[jdcfsu]

I'm ready to start looking for my first house. It's kind of an intimidating process and I'm not exactly sure where to start so I'm looking for advice from those of you who have been in my position.

A little bit of quick background information: I'm about two years out of college working at my first job. I've been living back at home since graduating saving up money left and right to put towards a down payment. I've got my student loans that I'm paying back and a very small amount of credit card debt. I've been keeping an eye out for sale signs in neighborhoods I like, but don't have a clue how much the houses cost nor what I can afford.

Should I hire a realtor or continue to search on my own? Also, what is the best way to determine what kind of mortgage I can afford? What other advice can you give me that I am obviously not thinking of?

Thank you all.