Even with the scars left by the housing mess, homeownership is still a goal for many Americans. If you vowed to make your homeownership dream come true in 2012, it’s time to get started. Indeed the timing may be ideal. Housing market observers say that prices appear to have bottomed out in many markets, and mortgage rates are at their lowest point ever. But don’t let prognostications cause you to jump in too quickly. As many have learned since the housing bubble burst, being ill-prepared financially can cause lasting damage. Although there were some positive signs in recent months, it will take many years before the housing market is back on track. In 2011, home sales totaled 4.26 million. That was up slightly from 4.19 million in 2010, but was far below the 6 million that economists equate with healthy housing markets.