1: Start saving immediately. Even if you do not foresee yourself purchasing a new home in the near future, you can never have too much cash stashed away. You will be surprised by all of the tiny fees that add up when buying a home and this nest egg will come in very handy. 

2: Before you start to really look at new houses, get pre-approved by the bank to see how much you can really afford. It would be a shame to fall in love with a house that is outside of your budget. Plus, it is kind of a waste of time to start looking without a pre-approval. 

3: Make a wish list and make a needs list. Put needs before wishes and if you find a house that meets most of your needs and a few of your wishes, then you've probably found your new home. 

4: Be flexible, within reason. If you are someone who really wants hardwood floors but found your dream house, except it has carpet - you can always change that. Keep an open mind with the design and fixtures in a home if it doesn't suit your style. 

5: Manage expectations. We put in offers on 6 homes before we were accepted and all of them we were so close to getting. I would stay up at night painting a picture in my head of living in each one. This only led me to feel disappointed and deflated when we didn't get these houses. Try to avoid getting your hopes up until everything is a done deal. 

6: It seems obvious, but really lean on comps to determine the value of the house you are buying. Your real estate agent can help with this.

7: Keep a log. At each house you visit, take the listing sheet and immediately jot down a few pros and cons after your visit. This way it will be easier to remember when you are evaluating each home.