The real estate market is constantly changing, so of course DO YOUR RESEARCH! DO NOT jump the gun on this one! Unbiased advice from family and peers may be kind, but you are the only one who knows what your needs are when it comes to buying a home. My suggestion? Contact an agent who is experienced with first time home buyer's as soon as you're considering making a purchase. I've helped a lot of first time home buyers who have started the process on their own first, it's like