Buying a home is a big purchase. Before you shop, consider what you need the most. Do you want to be in a certain school district for your kids? Is the distance from work or family important to you? What about features, like bedrooms, bathrooms, or a big back yard?

Make a list of the features you'd like, from the most important to the least. If you know what's not negotiable to you now, you'll be less likely to compromise on the important things in the future.

Once you've decided what you like, you might want the advice of an expert to start looking.