As the saying goes, a man's home is his castle. In this economy, though, a castle could mean anything from a 400 square-foot bachelor pad to a 10,000 square-foot manse on the hill. Whichever type of abode you're dreaming about, there are things you need to know.

For instance, do you know what type of mortgage interest rate will benefit you the most? Have you considered how much owning a home will really cost you? And have you even thought about amortization?

In order to negotiate the best deal on your home, you need to do your research, know the market and be prepared for a sleepless night or two. Buying a home is not for the faint-hearted, but we're here to help. We've dug up information that will help smooth the process of transitioning from renter to buyer. Hope it helps.