The journey to buying a house can lead you down some perilous roads, past pushy real estate agents, self-interested bankers and not-so-meticulous home inspectors. We lay out a step-by-step approach to help you avoid those pitfalls, from what to look for in a house that will truly make you happy to assembling a team to help close the deal. Here's what to remember: - Find a good buyer's agent. - Make a list of what you need in a house and another of what you want. - Get preapproved for a mortgage before you start seriously house-hunting. - Plan on a monthly mortgage payment that is no more than a third of your take-home pay — and don't just listen to what the bank says you can afford. - Make an offer for what the house is actually worth. - Remember: There will always be another house.