Do this before you go house-hunting. Make a list of everything you want in a home. Prioritize the rest of the items into a second and third list in order of importance. Keep good notes as we look at homes. After a while, it becomes difficult to remember which features belong to what home.
Some buyers make audio tapes as they go along.
When selecting a home, look beyond cosmetics. Make sure the home is in good physical condition and you understand the cost of repairs. For more information on how to assess the home's condition, refer to our Home Inspection information section. Look at additional homes, even if you love the first one you see. Many times, it takes looking at several homes before you find the one that is really right for you.