What kind of home and where? Sure there might be a few cities or areas that you like, you might have even driven around and checked the local community. But have you checked crime stats, school ratings, and driven around the area at night? You want to feel safe in you home, and if you have kids you want them to get the best education possible. Take some time and search on the city website for the crime report, and then go to Broward County School website and check the rating for the school in the neighborhood.
Given your price range and monthly budget, decide what kind of home you want/need: size, location, special features (such as pool, garage or fence), etc.
Unlike many other parts of the country, South Florida (Broward, Miami-Dade) has a myriad of style choices ranging from single family homes to condos; from co-ops to villas; from townhomes to dockominiums ( a condo with dock for boat).
Before you buy a home, you will also want to consider school districts and other factors that are important to you and your family.
Consider that you buy a home as an investment. What will make your home attractive to purchasers when you are ready to sell? A couple without children would not be interested in local schools for themselves, but the quality of local schools may be an important factor when they want to sell the house.
Aside from getting your financing in order, deciding what kind of home and where is probably the most important factor of buying a home. You want to feel safe and relax in your home.
