If you are in the market for a new home, you may be feeling both excited and confused. There is never a more important time to sit down and really think about what is important in a home for you personally. You cannot have it all, and you need to know what gets top billing and what you are willing to compromise on. Read on for a checklist to get you started.

General considerations

1. How long will you live in the home? Answering this question helps you to set priorities based on upcoming life events. For example, if you expect your children to go to school while you're in your home, how important is the quality of schools for a given location?
2. Are you willing to do some work on the home? Whether you contract it out or do it yourself, you can save money on homes that need some TLC. This may also help you to decide on getting a brand new home or an older home.
3. Will you need public transportation? Check out the closest bus stops and train stations.
4. How far are you comfortable commuting to work? Drive time should be measured and considered.
5. Would you be comfortable living in a home with a homeowner's association (HOA)? You can be confident that your neighborhood will remain as neat and well-groomed as ever, but you may balk at some of the rules, so be sure to take a look at the HOA rules before you make an offer.

Exterior considerations

1. Is a garage a must have, or can you be happy with driveway parking or a carport? Do you have guests on a regular basis and will they have a place to park? Street parking can be annoying and inconvenient.
2. Are you prepared to take care of a big yard? A nice fenced backyard can be wonderful for families with children, but the work involved may be more than you bargained for. If you will be hiring a yard team, make sure you budget for it.
3. Will you use a swimming pool enough to get your money's worth? Pools are expensive to maintain and present a safety hazard, but in some warm parts of the country, they are common and desirable.
4. Do you have preference when it comes to styles? Brush up on common home styles so you'll understand the real estate lingo and listings. If you like contemporary, you won't be very happy with a Dutch colonial.

Interior considerations

1. Is a basement a must-have for you? This is definitely something that cannot be added later on.
2. Are there certain types of floor plans that you dislike? For example, many people with older children like the split plan, while those with a baby may like to have the bedrooms close together.
3. Do you like fireplaces and would you use one?

This is just a starter package; your list will be more extensive. The important part is to have a good idea of what you are looking for, which helps your real estate agent find the perfect home for you.