The 5 Step Buying Process explained:

Step 1: Before you make an offer...

Get your credit reports from all three national credit bureaus, and clear them up, if necessary.
Prequalify for a loan with one or more mortgage loan officers.
List the characteristics you want in a neighborhood and home

Step 2: Make them your mafia offer... an offer they can't refuse!

Look at homes to familiarize yourself with home values and neighborhood characteristics
Shop for loans by talking with several loan officers
Get a good faith estimate from each loan officer you interview
Gather your financial records so a lender can start the loan approval process
Contact your RNI real estate agent and explain what your home desires
Zero in on the type of home you want (rambler, split level, Tudor, newly built).
Check the value of homes like the one you want to bid on
Fill out a purchase agreement with your agent. Add contingencies, if necessary.
Pay earnest money (part of your down payment).

Step 3: Your offer is accepted!

Apply for a loan. Get a disclosure form. If your loan is approved, a lender will send you a letter explaining the terms of the loan, or contact you buy phone
If you have an inspection contingency, hire an inspector, or contractor to examine the condition of the home you want to buy. Do it yourself, if you know a lot about construction.
If repairs are necessary, negotiate with the seller about who will pay for them, or cancel the purchase agreement, if you have reserved the right to do so.
Stay in touch with your loan officer while waiting for your loan approval. Have your records handy at this time.
Give your landlord notice, if you currently rent.

Step 4: The Closing...

Choose and pay for homeowner's insurance for one year.
Your RNI Realtor the title company will help you every step of the way through the closing process
Get a copy of the HUD-1 Settlement Statement from the closer one business day before closing. The Hud-1 lists all closing costs.
Contact the closing agent with questions, or problems concerning fees listed. (Ask about any fees that do not match those listed on your good faith estimate.)
Inspect the property just prior to closing.
Get the deed to transfer ownership of the home from the seller.
Sign a promissory note stating that you will pay back the mortgage with monthly payments at a certain interest rate.
Pay the balance of your down payment and closing fees.
Pre-pay taxes and insurance to your escrow account if the terms of your loan require this.

Step 5: You are a Homeowner!