Now it's time to hit the pavement, or the Web, in search of a home.

Your first step here is to figure out what city or neighborhood you want to live in. (Remember the old saying about "location, location, location.")

Think local

Pay special attention to districts with good schools (high teacher-student ratios and graduation rates are among the hallmarks), even if you don't have school-age children. When it comes time to sell, you'll find that a strong school system is a major advantage in helping your home retain or gain value.

Try also to get an idea about the real estate market in the area. For example, if homes are selling close to or even above the asking price, that shows the area is desirable. Try www.realestatephd.com which is free to check out recent home sales. Email me at donkhoury@remax.net for recent home sales records. Incidentally, if you have the flexibility, consider doing your house hunt in the off-season -- meaning, generally, the colder months of the year. You'll have less competition and sellers may be more willing to negotiate.

Next, take your search to real estate sites like www.realestatephd.com which let you search for property that matches your requirements.

Be wary of choosing search criteria that are too restrictive. For example, select a price range 10 percent above and 10 percent below your true range. Add a 10-mile cushion to the location you specify. If you see a house you're interested in, email me at info@ealestatephd.com  and so that you may view the home or land parcel.

Focus on the details

When you actually start touring homes, bring a notebook and a digital or Polaroid camera to help you remember details. By emailing me at donkhoury@remax.net and we will supply you with a description of each house and the lot it sits on, the property tax assessment, the asking price, and sometimes a diagram of the rooms. Your camera and notebook are there to record other details. One note: Don't automatically reject a house just because it doesn't measure up to your desires, either in features or price. You can always add a deck, for instance, or update a kitchen.