See Beyond The Sizzle

Finding a home within the budget is obviously one of the first things to consider as you begin a home buying journey.

The homes featured here are priced between $300,000 and $400,000, and include some attractive properties with lots of "wow" features. It's very easy to fall head over heels in love with a house, and forget to think about some important factors that will greatly affect how satisfied you are with the home down the line.

Before you fall in love with a sunny gourmet kitchen, an expansive deck and pool or elegantly appointed great room, consider a few other things before making a decision. Once you've narrowed your selections down to a few favorites:

• Explore the neighborhood to make sure you and your family will feel comfortable living there. Drive it on weekdays and weekends, both day and night, to get a feel for the noise level, the traffic patterns, and general ambiance.
• You might love the house, but do you love the lot or the site? Can neighbors see directly into the house? Is the yard suitable for gardening? For children? For pets? Think about your lifestyle and make sure the site fits your needs as well as the house does.
• Consider the size of specific rooms and the overall floor plan. Will it flow well with your lifestyle? How much new furniture will you have to buy? Does it fit your space needs now? Will it in five or ten years?
• Proximity to work, schools, shopping and favorite activities is important, especially given the rising cost of gas. Be sure the commutes are within your comfort zone.
• Be aware of real estate taxes - they vary widely from area to area.
• Find out what city services are made available to you.
• Research the school district and find out how it stacks up.
• Hire a home inspector and pay careful attention to potential flaws in the foundation elements of a home - the structure, wiring, plumbing and heating/cooling systems.