What's the real secret to a successful home search?

Is it a parade through glamorous homes that fulfill every homebuyer's dreams, as the real estate ads say?

In reality, shopping for a home is fruitless until you've decided exactly what type of home you're looking for and where. Rather than closing your eyes and pointing to a spot on the real estate classifieds, make a list and force yourself to prioritize exactly what you're looking for in a home.

“A checklist can really shorten your home search,” says Richard Roll, president of American Homeowners Association. “It saves you from making a wild goose chase looking at homes that might fail your criteria or exceed your budget.”

Before visiting an open house, study the home listing or contact the listing agent and ask questions. Find out if the home passes the “laugh test” before taking the time to visit in person.

Once you're there, check the home against your wish list of features and criteria. Rate each item on a scale of one to five, and then compare the score to other homes in the neighborhood.

Here's a list of items to get you started:

Interior Features

1. Bedrooms — How many and how large? Is there enough room for the family?

2. Bathrooms — Will you have to wait in line or take the stairs to the only bathroom? Are fixtures, tiles and flooring in good condition, or will you have to remodel?

3. Storage space — Does the home have adequate closet space in the entry area and the bedrooms? How about attic, basement or garage space?

4. Light and electrical — How many windows, how large, and how old? Are there enough electrical outlets and light fixtures? Do you want a fireplace?

5. Living space — Are the living areas large enough for your furniture and your lifestyle?

6. Kitchen and dining areas — Are the kitchen or dining spaces large enough for the family's needs? Are kitchen cabinets, countertops and appliances up to date?

7. Family room — Is there space for entertainment, electronics, play, or a home office, as needed?

8. Appliances — What appliances are included with the house? How old are they, especially the heating and cooling system? What appliances will you have to buy?

Exterior

1. Backyard — Is it large enough for your needs? What about privacy screening or fencing?

2. Landscaping — Is the landscaping attractive and aesthetically pleasing to you? How much maintenance will the landscaping require?

3. Exterior Siding — What type of siding, if any (vinyl, aluminum, wood, composite, stone, stucco, etc.) and what condition is it in?

4. Driveway/garage — Do you want a garage? Is the driveway or garage large enough for your parking and storage needs, with good access to the street?

5. Lot — Is the house too close to the street or sidewalk? Does it have southern exposure for sunlight to reach inside? Are the trees too close to the house?

6. Deck/porch — Does it have the type of porch or deck you're looking for, and in good condition?

These general criteria provide guidance and discipline to your home search, so you can start off on the right track and quickly narrow down your choices. The more organized you are, the more fun you'll have finding the right home.

For information on any aspect of buying or selling a home, go to http://www.ahahome.com, the web site for American Homeowners Association