Finding the right home and one that truly fits your lifestyle is one of the most important decisions you’ll make. It should fit with your lifestyle and have the right floor plan and style that you’ll love for years to come.

Size is important when considering a home. If you’ve got a large family, they probably won’t be comfortable in a small two-bedroom, but a sprawling ranch-style may not be the best choice either unless it meets other needs – such as enough bathrooms.

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Floor plans may vary according to location. For example, if you live in the city, floor plans may range from multi-level apartments while more suburban settings will give you more outdoor space and room to grow.

Clearly, if you enjoy living in an urban area where you’re close to restaurants, shops and other amenities, you should look for a downtown home that fits your style and your needs.

Growing families may be better off in a country or suburban settings where schools and the neighborhood are important considerations.

Think about your pets too. A home with a back yard may suit your needs more than having to get in an elevator each morning to walk the dog.

Do you like to entertain? Then, consider a floor plan that flows easily – not one chopped up so you can’t visit with your guests while in the kitchen. A backyard or patio may also be important so the overflow of people have room to move around.

Consider the layout of your new home more than the décor or fancy finishes. It should flow easily from room to room and be functional for what you love to do. Don’t choose based on great carpet in the living room but look for how welcoming it will seem to guests coming from a kitchen or foyer area.

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If you have trouble visualizing a floor plan that will work for you, consider hiring a design professional for guidance. Your real estate agent may also be able to point you in the right direction and help you consider things that aren’t visible to the eye, such as energy costs or HomeOwners Association costs.

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When considering your home purchase, consider if you’re going to be using your current furniture or buying new furniture that will better fit your floor plan. If you want to use your current furniture, be sure to measure the area to be sure it will fit.

While most of us tend to go over-the-top when it comes to purchasing a home, the price of those fancy features or location usually bring us back to earth. You know what you like, what you can live with and what are absolute deal breakers.

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