Many banks and Savings & Loans offer free classes on buying a home.
Obviously, they want you to borrow money from them but there's no
obligation to do so. Classes like these will give you the most
basic info on how to get started and who is responsible for doing
what.

If you haven't already, you might ask your bank how much they'll lend
you - then you've got some idea of what you can afford.

Google How to buy a home + state name.

If you've decided that the house you refer to is the one for you and you
need to act quickly, get a lawyer, though as many have remarked, in many
states all the legal papers are routinely drawn up by the RE agents.

wrote:
I am buying a small house not in the best shape but anyway. Never owed
a house before.

The real estate guy is nice but how honest and smart he is - I don't
know.

What do I have to do to handle this purchase as best as possible?

What I know is that

1) I pay a deposit, (couple of thousands) and then monthly
installments. So, I need a contact for that and a receipt, right?

2) What do I need to make sure that I really get the house? I sign a
purchase agreement for the house? Who prepares it? Who signs it?

3) I pay the real estate guy or the owner? Or depends?

4) I need title insurance? When is the best to get it? Same day, I
purchase the house?

5) What about a warranty deed?

6) Do I have to go to local agencies to inform them that I am the
owner? Do I have to sign papers with them?

7) How can I find out if unpaid taxes or lien or other stuff is on the
property? And do I need an insurance against that too?

Did I forget something?

Joe

P.S. Thanks for the answers to the other thread with the noise
reduction. Some gave good advice.