Once you have decided to move, clearly identify your needs and desires before beginning to actively search for a new home. What characteristics must a house include in order to meet your basic needs? What qualities will truly make it your home?

• Price range
• Minimum number of bedrooms and bathrooms
• Minimum amount of living area
• Special requirements, such as wheelchair accessibility
• Timing of when you want (or need) to move
• Steps involved in selling your existing home

• Styles you like (and those you do not)
• Lifestyle (lot size, townhouse/condominium, active, urban)
• Condition (new construction, move-in condition, a 'fixer-upper')
• Location (main street, close to town center, cul-de-sac, waterfront)
• Public services (water, sewer)
• Features most important to you (fireplaces, wood floors)

To establish your needs and goals, you may want to research towns, review recent sales activities, and get pre-approved.