depend on written requests and forms.

2) Get documents together for pre-qualification. These include pay stubs from current employer, records of cash assets such as checking and savings accounts, and lists of other funds such as 401(k) plans. Also gather information on outstanding debt, including credit card and car payments.

3) Go to lender for pre-qualification. Bring documentation and expect an answer to the proverbial "How much house can I afford?" question. It will likely take one to three days for an answer.

4) Find a real estate agent in the area where you would like to live. To find one, talk to friends, interview a handful of potential candidates, see Internet sites, etc.

5) Identify property needs with real estate agent. Tour area to see schools, neighborhoods, distance from work, etc. Go out on a couple of trips to look at properties and settle on one that works. Expect process to take two to three weeks.

6) Go to lender for pre-approval in conjunction with house hunt. Here, the lender verifies in writing the information the borrower provided during pre-qualification and gives a price quote on the future mortgage's interest rate, expected closing costs, etc. Process usually also takes one to three weeks.

7) Enter negotiations with the selling party to reach a mutually agreeable price with acceptable conditions. Expect three days for negotiating.

8) Sign buyer-seller contract, which will be contingent on buyer's financing and usually other conditions, including the seller's completion of repair work. Remainder of final month will be taken up by lender's final verification of borrower's ability to pay and value of collateral.

9) Hold closing where buyer brings down payment in certified check or other guaranteed form and "signs on the X." Meeting held at office of real estate agent, attorney, title insurance company or other location.