Making sure you end up with the right home involves figuring out exactly what features you need, what features you want and don't want. Before starting your search, you may want to review our "Wants & Needs Worksheet" provided here. Once you have completed this worksheet you can print out a few of them, and take tem with you as you search. Whether you are searching on the internet or out on the road, you can refer back to them and keep track of the properties you choose to see which ones  have as many of the features you want as compared to others.

     Home buyers look at an average of ten homes before deciding which one is right for them, according to The National Association of Realtors 2002 Profile of Home Buyers and Sellers. That is a lot of information to keep track of, especially considering all the pros, cons and features of each one.

     With this record you will make fewer re-visits and have an easier time determining which home is the best for you. Besides jotting down notes (which is very important.) on each relevant item, you may want to rate the different features and factors on a 1-10 scale, with 10 being the best and 0 being nonexistent. (if a particular item holds more importance to you, add 5 points.) Average your ratings for an overall score.