5 Tips for Finding the Perfect House

House hunting is an endeavor that can seem like an endless journey. There are so many houses to choose from, and each offers something unique in terms of location, amenities and design. Perhaps you wish there was a scientific method to the madness, but there's not. Finding the right house is all about you and nobody else can make that determination. To help you decide, here are some areas you should factor into your hunting and decision-making processes.

1. Amenities

There are must haves on everyone's list of desired amenities. Perhaps you must have that whirlpool tub, or you must have the foyer with the grand staircase. Or, maybe it's as simple as a working dishwasher. Whatever your desired amenities are, make a list. When you visit a house, bring your list with you and check off every amenity the house offers.

Take into consideration there are options that are replaceable, such as flooring. If you like the house, but the only exception is it has tile floors rather than hardwood flooring, go ahead and give that score knowing that floors are an affordable upgrade you can factor into the offer you place on the house.

Of course, not all amenities are as easy to replace. It's up to you to decide what you can and can't afford to change.

2. Location

Location is important. If it's a great house at a bargain price, but it's in an area with high crime, you've got to determine if it's worth it to you. All the security in the world may not stop you from experiencing crime on your way home, at the gas pump or even in your driveway.

If you want the kids to have a great school system, that's important to the entire family. Most people don't buy homes with the plan of living there for a short while. This is your life and theirs, and these are decisions you need to make before you start the hunt and then stick to your guns.

3. Your Budget

Again, this is an area you need to discuss with your significant other if you have one: Decide your budget and stick to it. It will be tempting to go for something higher than your budget, and many Americans have made this mistake prior to you and lived to regret it. It's the start of a process called living beyond your means. Beautiful homes can be found within any budget and they can be upgraded and personalized to fit your tastes.

4. Financing

An important consideration to factor into your budget will include how much downpayment you will need and what type of financing you choose. Government backed loans through the FHA often come with lower interest rates and down payments because there is less risk involved for the bank, but there are stringent rules on the condition of the home. Traditional loans will require a higher down payment so you start off with equity in the home, but there are more lenient on structural and safety issues. If there are issues you know you can easily remedy after the purchase of the home, a traditional loan might be the easier route.

5. Your Realtor

While you can go it alone by looking through the internet sites like realtor.com, having a realtor by your side can make the search less stressful. A realtor has insight he or she can share prior to seeing the house. That insight may even help you decide not to see the house. The realtor is your representative through the entire process, from the showing, to making an offer and closing.

Finding a realtor is a fairly simple process. You can just happen upon one during a showing, and if your personalities click, stick with that realtor, or you can find one that is local to the area you're desiring so they are more readily available if something pops up you want to see.