Make a list of the things you'll need to have in the house. Ask yourself how many bedrooms and bathrooms you'll need and get an idea of how much space you desire. How big do you want the kitchen to be? Do you need lots of closets and cabinet space? Do you need a big yard for your kids and/or pets to play in?

What price range would you consider?

No less than $______ but no more than $______

Are schools a factor and, if so, what do you need to take into consideration (e.g., want specific school system, want kids to be able to walk to school, etc.)?

Do you want an older home or a newer home (less than 5 years old)? ___yes ___no

How much renovation would you be willing to do?

___A lot ___A little ___None!

What kind of houses would you be willing to see?

___One story ___2 story

___split level ___bi-level

___townhouse ___condo

___New construction ___Ranch

What style house appeals to you most?

___contemporary ___traditional

____tudor ____colonial

____modern ____no preference

Do you have any physical needs that must be met, such as wheelchair access?

___yes ___no

How many bedrooms must you have? ____ would you like to have? ____

How many bathrooms do you want? ____

How big would you like your house to be (square feet)?

No less than ____ But no more than ____

What features do you want to have in your house?

Once you've made a list of your must-haves, don't forget to think about the kind of neighborhood you want, the types of schools in the area, the length of your commute to and from work, and the convenience of local shopping. Take into account your safety concerns as well as how good the rate of home appreciation is in the area.