[Vypurr]

Hey all. I am looking to move from where I am living now, and I have been looking at the possibility of just purchasing a home instead of getting into renting.

I am just overwhelmed by what is out there and how many resources there are for buying a home! I have a few questions about how to figure out what is right for me!

1) How can I determine how much I can REALLY afford? I don't want to be living paycheck to pay check, but I am willing to cut back if I can own a house.

2) How can I find out how good (or bad) a neighborhood is? I work in Center City next to City Hall, I would like to be closer to that area, but really don't know the surrounding neighborhoods that well!

3) Where is the best place begin my search? My requirements are simple...I want 2+ Bedrooms, Driveway, Garage, and Finished Basement!

4) After I have found some places I like, how do I begin the process of making an offer, and getting a mortgage? How much would I typically have to have in cash to put down on a house?

Any advice, or anything I have missed would be sweet! I will post up some places that I have found that I like just to share!