Your first step should be to seek out a knowledgeable real estate agent with experience in the areas you wish to purchase a home in. A good agent can help you locate those properties that truly are "bargains" and help eliminate those homes that won't match your desires and needs.

A good buy is only a good buy if it meets your current and future living requirements. Before shopping for a home, decide how much space you and your family require. How many bedrooms, bathrooms must you have? Is a family room necessary? Do you need a layout that will accommodate a lot of entertaining? Do you prefer a spacious or compact work space in the kitchen? If you have small children, can the house easily be childproofed?

Evaluate the front and back yards. Is there enough space to accommodate your children? Do you want a park-like or garden setting? Do you enjoy yard work and gardening, or do you want a low-maintenance yard? Are you willing to take into consideration the cost of extensive landscaping and upkeep?

Unless you are retiring, look for a house with universally popular RE-selling points because most of us will be selling our homes again within five years. If you're impressed now, the next buyer down the line is bound to be, too. For example, look for a roomy, modern east-to-clean kitchen. This is the best selling point a home can have. 

Don't forget the old adage: location, location, location. 

Avoid buying the biggest or fanciest home on the block. 

Consider the amount of traffic or noise. Look for active train tracks nearby. Homes located in a quiet area away from a busy street will command a higher price. 

Make sure the schools in your district have a reputation for quality education and safety. Nearby supermarkets, gas stations, restaurants and theaters are big plusses in making a location more desirable.

Good community facilities such as pools, athletic fields, community centers, libraries and hospitals all add to a neighborhood's value and desirability. Is local public transit available? Street and road conditions should be considered. Can you access a nearby freeway? Are there several alternate routes? How long are typical commutes to laces of current and potential employment? How close is a major airport? All of these can affect a home's pricing and value.

Ask your agent about the property tax rate and whether increases are anticipated. Will you have to pay special assessments for a homeowner's association? 

A house with only one bathroom is less desirable than a house with two or more. Many buyers today expect the luxury of having at least three bedrooms, along with a master bedroom that offers a feeling of privacy. 

Lots of storage space and closets, especially walk-in closets, will be a real RE-selling point too. Family rooms or "great rooms" also are desirable. 

Unless you're looking for a fixer-upper, the house should be in a condition that is comparable to other homes in the neighborhood. Determine how much work is required to make the house you are considering livable. Make an honest assessment of your fix-it abilities. How much work are you willing to do or pay someone else to do? Do you have basic decorating, carpentry and plumbing skills? If you plan to learn as you go, make sure you have accurately determined what you are getting into. 

If you are not able and prepared to tackle a major remodel, look for a house or condominium that needs only a few cosmetic improvements. These include painting, wallpapering and replacing items like flooring, window treatments, bathroom and kitchen fixtures, light fixtures, cabinet and interior door hardware and appliances. Remember that even these simple changes can cost a fortune if you have to make very many of them at one time.

Beware of improvements that seem easy enough at first glance but may turn into major headaches and require a lot of money once you've moved in. Ask an experienced friend, family member or your real estate agent for their opinion, and be sure to consider how much remodeling inconvenience the rest of the family can handle. Remodeling kitchens and bathrooms, changes to the floor plan, room additions and redesigned landscaping are examples of seemingly minor changes that can easily eat away the money you thought you saved by selecting a so-called "bargain priced" home. 

Make sure major systems in the house are in good working condition. Consider the point in the life cycle of major household systems, such as the furnace, air conditioning, roof, plumbing and kitchen appliances, since repairs can be costly. Local utilities often offer free or low-cost inspections to tell you if the house is energy-efficient. If not, your agent can arrange to have a professional inspector determine whether the electrical wiring and any room additions are to code.

Consider the cost of living in a home.

It's important to consider not only the purchase price but the monthly cost of living in a home. Estimate your average utility and maintenance costs. For example, will the house need to be painted on a regular basis and will you need to spend money maintaining a swimming pool? 

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