Looking for the dream house where you can raise your family? Dreaming of that white picket fence, rose garden and curtained windows? How do you find the right home?

Looking for a home can be both an exciting and stressful experience. We all have that perfect picture of a dream home. But when it comes to actually buying one, romantic illusions are the first to go. You have to think about location, accessibility, practicality and budget. Yes, sweet budget. So, how do you purchase the right home without losing your head?

The first thing you have to remember is that buying a home is an investment. Even though you're thinking of settling permanently in it, you have to think about its value in the market - will it depreciate or appreciate over time? In these changing times, after all, you just can't be too sure. Make sure you invest your money in something that will give you a good return of investment if needed.

Are you a first-time home buyer? Need some advice on purchasing real estate? How do you know which neighborhoods are good to invest in and which you should skip?

A friend of mine recently got married. And because her husband was very busy with work at that time, she would take me out house-hunting with her more than twice a week. Though I wasn't really the one looking to buy a house, I could feel the stress my friend was going through. Though she had a clear picture in her head of how she wanted her dream house to look, she was absolutely incapable of making a decision. By the time the month was over, we had looked at about ten houses.

Buying a home can be a really tedious and nerve-racking experience. It is hard enough looking for a place that fits your childhood ideals of home, more so when you put in budget and practicality into the picture.

Losing your head with trying to find a house you can turn into a happy home? Here is a list of things you should keep in mind when looking for a home to invest in: