Want to buy a house for the first time? Create a budget, and you can move one step closer to transforming your homebuying dream into a reality.

Now, let's take a look at three budgeting tips that every first-time homebuyer needs to know.

1. Don't Wait to Start Saving for a Down Payment

In most instances, a down payment on a home ranges from 5 percent to 20 percent. With a large down payment, you may be able to reduce your monthly mortgage expenses.

A lender may be more willing to provide you with a favorable mortgage if you can afford an above-average down payment. This means if you have plenty of money for a down payment, you could save money over the life of your mortgage.

2. Take a Look at Your Outstanding Debt

Student loan charges, credit card bills and other outstanding debt may make it tough for you to get the financing that you need to buy a house. Fortunately, if you pay down your outstanding debt as much as possible, you can boost your chances of buying your dream house.

Evaluate your current spending and make cuts if possible. For example, if you dine out several times a week, it may be more cost-effective to buy groceries and cook your own meals. Then, you'll have extra money that you can use to pay off outstanding debt and save for a house.

3. Understand Your Credit Score

Do you know your credit score? If not, you may be missing out on opportunities to eliminate outstanding debt and increase your home savings.

You are eligible for a free annual copy of your credit report from each of the three credit reporting bureaus (Equifax, Experian and TransUnion). Take advantage of this perk, and you can receive insights into your credit score.

If you obtain your free credit reports and find outstanding debt, you should try to pay off this debt sooner rather than later. Because the longer that you wait to pay off outstanding debt, the longer it may take you to acquire your ideal residence.

Furthermore, if you discover errors on a credit report, contact the reporting bureau immediately. This will enable you to fix any report errors before you get a mortgage.

If you need additional assistance as you map out a homebuying budget, it often pays to collaborate with a bank or credit union. In addition to providing you with multiple mortgage options, a lender will offer expert recommendations to help you budget for your first home purchase.

Lastly, don't hesitate to reach out to a real estate agent as well. This housing market professional is happy to help you get in touch with the best lenders in your area. And when you're ready to kick off your inaugural homebuying journey, a real estate agent can provide you with the support you need, precisely when you need it.

Use the aforementioned tips, and you can establish an effective homebuying budget.

Ready to buy or sell a house? With the right real estate agent at your disposal, you should have no trouble acquiring a new home or selling your current residence.

Ultimately, it is important to assess a variety of real estate agents. This will enable you to find the right housing market professional to guide you along the homebuying or home selling journey and ensure you can get the best results possible.

Comparing and contrasting several real estate agents may seem difficult at first. Lucky for you, we're here to help you take the guesswork out of hiring the ideal real estate agent.

Now, let's take a look at three factors to consider as you evaluate real estate agents.

1. Industry Experience

An experienced real estate agent understands the ins and outs of the housing market. As such, he or she can offer comprehensive housing market insights that you may struggle to obtain elsewhere.

Take a look at a real estate agent's background and education. By doing so, you can learn more about this housing market professional's experience and determine whether this individual is the right person to guide you along the homebuying or home selling journey.

2. Communication Skills

Is a real estate agent an effective negotiator? Meet with a real estate agent, and you can learn about his or her communication skills.

A real estate agent should possess the communication skills to succeed in any housing market, at any time. He or she should be able to help you make sense of the housing market and respond to your concerns or questions as the homebuying or home selling journey progresses.

Furthermore, a real estate agent should be unafraid to be honest with you – without exception. This housing market professional will provide you with the support you need throughout the homebuying or home selling process. That way, you can reap the benefits of a fast, seamless homebuying or home selling journey.

3. Client Referrals

What are past clients saying about a real estate agent? Ask a real estate agent for client referrals, and you can gain first-hand knowledge about how a particular housing market professional supports his or her clients.

Typically, a real estate agent should be able to provide you with multiple client referrals. As a homebuyer or home seller, it is your responsibility to reach out to these past clients and use their insights to make an informed decision about a real estate agent.

Client referrals are exceedingly valuable because they can help you better understand what it's like to work with a real estate agent. They also can give you a glimpse into whether a particular real estate agent can provide you with the assistance you need to accomplish your homebuying or home selling goals.

Allocate the necessary time and resources to compare and contrast several real estate agents – you'll be glad you did. If you find the right real estate agent today, you can move one step closer to enjoying an unforgettable homebuying or home selling experience.