1. Location, location, location! When you go house hunting, you should consider any potential home’s proximity to your work, schools (if you have kids), grocery stores, and any other places you frequently visit. The neighborhood, how the home is situated on the lot, ease of access, noise from neighbors, traffic, and pets are some more considerations to keep in mind.

2. Neighborhood. Be sure the neighborhood, not just the house, meets your expectations. You can have the nicest house, but if you end up having terrible neighbors or have to stare at a dilapidated home across the lot, you’ll be miserable. My recommendation? Drive around your potential home on weekdays and weekends, during the day and in the evening. This will give you a better feel for the neighborhood you might call your own.

3. Size and floor plan. You may be thinking about buying your dream home, but is your dream home impractical? Do you really need four bedrooms and three baths when you live alone? Or maybe a backyard pool and home gym is a “must-have” on your checklist, but how realistic are those features with your price range? Think about how your new home’s spaces will be used and whether they’ll fit your lifestyle now as well as in the future.