Most of the choices we make in life are bound by a budget.
When you are ready to consider purchasing a home contact a local lender.
Schedule an appointment to discuss your financial picture (obligations, income, cash on hand for closing costs) and review your credit.
Then get a mortgage pre-approval letter from the lender.
If you did not get a real estate agent before getting the mortgage pre-approval letter then now it is time to get your real estate agent who will work with you throughout the process.
With a mortgage pre-approval in hand you will likely want to start driving through neighborhoods you like looking at the homes for sale.
Don't calling the agent on the sign out front of a house. There is no reason you should not have your own real estate agent who represents you. Besides, the seller pays the buyer's real estate agent.
When you shop by budget there are sometimes concessions. Your real estate agent will help you decide what you must have in your new home and what concessions will need to be made..... because of your budget.