Buying a house is an important decision. You will most likely pay for this purchase for the next three decades of your life, and you will be living in the humble abode of your choice for a good part (if not all) of those years. This is one purchase you don’t want to feel bad about later.

The best way to avoid buyer’s remorse is to think carefully about the home you want ahead of time. Knowing what you want will narrow your search, keep you from buying something you don’t want, and get you thinking about your family’s needs in a new home. These are some of the considerations you should keep in mind.

Rent, Rent, Rent

For most homebuyers, location is one of the most important factors. If you have children or want to start a family, you have to look at the neighborhood schools. Even if you don’t want to have children, schools are usually a good indicator of what the neighborhood is like. Low-performing schools are rarely found in the best part of town.

Do you want to live in the city, in the suburbs or in the country? All three locations have advantages and disadvantages, so you need to weigh these factors and determine what is most important to your family. If you want to be close to entertainment, shopping, dining, and work, the city may be a good option, especially if you’re on a decent budget or don’t mind limited space.

If you want to raise a family with other children in a low-crime area and don’t mind having a house that looks like your neighbor’s, the suburbs could be perfect for your family.

On the other hand, if you want a lot of land and don’t mind a long drive into town, the country has a lot to offer, including generally lower prices.

house type

Homebuyers should also limit their search to condos or single-family homes from the start. For families, traditional houses are often a better option. You’re more likely to have a yard and you won’t have to worry about as many rules and regulations. If your kids want to use sidewalk chalk on your driveway, you don’t have to worry about complaints from the condo association.

On the other hand, condos provide exterior maintenance, extras like pools and exercise rooms, and luxury living at more reasonable prices. However, remember that the price of the condo does not include the association fees you will need to pay to call the location home. Calculate these additional fees in your budget.

house height

One factor that homebuyers often overlook or dismiss as unimportant is the number of stories in the home. Usually you have three options. You may not want to rule out two-story homes entirely or ignore split-level properties in listings, but you need to think about the implications of your home’s home.

Two-level houses are a bit awkward. The heyday of design was several decades ago, so homes are often priced lower than comparatively sized one- or two-story homes in the same neighborhood. However, you will have to climb more stairs. In fact, you will have to climb stairs to get to any part of your house. That might be fine while you’re young, but what about as you get older or when you have a baby crawling in the house or your elderly parents want to visit?

Two-story houses have many of the same weaknesses. But if you want significant square footage, you almost need a multi-story house. Always take into account the condition and location of the stairs. You want to make sure they are secure, well placed, and easy to lock if you have children.

One-story homes provide less size, but are often a better option for families. All rooms are on the same floor, kids can’t accidentally fall down stairs, and cooling/heating bills are usually lower.

Size

Home buyers generally pay close attention to size, sometimes to the exclusion of some of the important factors mentioned above. However, size is important, but square footage alone doesn’t tell the whole story. You can walk into a 1,500 square foot home that is more spacious and open than a 2,000 square foot home due to its layout. That’s why you want to pick a range and do tutorials.

Knowing how many bedrooms and bathrooms you want is also a good idea. You should also consider how flexible you are with these demands. If you want three bedrooms but find a great house with only two, should you consider it? Is having only one bathroom a deal breaker? Discuss these topics with your family before you start narrowing down your search.

Other factors

You can also make a list of other things that are important to you. For example, do you have or want pets? Many condominiums have limits on the number of pets you can bring into your home. If you have your own single family home, do you want a fenced yard? Remember that the largest rooms are in the corner properties. They may cost a little more, but you’ll get a little more acreage for the dollar.

What about outside storage? Do you need a garage? Do you want a shed? Be sure to look for properties that already have these items if they are important.

You may also want to look for energy efficient features such as double pane windows and energy efficient appliances. Ask to see heating and cooling bills so you can see how much you’ll pay each month.

While this may seem like a big deal just to buy a home, remember that this is one of the biggest investments you’ll ever make. The decision requires careful thought, not spontaneity.