If you've found yourself swooning over a house that you can't forget, you're not alone. According to Realtor.com's most recent survey, 69 percent of respondents have a crush on a particular home, so much so that they have looked at it over and over online or in person.

Not unlike finding the perfect partner in love, homebuyers consider turn-ons and turn-offs, and whether or not they can afford the home of their dreams.

Women preferred outdoor living spaces, curb appeal, open floor plans and updated appliances and fixtures. Men picked outdoor living spaces, garages and curb appeal.

The survey found that women are more likely to fall in love with a home beyond their price range while men moved from one crush to another more frequently than women.

So what factors will make you pick the right home? If you follow industry advice, you should buy a home within your means, pay down your mortgage with extra payments, and plan to live in it at least five years. That's how long it will take to build the equity you'll need to sell it and move-up to your next home.

You should have a must-have list to follow so you won't get dazzled by a feature you didn't know you wanted while forgetting something that should be important to you and your family.

According to the National Association of Home Builders found that half of surveyed home buyers prefer a new single-story home with a median of 2,226 square feet. Half want three bedrooms while 32 percent want four bedrooms, and 65 percent want two or two and a half bathrooms.

For 65 percent of homebuyers, the home must provide the living space and the number of rooms that meet their needs. Buyers also focus on quality and appearance when they look at home components such as flooring, countertops, cabinets, and so on.

If you're like most buyers, you want energy-efficiency, a dedicated laundry room, a walk-in pantry, and table space for eating in the kitchen.

So when you fall in love, what are you willing to pay? The median new home buyer is willing to pay $203,900, but that may be far above or below your budget.

The best way to get what you want is to get prequalified for your loan before you start looking at homes. That way you won't fall in love with something you can't afford. Be willing to compromise on preferences that are further down the list in order to stay within your budget. Write down as many must-have's as you wish and be sure to prioritize them in order of importance. Your Realtor will have an easier time screening homes that you'll truly love.