Selecting the home for you
Morris Digital Works Wire Service

Finding a home that suits your needs is a very personal experience. Everyone has different tastes and different needs, so the home for you may not be the home for everyone. Price, location, lay out, and family size are just some of the factors you will have to think of when looking for a house.

Weigh these different items and decide which ones are most important to you. It will help you make decisions and help you find your dream home. Remember, you know what you want, don't let anyone tell you what is important to you.

Price
The amount you can and are willing to spend on a home is a good way to initially narrow down perspective houses. Don't let your eyes become bigger than your wallet, and watch out for the fixer-uppers. If money is tight these can become a money pit.

If you have children, or are planning on having children, then remember to look for a house that will meet all your needs. A bigger kitchen, ample number of bathrooms and a yard to play in become more important. Also, the neighborhood you choose will change too. Check out the school report for the area, and try to avoid heavy traffic areas.

Lot size and landscape
What's more important, a big house or a big yard? City homes often have smaller yards than rural ones; but if big trees are what you crave, then a more-established neighborhood is probably better for you.

Location
Location is the key in real estate. What is your location priority? If you plan to stay in your house for a long time you will be looking at aspects such as schools, crime, pollution and traffic. However, if you're looking to sell in a few years then you may want to find an area where property values are rising. Also, remember to find out the tax rates for each area in which you are interested.

Charm and Character
If you love old styles of architecture and a neighborhood with history, then you will probably want to look at an older home. Older homes usually have a better ambiance than newer homes. The only problem with character is that it usually means higher maintenance bills.

Layout
What style of house do you want? A ranch style has no stairs to climb. A victorian house has a more elegant style to it. There are a wide verity of styles, head to our styles page to find out which one is best for you.

Energy-Saving
Again, this comes down to money. If you are looking to save money, then a newer home is probably better for you. Newer homes usually have better insulation and cost less to maintain.

Appliances and Furnishings
If you don't have any major appliances or furniture, then you may want to look for a home that comes with such amenities.

Maintenance
Maintenance costs can greatly increase a home's price. What seems like a deal can become a burden. New homes usually come with a one-year warranty for the repair of problems that develop as the house's foundation settles. Older homes have higher maintenance costs.

Remodeling Costs
Again, if a home needs remodeling or major renovations, it can turn into a nightmare. It all depends on how much money you are willing to put into your new house, and how handy you are with tools.

Taxes
Taxes are just another factor to add into the total cost of your home. Newer neighborhoods often have lower taxes. However, when the government starts building schools, streets, sidewalks and parks, and starts moving police and fire protection into the area, taxes will undoubtably rise.

Neighborhood
Unfortunatly, some of the best houses are located in some of the worst neighborhoods. When you buy a home, you are also buying into a community. The neighborhood and location you choose is one of the biggest aspects of buying a house.