One of the first steps is to take a look in the phone book, and see which lodges are in your area. As a new member, you'll be spending a lot of time making friends with the other brothers in the lodge, as well as learning the lectures for your degrees. Convenience is an important factor, if you wind up drivng 20 or 30 miles to go to lodge, it can be a big hassle and disincentive.
Pick a couple of likely suspects. What are their stated meeting dates? Is that also convenient for your schedule? Get in touch with the lodge, and visit with them during the social hour before meetings, or maybe at the Saturday morning breakfasts, if they sponsor one. Do you feel comfortable there? do they make you feel welcome? Do they answer your questions about the Craft, and are you satisfied with those answers?
As a complete newbie, these are some of the more important things to look at when getting ready to petition a lodge. It needs to be first of all, a place where you feel happ and welcome.