Anyone can fall in love with a home when the chemistry is right.

The more you see, the more that feeling of discovering your dream home and falling in love with it takes over.

Suddenly, you're not interested in taking any more home tours. All you want to know is: “How soon can we pick up the keys?”

“A good gut feeling is always a good sign but don't let emotions or excitement cloud your better judgement,” says Richard Roll of American Homeowners Association. “Your first priorities should always be getting the best value and avoiding financial headaches.” For more information, go to www.ahahome.com.

Here are a few of the many rational questions you'll want to ask yourself, and mistakes you'll want to avoid before you rush into a commitment to buy.

Are you exceeding your budget? A home should be an investment, not a financial burden that sacrifices your peace of mind. Don't stretch your loan qualification limits or borrow too heavily, or you'll be stressed out. Is the down payment within your means? Will you have enough cash to pay transaction costs and moving expenses?

Is the home in good condition? Does it need a new roof? What about the home's electrical, plumbing and heating and air conditioning systems? Extensive upgrading of these systems or structural repairs will put pressure on your finances, and create a mess and inconvenience while the home is being brought up to standards.

Did you get a home inspection? It's far better to pay about $300 on a professional home inspection than to gamble on unseen defects and hidden repair costs. A qualified inspector will uncover any conditions that might cause you to reconsider the purchase. Make sure your sales contract is contingent on a home inspection.

Does the home have strong resale potential? Moving out may not be in your current plans but should always be in the background of your decision. If you were forced by a job change to move, for example, how difficult would it be to find a buyer? Ask your agent, what is the home's resale value likely to be in a few years?

Purchasing the right home is really a mixture of listening to your emotions, trusting your instincts and asking yourself these practical questions to ensure that you're making the right financial decision.

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