Nothing is more exciting than the thought of your dream home.  Thinking of how many bedrooms, how huge a kitchen or on how many acres that home would be is thrilling and overwhelming at the same time.  Once we leave the dream state and realize the cold hard truth, it is clear that we can not have the "kid in the candy store" mentality and that there will be some concessions that we will have to make.  It is important that as realistic buyers, we make sense and order of what our main priorities are.  There are four main categories to group our "wants" in…

1.Location:Know where you need to live.  Do you need to live close to your work?  Are you looking for a peaceful quiet neighborhood?  Where do you do all your shopping?Where will your children attend school?  Do you want to live near your friends and family?

2.Size:How many bedrooms do you need?  What type of storage space are you looking for?  Do you need a home office?  Are you planning on needing an extra room for any future family members?  What size of yard are you looking for?

3.Amenities:  What amenities are crucial for you:garage, large kitchen, dining room, number of bathrooms, appliances, swimming pool, fireplace, air-conditioning, hardwood floors…

4.Condition:Do you want a home in "move-in" condition?  Are you willing to put some "sweat equity" into the house?

It is easy to be confused by having so many choices.  It is a huge probability that you will have to make some concessions when buying a home.  Take the time before you start looking to organize your true needs and then your wants so that you won't waste the time later when looking.