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When you first start looking at homes via showings or Open Houses, consider these factors as you assess and size up the home right from your first visit: 

1. Is there adequate room for all members of your family now and in the next 5-7 years?  Buying a home with extra room to grow into is a forward looking idea worth thinking about now.
2. Is the floor plan right for everybody in the family?  For example, a home with many steps can be a challenge for small children and people with bad ankles, knees, and hips.  A kitchen located right off the garage is going to get tracked through and dirty often causing regular cleaning of the floors.
3. Is there adequate storage space?  Are bedroom closets large enough?  Are the bathroom linen closets adequate?  Are there other storage areas for seasonal things like decorations and out of season clothing? 
4. Do cosmetic items need to be done to the house?  Paint, flooring, new appliances, furnace, air conditioner, water softener, etc. can really add up if many of these items are in need of change.  Sizing these items up prior to hiring a home inspector can save you time and money.
5. Is the lot/yard size what you want?  Is there room to meet your recreational and entertaining needs with your yard size?  Is it too much too mow if you are looking to cut back on lawn care expenses and time? 
6. Are there enough bathrooms?  The majority of home buyers want at least two bathrooms with each having a tub and or shower.  When it is time to clean up and go places, a house without sufficient bathrooms will lead to frustration.  Also, homes with 1 bathroom tend to be harder to resell than those with 2.
7. Will your present furniture fit in the home?  Having to sell current furniture that is functional that won't fit into your new house is time-consuming and costly.  Take measurements if you have too.  Furniture that you currently own and would like to move with you needs adequate space in your new home.  Make sure it does before considering placing an offer.  

Looking at your potential new home with an eye not only for the present, but the future as well is a good idea.  I hope the tips in this blog post help as you begin your home hunting experience.