Before you start house hunting, decide on what you really need. Then list the features that would be nice to have. Once you have a clear idea of what you need as well as what you would like in a house, finding that house will be much easier.
Be realistic. Looking for a home takes time, so focus on what's important to you. After looking at lots of homes, the line between "I need a garage" and "I want a garage" can get very blurry.
Many people focus more on what they'd like to have instead of focusing on what they actually need - that can mean they pass up a home that meets their needs in hopes of finding one that meets their wants.
Ultimately, you should be able to find a home that is a blend of your needs and wants. But remember, the most important thing is to find the right house that fits into your budget. This may mean that it doesn't have all your "wants" but does have most of your "needs."
To help keep your priorities in order, make a wish list and a must-have list, and take them with you whenever you look at a house. Share them with your real estate agent as well; he or she can search for homes based on your list.
