Location, location, location. Ask any realtor and he or she will agree that where you buy your home can be as important as how big it is, what it looks like and how much it costs.

One of the many valuable services a realtor provides is helping homebuyers find the right neighbourhood for them. They will work with you to develop a list of "needs" and "wants" as part of the overall home-buying process.

Determine your priorities. It's a good idea to write down your needs and wants and develop a checklist to take with you. Obviously your budget will play a large role in determining where you end up buying. For example, your money may buy a lot more house in the county than it will in the city. But the style of home you want, and desired features and amenities, will also factor in.

You'll need to ask yourself a few questions to pinpoint your desires.

Do you need to be close to your workplace or are you willing to commute? Do you need to be close to a major hospital, school or place of worship? What is your main mode of transportation? Do you need easy access to public transportation or would you like to be able to walk to the corner store? What activities are you involved in? Do you want the quieter lifestyle of a rural setting or do you prefer the action?

Once you've completed this exercise, you can begin checking out possible neighbourhoods that meet your criteria. Be sure to always keep affordability in mind so you don't overextend yourself financially.

If you're a first-time buyer, your realtor will have tips and advice on how to afford your first home. He or she can help you locate "starter homes" or even a "handyman special" in your desired neighbourhood that could be more economical if you are willing to use some elbow grease to fix it up.

Do your homework. Once you've located the neighbourhood you want, spend some time there to get a "feel" for it. Be sure to visit at different times to see what traffic is like and how quiet or noisy it is at times. Check out the properties to see how well (or not so well) kept they are. Usually, when the majority of homes are tidy and kept up, it's a good sign there is a sense of pride and community among the neighbours.

Still like it there? If so, you're ready to have your realtor show you available properties. They can provide you with a comparison of selling prices. Your realtor can help develop a "short list" of homes that best match your need, wants and budget.

The following checklist from The Windsor-Essex County Real Estate Board may be helpful in determining your location priorities. Identify each preference with an "N" or a "W" for needs and wants, and add others that are important to you: Nearby facilities; quiet street; shopping within walking distance or short drive; parks or playgrounds; golf course nearby; skating rinks; restaurants; theatres; community centre; public swimming pool/tennis courts; public library; places of worship; police/fire departments; day care; snow removal; hospital/medical; transportation; close to work; near major highway; near public transportation; schools..

Anna Vozza is president of the Windsor-Essex County Real Estate Board. Phone 519-966-6432.