Step 5: Find Your Home

So you are preapproved and ready to begin your search. But how or where do you begin?

The best thing to do is consult with your agent to more accurately pinpoint the home you are looking for. This is likely the biggest investment you'll ever make, and you'll need to create a criteria for a home that meets all of your important needs, and as many of your additional wants as possible. Some questions you might ask yourself include:

• What do I want my home to be close to?
• How much space do I need and why?
• Which is more critical: location or size?
• Would I be interested in a fixer-upper
  or a new home?
• How important is home value
  appreciation?
• Is neighborhood stability a priority?
• Would I be interested in a condo?
• What features and amenities do I want?
  Which do I really need?

You'll learn as you look at homes, it's wise to refine your priorities along the way. And your agent is experienced and can help expedite the process.