<prompt> Human: My girlfriend and I are tired of renting apartments, we really want to get a place that feels like our own: one that we can upgrade, change, paint, etc. Were finally financially in a place where we can start looking around at the market, but I realize that since Ive never entertained the idea of buying a house, I know next to nothing about what the whole process will entail. Anyone have some advice they could throw at me? Know of any good guides?If it helps, heres a little info about us: Combined, we make just a little over 100,000year - What should we be looking at for a maximum price? No plans for children - a 2-3 bedroom house would be fine. Were looking at the northern suburbs of Boston - Somerville, Medford, Arlington, etc. I know, not the cheapest of areasThanks in advance. This all seems fairly daunting and I would love a little help with my first steps.edit I would like to thank everyone who chimed in with advise. This is going to be a long journey but you all have at least helped me get off to a good start. Thanks a lot.  <response>: You might want to look at some mortgage calculators these will give you an idea of what your payment would look likemake sure to add in taxes and insurance!. A fifteen year loan would be the max term that I would look at check out amortization tables for 30 years, they suck!. Once you figure out what you would be comfortable paying per month shoot for a place that would be 80 of that price. It seems like our brains are hard wired to push for the max we can do which leaves less for many of the things people enjoy in life. Check out websites like it will give you a good idea of the homes in your area and price points. Talk with a couple of agents. For a buyer there should be no fee, the sellers agent gives your agent a portion of the commission. Tell them what you want and if they dont show you what youd like find a new one. Make sure they dont just show you houses the list either there are some greedy bastards out there!Good luck in your search! 