Once you have made your decision to buy a home and stop renting, you'll need a strategy to get started on your search. The secret in searching for the perfect home lies in your ability to identify exactly what you want out of a MN home.

Many Minnesota first time home buyers feel overwhelmed and frustrated by the homebuying process simply because there are too many decisions to make. How do you decide on the best location? What if the home isn't in the best move-in condition? Can you afford to be so far away from work? Making sure you've asked yourself the right questions and creating a 'wishlist' for your ideal home will make the home buying process much easier, and also help you get over many of the challenges involved in finding that perfect home. Start creating your wishlist with the following essential questions and considerations in mind:

1. What are the amenities you are looking for? Ask yourself if you want a fireplace, swimming pool, a garden, etc. Create a basic criteria of amenities you would want in your home to narrow down your options. If a home doesn't meet your amenities criteria, simply say no to it and move on to the next one.

2. Specify where you want to be located. The home's location is one of the most significant factors when considering different homes, according to author Ilyce Glink of '100 Questions Every First-Time Home Buyer Should Ask'. Your location will determine how far you'll live in relation to family and friends, your kid's school, your work, and shopping areas. Location also determines the time you'll spend traveling each day. Ask yourself if your home and location justify your travel time each day.

3. The size of your home. Specify how much space your family needs and if you are expecting any additions to your family in the near future. Your needs will determine the size of the home that you will purchase. If your family is growing, you might want to purchase a bigger home to accommodate your family three to five years in the future.

4. Are you willing to invest in renovating or refurbishing the home? If the house is not in move-in condition, how much are you willing to spend on modifications, renovations and other maintenance costs? Setting some guidelines in this area can help you eliminate certain homes from your radar as you search.

5. Will safety and security be an issue for you? If you have small children or are living alone, safety and security may be a top priority. Ask yourself what you will need in order to feel safe in the new neighborhood so you can eliminate homes that don't meet the criteria.

Being specific about your home buying criteria will help you save time in searching for your home. It will also make your stay in your new home more enjoyable because your new home would match your needs and wants.