answer:This is what we looked for when we were just starting out fourteen years ago: Quality and Condition: Get the house professionally inspected. Look for water damage, insect damage/infestation, condition of pipes, basement walls, condition of exposed wood in the attic, siding, window and door seals, etc. Square Footage: Is there enough room to meet your needs. Expandability: Find out from the city/town hall what your lot is zoned for. Could you add a second floor or expand/renovate in some other way down the road. Price: Can I afford this monthly and how does it stack up against other houses in the neighborhood. Were I buying a house now, I would also add: • Location – Quality of Neighborhood • Access to public transportation • Quality of public school system • Demographic of town/city