When I'm not hungover I'd love to give you info, tips, etc. We just had our housewarming party in our first house last night.
Basicl deal is...wait until you find the perfect house for you. Come up with your list of musts and maybes and stick to it. If the house doesn't "feel right" then it aint right.
Past that, its a long, drawn out, pain in the donkey experience. But well worth it.
Good luck.