When doing a home search, there can be so many different variables to take into account that keeping track of them all seems impossible. Being able to compare different homes and consider all possible pros and cons is easier if you have a checklist to help you make your decision. You can list all considerations in order of personal importance to you, and choose the home that best suits your needs.

If you have small children, your priorities will be different than if you are retired or a single individual who doesn't plan on starting a family soon. Your finances will also determine where you look for a home and what kind of compromises you are willing to make between what you want and what you can really afford.

You will need to consider such things as proximity to shopping, dining, banking and other amenities, as well as your prospective home's location in relation to schools, hospitals and cultural or entertainment venues. It would be terrible to purchase a home and then discover you are positioned off of a busy street and getting in and out during rush hour is a nightmare. Doing a little reconnaissance can save you a lot of annoyances later. Talk to people in the neighborhood you are thinking about moving into, and ask what they like and dislike about living there.

Also consider the costs of maintaining your new home. If it is new construction, upkeep will be minimal at least for the first few years. Older homes can have hidden problems and should be thoroughly inspected for unseen problems before a decision is made. In addition, location will determine taxes that will have to be paid on an annual basis, so investigate these matters as well.

The following checklist can help you weigh all the factors and ensure you don't forget anything important that should impact your final decision.