Create Three Categories and assign your requirements under one of these three categories.

• Needs : These are all the features that the home you will buy must have.
  
• Wants : These are all the features that you would want to have in the house but are not absoloutely necessary.
  
• Luxuries(optional) : These are all the features which may be an added bonus in the house but you can do without.

• General Location: In a neighborhood setting, Secluded lot, Near schools and church, Good view
  
• Neighborhood: Age of surrounding homes, familial makeup (i.e. kids to play with).
  
• Town/City Data: Town/City statistics, Real-estate taxes, Property value etc.
  
• Schools: Test scores, number of children per class, facilities.
  
• Commute Factor: To Work, School, Market, Shopping centers, Distance from nearest city etc.
  
• Local Services: Police & Fire protection, Hospital, Church, Library, Recreation Areas, Nearest lake or beach, Public transportation, Parks, Sewage, Water supply, Trash & Garbage disposal.
  
• Any Nuisances: Noise, Delinquents, Grafitti, Unkept Yards, Unsafe Play Areas.

• Price Range: Identify an approximate price range - Contact a mortgage lender to prequalify.
  
• Type of Unit: Single Family, Condominium, Townhome (duplex), etc.
  
• House Type: 2-Story, Multi-level, Rambler.
  
• Size: Finished square footage, room to grow into unfinished.
  
• Yard Size
  
• House Age: Brand New Construction, Old house, etc.
  
• House Condition: No work required, needs work before moving in, needs work after move in - estimate cost.
  
• Number of Bedrooms -number and location
  
• Number of Baths -number and size
  
• Size of rooms -accomodate your furniture.
  
• Size of kitchen -proximity to family room, can't be seen from front door.
  
• Basement: Size, Finished/Unfinished
  
• Closets: In Master bedroom, in other rooms. Other storage areas.
  
• Front & Back Yard: Wooded, Landscaped etc.
  
• Garage: Attached, Detached, Size
  
• Deck, Porch, Patio, Sun-room
  
• Appliances: Refrigerator, Microwave, Dishwasher, Central Vaccum, Intercom, etc.
  
• Other Amenities: Fireplace, Central air-conditioning, Hardwood floors, Wall-to wall carpeting, Mud room, Skylight(s) etc.
  
• Security features: Automatic garage door opener(s), Deadbolt locks, Security system.
  
• Special Needs: Handicap access, Mother-in-law quarters, no stairs, office off entry, etc.

If you can't find what you are looking for, building your home is another option.

STEP 2 >>