Hunting for the right house can be tough. What with a fickle economy and a restless culture always introducing yet another must-have and need-this, the criteria for your dream home can get lengthy and complicated.

Before you get into the nitty-gritty details of picking which among the throng is the home for you, decide first whether your lifestyle is more suited to horizontal communities or vertical neighborhoods. Once done, make your next home-hunting steps easier by checking off these eight basic guide questions.

“Can we afford this?”

Money always plays a factor, especially for big decisions. Can you afford your dream home? Look beyond the price listing. After the down payment and mortgage monthlies, consider the taxes, utilities, maintenance, association dues, and other miscellaneous expenses your house of choice will bring in.