We want to buy a home. I am tired of pouring money into rent and having nothing to show for it!

We have decided what area we want, and what kind of home and what extras we want to look for. But then I have no idea.

Do I need to speak to the bank and get a home loan first and then find our home?
Or do I speak to a realtor and find the home we want first and then get the loan?
Or do I find the home I want first, and then contact the realtor of that home?

Its best to get a pre-approval for a mortgage first. This way you will know what you can afford. From there you can talk to realtors and/or look for self listed homes, even look for short sales or foreclosures.

Thank you scott. I will talk to my bank on Monday then :)

We are hoping to be able to move when our lease is up on this place in November. Is that enough time for everything? Or is it too much time and maybe I should wait a while before starting?

It's a crap shoot. You could find your dream houce in a coupleof weeks or it take 4 months. No way to tells so I would start now.

Yes, some people spend one to two years looking for the right house, others find it in 3 weeks.

If the home you find is a short sale, it can take 3 to 6 months to even get a yes or no if they will accept your offer.