House Shopping

[Kitsune]

The real estate market in my area has finally stretched itself to the breaking point -- you can't drive down a neighborhood street without seeing countless homes for sale and where houses once sat on the market for a mere five days before being purchased, they're now averaging around fifty days. New construction isn't being scooped up, anymore, and there is a surplus. Prices are finally starting to drop. Not a huge amount, but they are going down.

So, any advice for a first time buyer? I'm finally in a decent position: The down payment is there, the loan approval is there, and I won't take any penalty from leaving my apartment lease, early, since they're converting to condos. I'm going to use a realtor, but I've heard many people do this on their own and I'd love to know what the advantages are. Any serious catches to watch out for or advice on the process as a whole?

This all sounds great and all, but...

I start looking tomorrow, but even now the stress has begun (video of the most annoying woman in the world).