Purchasing a home has a different meaning for everyone. A home is an asset that over time increases in value. There are always periods when home values diminish but over the long term, there is no single better investment.

A home is also a place to raise your family and adds stability because it encourages families to plan for the future.

Owning a home is a way of investing in your community. It helps improve neighborhoods and provides local economic strength.

Because homeownership is such a positive influence on families and communities, the federal government is active in creating programs through FHA and using tax incentives to encourage buying a home.

Often the most difficult part of buying a home is knowing where to begin, especially for first time home buyers.

Now it is time to focus on deciding your housing needs before you begin your search.

It is far more efficient to determine your personal requirements before you begin your search for a home. Start by thinking about the way you live. Are you a single person? Are you married? Do you have children? Perhaps you have a parent or grandparent living with you. Maybe you work from home and need office space. If you have pets, you should also take their needs into consideration. Block out a few minutes in your busy schedule to brainstorm the space you need in a home.

Now comes the fun part, listing options. Relax and imagine what you truly want. Include benefits like a relaxing pool, covered patio, overhanging deck, or a scenic view.

After listing what you need and adding additional features that you would like but are not essential, start to consider your priorities.

Priorities may include lot size and location. Would you prefer sprawling gardens or little grass to mow? Do you like corner lots in a neighborhood or would you prefer to be located in the middle of the block or end of a cul-de-sac? Write down your thoughts about how large you prefer your lot and where you like it to be located.

Square footage is a giant consideration. How many bedrooms are important? Is a laundry room better than placing your washer and dryer in the garage? More than one bathroom is convenient? What do you want in a kitchen? Contemplate the number of rooms, the square footage and optional features. Write them down.

Other priorities will include the building style. Everyone feels better driving up to a house that they like aesthetically. Think about homes you have seen and write down the styles that you like. You can even take pictures of homes that draw your attention.

Since a neighborhood becomes your local community, pay attention to the surroundings. If you have children, it is going to be important where the schools are located. Are they close enough for the kids to get to class on time?

You may also want to think about where you want your home to be in proximity to your job and public transportation. Do you need to be close to the subway or train station? Is it important to be near bus stops? Do you want to commute, how far and how long?

Regarding all these items, establish your minimum requirements. Then build a wish list too. Both checklists are important.

And remember what I say. It is your house and your mortgage. No one is going to care about it more than you.

Above all, decide you are going to have fun while buying a home.