Looking to buy a home? It's exciting if you've never done it before, but it's important to remember this is a huge decision and takes some time. Here are five essential tips for making the process as smooth as possible. Get Your Finances In Order Start by getting a full picture of your credit. Obtain copies of your credit report. Make sure the facts are correct, and fix any problems you find. Next, find a suitable lender and get pre-approved for a loan. This will put you in