Home price adjustments in markets around the country have opened doors of opportunity for many renters. If you are transitioning from renter to homeowner, the prospect of making such a large investment may be exciting, while at the same time overwhelming. But it doesn't have to be. Here are six common mistakes to avoid.

*Not understanding the home buying process. Educate yourself. Find a homebuyer seminar that you can attend or research online. The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development website, www.hud.gov, has an entire section devoted to homebuyers with common questions of first-time homebuyers, mortgage and home buying programs information, downloadable tools such as a wish list and home shopping checklist, tips on selecting a real estate professional and more.

Likewise, Prudential Real Estate's website, www.prudential.com/ realestate, offers consumers brand new tools for the home buying process, such as free home environmental reports, value range estimates and property profiles, among other resources.

*Not asking questions. There are many facets and intricacies to the home buying process, so although you may gain a basic knowledge, you will still have questions.

Don't hesitate to let your real estate professional know that you are new to the process. Make sure you choose s sales professional who is welling to spend time with you and walk you through the entire process. He or she will expect you to have questions at each step, from house hunting to making an offer to the closing.

This is one of the largest financial transactions of your life so you want to have a clear understanding of what's going on.

*Buying on impulse. Don't feel pressure into making an offer on the first home you see. Buyers, especially first-timers may be impressed by the first two or three homes they view. Look at a good selection. List the positives and negatives about each home. Narrow the prospects to three or four and then return for a closer look. When you decide to make a bid on a property, work with your real estate professional to get all of your questions answered before making an offer. But don't wait too log not make an offer. The longer you wait, the greater the chance other prospective buyers may place offers, making it harder for you to negotiate a good deal. *Looking outside your price range. Before beginning your home search, consider getting prequalified to get an idea of how much you maybe able to borrow. Use this information as a starting point in determining your price range. Then take into consideration other factors that will affect your monthly budget once you are a homeowner, such as property taxes, homeowners insurance, utilities, private mortgage insurance and maintenance. *Not planning ahead. Thing about personal changes you are planning in the next five to seven years. Are you starting a family and if so, is the home large enough and will it continue to be? If this will be a starter home or if you think you'll be relocating in a few years, you'll want to pay close attention to appreciation and resale value. If a double income is necessary to qualify for financing and to make your payments, do your plans foresee an income sufficient to continue making payments? *Failure to focus on location. Don't just look at the house. Examine the community. Does it suit your lifestyle? Is the area safe, well maintained and close to work, stores and schools? Find out about zoning and what new construction is planned on vacant land in the immediate area. Also consider the property marketability when it's time to sell. Knowledge is key. No question is silly. Your real estate professional can be an invaluable asset throughout the process. Making smart home buying decisions will make the process less scary and your first home purchase a rewarding experience.