Budget
Are you paying cash or are you getting financing? If you are paying cash, make sure you have a proof of funds letter to provide to the seller with your offer. If you are getting a mortgage, make sure you speak with a lender or bank to get a pre-approval letter. It does not make any sense to look at homes unless you know how much you can afford!
Location
Where do you want to live? If you have a certain area in mind, it definitely limits your choices. You have to be on high alert for new listings to hit the market. If you are more flexible with where you want to live, you will have more options. You also have to think about resale. If the home you like is on a busy road, how is that going to affect you in the future?
80% rule
It is easy to get caught up in what you want in a house. You have to have a 2 car garage, open kitchen, granite counter tops, No Carpet! Let’s be real, it is extremely rare to get 100% of what you want. If you can get 80% of your wish list, you are doing really well. You can always make changes later on. If you have an option to buy a great house that just needs new carpet, that should not deter you from purchasing the home, if you honestly like it.