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Yes, everyone is saying “location, location, location” but it actually is a major factor when choosing real estate in Florida or a home. While there are plenty of things you can change in and around your home, location is not one of them. Therefore, researching various neighborhoods before you make your decision is vital.

First and foremost, you need to gain an insight into the crime rates and safety of the area. You do not want to live in a dangerous part of town and constantly worry about your family’s well being. Next, research various institutions in the area to see reviews of local kindergartens and schools. It’s normal that you want your kids to get a great education. Finally, how well is the neighborhood connected? In case your kids won’t be changing schools, can they get there quickly? How long will it take you to get to your job? Are there hospitals, malls, playgrounds? Take all of these questions into account when deciding on the location of your dream home.

Size is another important aspect you cannot overlook. When deciding how big of a home you need, you must keep the future in mind. Talk to your partner and agree on your plans. Do you have kids yet? Do you want more in the future? Will there be a need for an aging parent to move in with you later on?

A two-bedroom house might seem great at the moment but what if you have another kid? Will they have to share a room with their sibling? You might be forced to expand your home or even look for a new one.

Moreover, the size of the plot will determine whether you will have the opportunity to expand so think about that as well.

Seeing as how purchasing a house is one of the biggest expenses a person can have, it is not a decision that can be taken lightly. You need to be well aware of your financial situation and the options available. Are your parents going to pitch in or are you considering a loan? If you’re already repaying a home loan and have other outstanding debts, you should then consider consolidating said loans. This will not only allow you to see how much extra money you can access, but it can also help reduce the amount of interest you’ll need to pay as well.

It’s essential to keep in mind that buying the house is not the only cost of this endeavor. You will need to take care of the closing costs as well as deal with any smaller repairs and renovations. And, of course, you cannot forget about your monthly bills and expenses.

Having mentioned monthly bills, you should also bear in mind the short-term maintenance costs of the home. A large home might be expensive to heat up or cool down. What kind of appliances are included? Are they eco-friendly? Will you be able to turn your home into a smart one later on?

Additionally, how much effort will it take to keep it clean? If the floors are fully carpeted, cleaning might take time. You can look for wooden floors instead. Is the garden going to need regular maintenance and attention? Think about that as well.

Before you start looking at potential homes, you need to make a list of priorities. Talk to your family members and see which features are necessary. Decide how many bedrooms and bathrooms you need, and keep in mind that you should probably have multiple bathrooms to avoid morning arguments.

Moreover, will you be working from home? You might need an office for that purpose. How many cars have you got and do you need a big garage? Is a spacious backyard non-negotiable for your green thumb?  It might also be important that you have a generator in the home, even though technically you could buy one later down the line. But, if there is one already, make sure that you don’t need to call out a generator repair team before you’ve even moved in! A list will be of great assistance.

Every family is different and we all have different needs, but these five tips encompass most of them, so decide what your priorities are and start your search there. Good luck.