What Are You Looking For In A Home?

Here are some things that to consider before going to look at houses and research towns.  Knowing what meets your needs and what is important to you will save you a lot of time and help to focus your home search on what's best for you.  However, it's also important to keep an open mind.

Buying a home is a process; as you look at homes and go through the real estate listings on the web, you may discover that what you thought worked doesn't any longer.  This is why you really can't buy a home through the internet - its a lot different when you are in a house than it is when you are look at homes on the web.  If you keep these questions in mind as you look at homes and communities, you'll find that the process works a lot better for you. 

Type of home - Are you a traditionalist, or open to anything? Are you willing to do some fix-up, or do you prefer a home in "turn-key" condition?
Home features -  What is most important to you in a home, and where are you willing to compromise?
Setting/Lot Size -  Do you prefer a small maintenance lot in neighborhood, or would you rather have a large acreage lot, where your home nestles within tall trees?
Commute to work -  How far are you willing to travel? Do you want to be near highways, or within walking distance to commuter train or bus?
Community atmosphere -  Do you prefer the city, suburb or rural? Which are you more flexible about - where you live or the size of your home and its features?
Price range -  Will you want to buy at the top of the price range you qualify for financially, or do you want to leave yourself more of a financial cushion?