If you are planning to move to Maryland, one of the top questions in your mind is where you will live. You could rent an apartment, but if you are ready to own your property and stop moving around, you should consider buying a house. Follow these tips as you complete your house hunt so that you can make the most informed decision possible.

Know Your Needs

Before you go to house showings or speak with a realtor, decide what you are looking for in a house. Consider how many people will live with you and what the sleeping arrangements will be. For example, if a family member has mobility issues, you may need a house where he or she can sleep on the first floor. Similarly, if you have six children, you would probably prefer a house with three bedrooms instead of one or two. You know your needs better than anyone else, so make sure to spend some time early in the house hunting stage listing each specific need. If you have a spouse or partner who will be a joint owner of the house, be sure to include him or her in the proceedings.

Do Your Research

You probably have a specific area in Maryland where you would like to buy your house. Look online to see what houses are for sale and how much the owners are asking for them. Note any that catch your eye and write down the times of showings that you would like to attend. Speak to a realtor to create a plan for visiting and inspecting the houses you are interested in. He or she can help get you the best deal possible and ensure that you stay within your budget.

Another topic to research is the location around the homes you are considering. Find out the statistics on local crime from the police department or town newspaper. Keep in mind your family’s specific needs. If you have children, check what school options are available and read reviews of them. See if there are any places of worship nearby that fit your spirituality or religion. Finally, if you have any location-based hobbies, you could try to live close to a place that allows you to enjoy your favorite pastimes. Expert hikers may prefer to live near the mountains rather than in the heart of a city. On the other hand, people who love visiting museums and catching local art shows might like an urban or suburban lifestyle.

Choose Your Extras

A house provides the essential function of shelter for the people who live there. It also makes access to other needs such as food and water easier. However, owning a house means that you can make some decisions based on what you want, not just what you need. You don’t need an enormous budget to make some choices to make yourself happy. These luxuries to add to your wish list might include inground swimming pools in Maryland so that you can enjoy the water during hot, humid summers without having to go to a public pool. Maybe you’ve always dreamed of having a fireplace to keep you warm in the winter. Your children might beg you for a yard so that they can run around after school and have a swing set. Decide which amenities you want and which ones you really don’t before going to your first showing. If the listing does not include these details, ask about swimming pools or yards in advance.

Buying a house for the first time is exciting but requires lots of effort and time on your part. You will receive advice from many people about the mistakes they made and how to avoid them, but in the end, there is no right way to buy a house. Your needs are individual, so make these tips work for your situation and trust yourself to figure out the rest.