The first thing you should do is begin focusing on what you’re looking for in a home. You can start by establishing priorities in the following three areas:

• Location:
  Are you relocating to a new town because of a new job, or to be closer to your current job? How will the location of schools, shops, and transportation affect your choice of neighborhoods?
• Personal tastes:
  How large a home do you need? What style of architecture do you prefer? On what kind of lot? Depending on where you live, you may have a choice of homes in dozens of styles, sizes and settings.
• Budget:
  How much home is it wise for you to own? As you consider these areas, do a little research on your own. Look through magazines for ideas about home styles and features. Drive through neighborhoods that appeal to you to see what’s available. Read the real estate listings in the newspaper to learn about current prices in the areas you’re considering. Talk to friends about the features that you’d really like to have in your home. The more knowledgeable you become, the better your final decision is likely to be.