More than any other demographic, first-time homebuyers stand to gain the greatest benefits in today’s realty market.

A recent survey by Move.com revealed that 23 percent plan to purchase a house in the next five year. And that more than half (53.5%) of them will be home-owners for the first time.

You should consider that renting a home creates an opportunity for many transactions, often worth more than the purchase price of the actual home. First-time homebuyers don’t sell properties so they don’t list new homes for sale. As a result, first time homebuyers can reduce real estate inventories while allowing existing homeowners to move up or down.

Despite the difficult economic picture, the increasing number of first-time homebuyers indicates that buyers are returning to the area.

In the past, buying a house for the first time was difficult due to high costs and large down payments. The perfect combination of attractive listing prices and tax credits, better financing, and a wide selection of properties seems to attract the first-time buyer.

Move.com has the following tips for first-time homebuyers who want to play in today’s realty market:

Research Your Market. Real estate is always localized. Knowing the market is key to making a purchase. The real estate market is so small that prices for similar properties can vary widely even within the same town.

Make a list. Your realtor should know what your requirements are in order to help you find the right home. To view homes that meet your criteria, you can visit Realtor.com. This will help you get an idea about what is possible within your budget and in the area you choose.

Pre-approve. A pre-approval letter is not a final loan commitment but can be presented to listing brokers if you’re bidding on a property. This letter demonstrates financial strength and your ability to make the purchase. You can find lenders in the finance section on Realtor.com.

– Make a decision. After you’ve found the right home, it is time to take action. Many homebuyers hesitate to make a decision. This could lead you to miss the perfect home for your needs. You should be able to evaluate the pros and cons of working with a professional mortgage broker.