Owning a home is one of the most important investments you can make, not to mention that the home you choose affects your every day life. If you can articulate how your household lives day-to-day, then you can plan for a house that serves you best. Define your needs and preferences by answering these questions:

1. Do you entertain often?
2. What is the ideal distance from the car to the kitchen?
3. Where will wet jackets and muddy shoes go?
4. Do you need a room dedicated to a special hobby or interest?
5. Are there children in the home? Will they each need their own room?
6. How long will you live in this home?
7. How often do you use your current dining room?

A home's architecture doesn't just make it appealing from the outside; it directly affects the lifestyle of its occupants. Consider the pros and cons of different types of homes.

• Ranch

• Pros:	Everything is on one level which makes the house more accessible to everyone
  Cons:	It is less expensive to build a 2,400-square-foot two-story house than a single story house of the same size. Adding space to single story homes is also more expensive because it requires adding to the footprint.

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• 1 ½ Story

• Pros:	Rooms on the upper floor will afford more privacy in a smaller home.
  Cons:	Ceilings upstairs are often low and angled and can present problems when arranging furniture and decorating.

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• Two Story

• Pros:	Downstairs can serve as a common area for family and friends while the upstairs remains a more private sanctuary.
  Cons:	Stairs can pose a problem for some family members or activities. Maintaining the windows, gutters and paint can be difficult.

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• Townhouse / Condo

• Pros:	You don’t have responsibility for outside maintenance or inside repairs in some cases, but you have more space than in an apartment.
  Cons:	The maintenance charges are factored into your housing cost. Sharing a wall with neighbors can put you very close to their noise and home activity.

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• Loft

• Pros:	Often located in trendy neighborhoods, lofts are refurbished buildings that have the charm of an old building and the convenience of new fixtures and flooring.
  Cons:	Lofts are located downtown where you might encounter traffic and limited services.

As you prepare for the cost of a home, don’t forget to include these expenses.

Builder Options: Upgrades should be ordered with care and make certain you understand the costs associated with them. What will it cost to maintain the high-tech appliances, state-of-the-art security system or counter surfaces?

Landscaping: Gardens are not instant, and fencing adds up. Remember you don’t have to do it all at once. Tackle outdoor lighting this year, and add a water feature next year.

Association Fees: Will you be a part of a homeowners’ association? What are the community’s home appearance and maintenance rules? Membership fees can often cover garbage pickup, security and lawn mowing.

Club Memberships: Private, semi-private, public? Master-planned communities that feature a country club have different ways of allowing access and assessing it’s members. The documents can be lengthy and it is important to understand all of the conditions and commitments involved.

Furniture and Décor: A new home often means bigger – and always different – space to fill. You will likely replace furnishings that don’t fit your new home. Don’t forget the draperies!

There are certain necessities for enjoying a new home. Ask questions. It’s important that you understand the details regarding certain basic elements of property.

Electricity: Does the building lot have readily available electricity? Most banks will not lend on a building lot without it, but don’t assume.

Water: Is water provided by the city or a well? What does this mean for its quality?

Sewer: Septic tanks should be inspected; make sure the property has a sewer connection if possible.

Drainage: How will water from uphill make its way onto your property? Has this or nearby property flooded (even slightly)?