There are few things more exciting than being handed the keys to your very first home. Then once you've moved in, there's the fun of deciding where things will go and planning the house-warming party.

Whether you're a new or existing Ulster Bank customer, our range of First Time Buyers Mortgages can get you on the property ladder sooner than you think. There are lots of questions that need answers the first time you buy, and this guide is designed to help you through the process. We hope it helps you find your perfect first home!

Steps to buying your first home:
1. How much can you afford?
2. Start looking!
3. Be ready to make an offer - get your mortgage arranged!
4. Choose a solicitor
5. Make your offer
6. Have the property surveyed
7. Exchanging contracts
8. Moving day!

How much can you afford?

Before starting to look in estate agents' windows, it's a good idea to work out how much you can afford to borrow. At Ulster Bank, we use an affordability calculator method to determine how much we can lend you. We look at your net monthly income, your outgoings and what disposable income you have. This is to ensure that you can comfortably afford the monthly mortgage repayments and you are not stretched financially.

Start looking!

Now you have a good idea of what you can afford, you can begin the hunt!

Think over these questions first.

• How many bedrooms do you need?
• Are car parking facilities or a garden important?
• Are you bothered by traffic noise?
• Do you need a school nearby?
• Where would you want to live in relation to your workplace?
• Would you prefer a brand new home or an older one?
• Do you prefer the town or somewhere more rural?

Once you have a rough idea of your basic requirements, a quick call to the estate agents in your desired areas will give you a good idea of what type of property your budget will buy you. Contact as many estate agents as possible and get on their mailing lists. Most local newspapers will have a weekly property section. You will also find many properties listed on the internet.

Be ready to make an offer - get your mortgage arranged!

Once you've found the perfect place, it's important to move fast and arrange your mortgage. When you apply for a mortgage we will keep things moving as quickly and smoothly as possible. However, mortgages by their very nature, take a few weeks to sort out, so the sooner you make an appointment with us the better. Just pop into your local branch to arrange an appointment.

Choose a solicitor

You need a solicitor to help you buy your home and the best way to choose one is to get some personal recommendations, so ask friends and family. Your solicitor carries out the conveyancing which is the legal process of transferring a property from one person to another. Your solicitor also has a duty to protect your interests so they will investigate the legal aspects of the property such as the property boundaries and what exactly is included in the sale.

Your solicitor will carry out a 'search' to determine, for example, whether someone has gained planning permission to build something in close proximity to your home which could undermine the value of your property. They will also advise you about and handle the offer you make to the sellers and then make sure the sale is completed once contracts are exchanged. Most solicitors will charge a fixed fee and it is usually a percentage of the agreed sale price. It is useful to agree the fee in advance and check whether items like Land Registry Fees and local searches are included.

Make your offer

It's important to remember that the price the seller is asking is not necessarily the price they will finally accept. Your first offer can be lower than the asking price. Alternatively, if your chosen property has generated a lot of interest it could be wise to make an offer closer to the asking price. Your estate agent will be able to tell you how much similar properties have sold for and is best placed to advise you. Once your offer is accepted, it will be confirmed in writing. But do remember, the property is not officially yours until legally binding contracts are exchanged and the monies have been paid over.

Have the property surveyed

A survey is designed to give you a good idea of the property's condition and value. There are different types of survey, from a simple valuation indicating how much the property is worth, to a full structural survey. We will obtain a valuation of the property you wish to buy but depending on the age of the property you may want to pay for a full structural survey. It is always worth spending as much as you can afford to get the most thorough survey which will highlight any potential problems such as dry rot and damp. If problems do come to light, you are within your rights to withdraw your offer.

Exchanging contracts

You're almost there. Providing there were no problems with the survey, the solicitors on both sides will draw up formal contracts for you and the seller to sign. These contracts are legally binding so ensure that you are totally prepared to go ahead. On the day agreed by both parties we will release the mortgage funds to your solicitor who in turn transfers them to the seller's solicitor.

Moving day!

Moving day can be stressful as well as exciting, so it's a good idea to book a professional removal firm to help you if you have a lot of posessions to move. You should also contact the electricity, gas and telephone companies in advance to make sure that you have heat and light, and a phone connection on your first night in the property. Often one of the most time consuming jobs is informing various organisations of your new address. If you have a car you will need to tell your insurance company and the DVLNI - your new address may change your insurance payments. You may also need to register with a new doctor and ask the Post Office to redirect your mail. Your first mortgage payment should leave your account about a month after you move in. Finally, enjoy your new home!