Educate Yourself and your Realtor Make a list of needs and wants and know the difference. Rate them according to importance. Many things can be changed easily like colors and carpet. Others can be done but at considerable cost. Kitchen renovations and room additions are expensive but could make an okay house into your dream home.
Location is final.
Be sure you like the neighborhood. Educate yourself as to future development nearby. Your Realtor can help you with these and other questions but always confirm critical details yourself. To Make An Offer. In a fast market, as is the case in an entry level home market, a well priced home may attract multiple offers.