I am in the fourth home I have bought. In Illinois you use a lawyer for the closing...here in California that is not how it is done. States are different.

The home inspection is soooo critical. Get references on the home inspector and don't just use the one your realtor suggests.

Also decide what you will do about real estate taxes. The first two houses I bought when I was single. I prefer to escrow my taxes. My husband and I do not agree on this.....