Whether you are in the market to buy a house or rent there are some general guidelines you will want to follow. Unless you live alone, before you even start looking for a home you should sit down and discuss your needs with your family. You will need to make a checklist. There are several questions you will want to ask yourself such as how many bedrooms you will need.

Can you get by with one bathroom or will you need two? Do you thrive in a city environment or do you prefer a country atmosphere? Do you have pets? Would you be willing to part with them? Do you need to be close to public transportation, medical care or schools? These are just a few things you will need to take into consideration.

Price is a big factor as well. Are you looking to buy, rent or perhaps rent to own is what would best suit your circumstances? Take a long, hard look at your finances. How much can you honestly afford? Don’t put your head under water by kidding yourself about financial matters. Know your budget and stay within its limits.

Don’t forget about utilities. If you’re buying you will be paying all utilities and taxes. If you’re renting you may have some or all utilities included. If not stated, ask about amenities since some places may include certain amenities while others do not. Consider travel time and costs back and forth to work. If you work from home, do you need a room for your office? Are you planning a short or long-term move? If you’re buying a house, are you willing to purchase a fixer-upper? If so, you need to ask yourself what extent of repairs you are willing to make. For example, a house that has suffered fire or water damage may require extensive repairs which may result in a larger sum of money than first anticipated.

People often think a fixer-upper entails doing some painting, buying new carpet and replacing a few shingles but it can go much deeper than superficial cosmetic repair. If considering a house in need of repair it is best to have an inspector check things out from top to bottom. Of course, this is a good idea in any case. Have the house checked thoroughly for electrical, plumbing, foundation, roof or other potential problems. You will also want to check the furnace and inspect for any type of insect or vermin infestation. This may seem like a lot but in the long run it will be worth it. If you are aware of problems or they are found during the inspection process and you are still interested in the house, get estimates from qualified professionals so you will have an idea of how much the repairs will cost.

Preparing a checklist and following it may seem a little silly but it can help you to find the house you want and prevent problems down the line. Finding the right house can be a big chore but once you do, it will all be worth it. Don’t sacrifice what you really want and need because someone seems to offer you a deal in order to make a quick sale. Know what you want and stick to it. Take your time and visit several houses before making your choice. You will find the right place for you. Happy house hunting.