Here are a few pointers to keep in mind when looking at real estate in NJ:

- Does the property meet your needs?

- Does the property meet your wants?

- How does the price measure up to comparable properties?

- Will the location work for you?

Let's cover each of these in a little more detail.

Needs versus Wants

When looking for real estate, there are going to be specific reasons that you are looking. Has your family outgrown the home you're in? Has your business expanded beyond your currently available office space? Do you have animals that need more space to run around on? The list will vary according to your specific needs.

Along the same lines are things that you want in a property but aren't absolutely necessary. You may want a 3,000 square foot home with a finished basement, is close to a school for your kids, and is located on a dead-end street. But you might actually only need 2,000 square feet and would settle for an unfinished basement on a street that isn't a dead end but also isn't very busy. As a business, you may want a 20,000 square foot office so you have room for future expansion, but currently only need 10,000.

You may find it helpful to draw up two separate lists. One list for the features that you absolutely must have (needs) and another for features that you desire, but might be able to live without (wants). In this sense, the process isn't much different than buying a car. You might want the Corvette with the powerful V8, but settle for the Hyundai Accent due to restrictions in your car-buying budget and/or concerns regarding the current price of gasoline.

By writing up two separate lists, you'll be able to look at a property and know very quickly whether it has everything you need, then do side-by-side comparisons based on how each property fulfills on the items you want.

And let's not forget about the cost.

Cost Comparison

Something else you want to keep in mind is your budget. Make sure that you are able to afford the property you are looking at. But beyond that, you'll also want to make sure that you are getting a fair deal.

Compare costs of each property that you are looking at with other NJ real estate that is similar. The 4-bedroom, 2 bath 2,500 square foot home you're looking at shouldn't be priced much differently than a house with the same or similar specs just up the street. And if there is a significant price difference, you'll probably want to take a look at both properties to see if you can find a good reason why.

Location, Location, Location

If you are a retail business, then a location with plenty of traffic might be best for you. Looking to purchase a private home? Then a location with no traffic might be your desire. Do you want schools within walking distance so your children don't need to go far? How about trips to the grocery store? Do train tracks run behind the property?

Whatever the type of New Jersey real estate that you're looking for, be sure to take into consideration all aspects of the property that will affect your life, business, or family.