When you finally find the home that's right for you and, wonder of wonders, you can afford it, you will be surely be rejoicing. But you should know that, if you are a first-time home buyer, it can be easy to fall into certain pitfalls. If you are just starting out, read on to learn about some common issues that seem to target first-time purchasers in particular.

Trying to go it alone.

Yes, you can (and should) use the internet to find a home and you can even do a great deal of prep work when researching neighborhoods, crime rates, school ratings and more. But when it comes to ensuring that you understand how much house you can afford and where the best values may be, there is no substitute for professional help.

Many mortgage programs, especially those backed by the federal government, now require buyers to participate in education that encompasses virtually everything you need to know about the home-buying process, including getting financing. Even if you don't have to, it's a good idea to take a class or two and get some more knowledge. You may be surprised at the things you didn't know.

Be prepared.

Real estate sales are hot right now in many markets, and you could end up losing out on that dream home by failing to plan ahead. Speak with a lender, a housing counselor or a real estate agent before you attempt to make an offer on a home, and have a better understanding of how the system works.

Not setting realistic purchase goals.

If you follow the old folks tale, you can afford a home that equals about three times your yearly salary. If that is all the information you need to get started on a home search, you may be in for a rude awakening when you apply for a mortgage. These days, pre-approvals are the norm, and you need to be prepared to show proof of income for that pre-approval and fill out an application that is substantially a loan application. You will need documents like tax returns for the last several years, pay stubs and W-2s.

You should also keep in mind that just because you are approved to spend up to a certain amount, doesn't mean that you cannot be just as happy with a less expensive home. You need to look at how much you are comfortable spending each month on the mortgage, homeowners' insurance, property taxes, home maintenance and repairs, and more. Add those expenses up and plug them into your current budget to see if you can handle it.

Not comparing mortgage rates.

You should understand that the original lender that pre-approved you, that the real estate agent likes or that you have been working with may not always have the best current interest rate. You are under no obligation to go with a particular lender, so shop around and don't be leaving money on the table.

Talk with your real estate agent to learn more about buying your first home.