Make a list of all items you must have, things that would be nice to have, and what you can do without in your home.

Make sure you get pre-approved for your home loan before you start looking at houses. It will help with the buying process, and you will know which houses to look at.

When you walk into the home, can you picture your family living there? Does it have a good feeling? Try to see your family living in each room, does it feel right for you?.

Most homes you will look at may not be in the best condition but think about the layout of the house. Would new flooring and a fresh coat of paint make the house more desirable? There are so many ways to make a home feel like your own, such as adding new light fixtures or remodeling the bathroom or maybe the kitchen.

Check the surrounding area of the home. Make sure you feel comfortable in the area. Make sure the school district is the right one for your children. Even if you don’t have kids, you may want to think about it for the future and the resale of the house. You may also want to make the commute to your work and see how long it will take you.