Gut feelings are important when buying a house, but so are concrete parameters. Consider your housing needs and wants and write them down before you start looking. Keep a house-hunting journal so you’ll be better equipped to find the right home for you.

• Housing needs and wants

  Make a list of the things you’re looking for in your property search. For example, consider:

  • Location

  • Neighborhood

  • Town

  • House size

  • Number of bedrooms

  • Number of bathrooms

  • Lot size

  • Yard

  • Fencing

  • School systems

  • Commute time

  • Access to public transportation

  • Parking

• Organize your thoughts:

  • Separate what you’d like to have from what you need.

  • Circle or add the things on your list that are essential.

  • Start a house-hunting journal during your search to keep track of your likes and dislikes.

• Take note:

  • Asking price

  • Square footage

  • Work required

  • Heating and cooling system details (type, equipment, age, condition, cost)

  • Condition of rooms

  • Driveway

  • Yard

  • Initial overall impression

  • Storage