Lots of great advice. Still early here, & I'm not percolating yet, but here goes.
If money is no object, disregard the following:
Budget: Figure out how much you can afford. Take a look at ongoing outstanding payments car, credit cards etc. Take into account you will also be paying property taxes 2x a year too.
Debt: Get rid of it before you apply for a loan. See if you can get your credit report & clear up any discrepancies FIRST. Get your balances down on your credit cards.
THE LOAN/BANK: The bank may or may not look at your oustanding debts, work history & income (depending on your assets, etc.). If you're paying off large loans re new cars, etc., & work history is not so hot, they may frown upon giving you the loan.
More Bank: You can opt for an impound account, so the bank takes out the mortgage & the property taxes each month, so you don't have to bother with it.
I can tell you what I did & why I did it, but you can decide what is good for you.
I chose a 30-year mortgage (fixed rate), put down the largest down payment you can swing - the monthly payments will be lower. I'm locked in at 8%, but, property taxes & interest on the loan are tax deductible at the end of the year check w your accountant. Then you can pay more each month when you want to.
I chose to not give it all the $ up for a loan. Put some aside for a cushion & live the lifestyle you choose while you're stilll young - if you're having kids, might want to think about socking some away for your/their future.
You will need to pay an inspector & perhaps termite inspector too. (Figure that in, closing costs, property taxes, moving etc. into your budget. Oh, you might want furniture too
)
If there is a major problem w the home, it "should" be in the disclosure. Don't always count on it. Ask why the seller is selling - don't put a lot of trust in that answer either. They'll probably say they're selling to marry cousin Schlomo in another country.
You can go to realtor.com - but, I've heard that "hot" properties are sold before they hit the net or market...realtors get new listings once or twice a week. Might help to work with one you like
to get listings first.
Didn't need an attorney on my first home, but could use one now (after the fact) with what was NOT disclosed on the second. Find a neighborhood you like, & drive around. If you see something for sale you like, jot down realtor's # & go look.
My eyes aren't open yet, so maybe I'll come back later. Hope this is of some help.