Here are 20 things to help first home buyers on their way:

1. Investigate if there are any grants you can take advantage of, this may be through the governments First Home Owner Grant, or through local council grants that may be available in your area. Do your research and see what you qualify for.
2. Budgeting for the future is an essential step. Be realistic, not only about your current financial circumstances but also about future costs.
3. Check what concessions are available to you. Victoria offers transfer fee concessions (sometimes referred to as stamp duty or duty). Conditions do apply, so it’s always best to check with your state revenue office.
4. A vital part of the journey is getting pre-approval for a loan. This will guide you and give you a budget you can work with that is locked in. Talk to your financial institution to find out what you can afford before you start looking.
5. Decide what housing option best suits your lifestyle and budget. This could be buying an established home, building a new home or just purchasing the land to build on at a later date.
6. Once you have a firm idea of what you can afford, make sure you explore your full range of options in terms of where you will live, as well as the kind of house you want and can afford.
7. Make a list of what you need in a home and list ‘nice to have’ items separately (e.g. central heating, ensuite). Be clear in what you need in a home before you start looking at property's.
8. Broaden your search and look at a wider radius than you may have initially considered. The CBD may be outside your price range now, and outlying areas may offer more affordable housing to get you into the market sooner.
9. Remember the community you live in will have more impact on your life than the house you choose. Explore locations and talk to existing residents.
10. Consider local amenities; those that are there now or planned for the future. Where is the closest shopping centre or local shops? What are the education and recreational facilities like? Think about what you need now and into the future.
11. If looking to purchase an established home, make sure you carry out building and pest inspections to ensure there are no hidden surprises. Ensure the building is structurally sound, look for evidence of damp around the house. Also check the condition of paintwork, windows, fences, roof and guttering.
12. Make sure the home suits your furniture and appliances. Is there space for your fridge, washing machine and dryer. Look at what storage space is available.
13. Set some money aside for landscaping. If you buy or build a new home, you will need a little extra money to create/modify the garden.
    
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14. Ensure you get a soil test carried out so there are no hidden surprises down the track which will result in exorbitant site works.
15. Find out if there are “extra” site costs. For example, some sloping blocks may incur additional costs for retaining or excavation.
16. Make sure the land you choose will suit the design of the home you want to build or vice versa. Review any planning provisions or design guidelines that may be applicable to your chosen lot.
17. Decide on the style of house you want by looking at a wide range of display homes, be realistic about size and the number of rooms you need, and check cost-saving options in terms of fittings and finishes.
18. Research builders online, check out display homes and seek recommendations from any friends or family who have built a house.
19. Check the building specifications. What fittings, fixtures and works are included and what is not. For example, are all floor coverings included? Are window coverings (such as blinds) included? Are your driveways / crossover / pathways included?
20. For first home buyers wanting to build a sustainable home, the Master Builders Australia (MBA) and the Housing Industry Association (HIA) train builders in sustainable practices. Choosing one with this training can be a good step towards reducing your energy bills as well as helping the environment.

Buying your first home is an exciting time and it does not need to be overwhelming.  Arming yourself with knowledge is the best way to take the stress out of buying your first home.