Purchasing a house is a major life change and must be something that you put a lot of thought and research into. It will definitely change your life in a huge way so remember to take your time and use all available resources to help you make your decision. Use the following tips when looking at houses to help find your perfect home.

1. Inform everyone you know that you are getting ready to purchase a house.One of these people might be selling a property or they may know where you can get a great deal. Also many of them have probably been through this process before and they will probably be able to give you great advice.
2. Decide what price range you will be looking in. It is important to decide this early on so that you do not waste time looking at properties that are out of your means. Realtors may try to show you higher priced properties, but if you are not interested just let them know up front. If they are not willing to cooperate by showing you prices in your range then you should probably find another realtor.
3. Be cautious of using the same realtor the seller is using. Often times they are not going to help you get the best deal as it is not in their best interests. There is a good chance that using a separate realtor will be much more beneficial to you.
4. Take your time with the process. While the real estate market is very fast moving, it is not wise to rush into something. It is wise to carefully review all decisions and discuss them with all involved parties.
5. Drive by a property that you are interested in at different times. This is important because although a neighborhood might seem quiet and peaceful during the day it could be a totally different place during the evening or at night. Traffic can also be an issue at different times.
6. Have a full home inspection done on a property you are interested in. This is a cost that you will have to cover but it can save you a ton of money in the long run. Many times homes will have hidden problems that cannot be seen unless you are an expert. What seems like a good house may be ready to collapse on top of you.
7. Consider less obvious things when purchasing a home. What seems like it might not be a big deal about a home could cause major problems later. Ask questions like: "What are the neighbors like? What school district is the home in? What type of utilities does the home use?" These can be huge factors in deciding on a home.
8. Make a pros and cons list for every property you are considering. If you are looking at many houses it can be hard to remember the details of each one. As you visit the houses take some paper and a pen with you and make lists while you are looking around. This can be helpful later when you must make decisions and weigh the options.
9. Don't be discouraged if things are not going as planned. The real estate market is ever-changing and you may not like the outcome of your home search. Remember that homes are taken on and off the market every day. Your dream home may slip through your fingers but a new one can come along at any time. This can be a lengthy process and remember that everything will work out for the best in the end.