re: First time home buyer

Here are some thoughts off the cuff..... Be prepared for both of you to sign about 40 documents or initial same. Everybody gets some of your wallet. A new home can be such joy and then can also be a money trap. Don't overspend, don't stock it immediately, save some $ to pay extra notes along the way, and don't get an adjustable mortgage rate. Take your time on any improvements once you are in. Just make a list and chip away a little at a time. Be kind to your neighbor's and be tolerant of them. Make real friends of them if you will be there a while.
Oh, get a home warranty if you can work that in your monthly expenses/budget.