The two most consistent components are having the help of a good realtor and loan officer on your side. The realtor will help you with the hunt and contract negotiations and the loan officer will help you get qualified for the best loan possible.

If these two people have worked together before have a good relationship, it helps. Not because they might be friends but because they communicate with each other. It doesn't hurt to have two people on your side that actually talk to each other!

There are two main reasons to get pre-approved for a loan before you go looking at houses. You will want to make sure you are looking in the ballpark of what you are approved for. Finding and setting your heart on your dream house is painful once you are told you won't qualify for it. It tends to take some of the fun out of looking and can sour the process altogether.

Secondly, there's nothing more nerve wracking to a realtor than to find out they have been driving you all over the place, burning their very expensive gas only to find out that you don't qualify at this time for a loan. This is one of those times you can help out by thinking how the other guy feels.

Once you have your pre-approval in-hand, take it to your realtor and go find your dream home! As long as you are prepared, have a good realtor and loan officer on your side, there is no reason to panic in this market.

The process hasn't changed. As long as people need to purchase a house, there will be other people who will provide the financing. If you are approved for the financing available today; then go for it!