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EEEK! I just wrote a big check for earnest money!

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Earnest money deposits show a seller that you are serious about purchasing their property.  It's probably the biggest check you'll write in your life, but it is a necessary part of the buying process.  If you're worried about having earnest money down on a property, just make sure your agent explains the process so you can be assured that your earnest money is well protected.  You'll see language in the contract that says you can lose your earnest money, but your Realtor should understand the circumstances in which that can happen and steer you away from them. You're earnest money deposit should be in the form of certified funds.  That means a cashier's check might be the best option.  Ask your Realtor if there are other options to consider. If you're unable to write a check for the earnest money, discuss with your Realtor the option of submitting an IOU instead.  Know that it will be a short term IOU and that you'll have to make good on it quick...
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I submitted a purchase offer. What's next?

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Now that you've submitted an offer, it's time to wait for that reply.  It will test your patience like nothing else.  The nagging question "What if I don't get the house?" will come up about every other hour.  Rather than having to pace the floor, leverage your Realtor through the negotiation process. The good news is that your Realtor is acting on your behalf.  Since you signed the offer, your Realtor has contacted the seller's agent to keep up to date on what's happening.  The seller's agent is required to show the offers to the seller as they come in the door, as not to attempt to influence the seller's selection.  Depending on the situation, the response time may be a few days.  Often your agent will know if there are circumstances that may delay a seller's response.  They should offer these details to you before you sign the offer. Rest assured, you're agent wants to see you succeed in the buying process.  Good agents know ...
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Now that I submitted an offer, should I keep looking?

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In a buyer's market, YES, YES and YES. Trudging around to house after house to see if it is where you want to hang your hat isn't always the way you want to spend your Saturday.  What you do want to keep open are your options for the possibility that your offer isn't accepted.  The good news is that your Realtor is more familiar with what you want in a home, so they can weed out those that don't meet your criteria.  Make sure that you are open and honest in determining what you like and don't like about the homes you visit and things will get better as you move through the buying process.
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