7 pieces of homebuying advice you can't afford to ignore

Buying a house can be a long and tedious process.Before you're ready to start home shopping, financial experts recommend getting your credit score in good shape, saving for a down payment in a dedicated fund, and figuring out how much you can afford to spend.You should always get a home inspection, factor in costs beyond the sticker price, and make sure you're not buying a home only because it seems like a good investment.Purchasing a home is a huge accomplishment for many people, and the financial commitment is not to be taken lightly.To help you avoid making the process any costlier than it already is, Business Insider has gathered some of the best homebuying advice from real estate experts, bestselling authors, and financial planners that could save you money and time.Below, check out seven pieces of homebuying advice you simply can't afford to ignore: