Determine your housing needs before buying a home.

Before you begin looking at homes, make a list of your priorities –

• Where is you’re ideal location?
• What size home will fit your needs.
• Should the house be close to certain schools?
• Should it be close to your job? (gas prices)
• Does it need to be near public transportation? (kids)
• How large should the house be?
• What type of lot do you prefer?
• What kinds of amenities are you looking for?

Establish a set of minimum requirements and a 'home wish list." Minimum requirements are things that a house must have for you to consider it, while a "wish list" covers things that you'd like to have but aren't essential.

Remember that you might be staying in the home for several years. Do you have any planned growth or addition in the family. Can you afford an extra "guest" room?

Lets continue!