Be careful what you wish for - especially when it comes to buying a house, says Andy Stevens, of estate agent Stevens & Co.

It may sound like a strange question but are you looking for the right house? It's definitely worth giving the subject careful thought if you want to enjoy a swift and successful search for your new home.

You'd never buy an item of clothing that wasn't your size so why would you when it comes to a house?

Many buyers come unstuck in their search for a new home as they may know what they want but haven't considered what they actually need.

A home must be able to accommodate those requirements, whatever they are. A family needs ample space and bedrooms. An elderly couple could benefit from a bungalow.

A socially active professional couple may be happier with a city apartment than a cottage in a sleepy village.

Then there are your long-term plans. These are just as important as your current situation, in fact maybe more so. For example, should a newlywed couple who are planning on having children fairly soon really be eyeing up a one-bedroom flat on the top floor?

Then there's the issue of modernisation. A few minor issues should take next to no time to rectify, but a property that needs a massive overhaul could take months to complete. Is that the kind of scenario that you can embrace or leaves you cold?

It's not just the house itself you should consider either. We all know the phrase 'location, location, location', and when you're choosing a new home you've got to pay some really serious attention to where it is. After all, you can always improve the property but you definitely can't move it.

Location doesn't just refer to how attractive the surrounding area is. Are you going to want a home that's close to transport links? Do you want to be near work or family and friends?

What about schools, leisure facilities, open spaces, shops and amenities? Whatever is important in your life, make sure your house and its location serve those needs as much as possible.

For advice on buying or selling a property, contact Stevens & Co on 01233 640400 or see http://www.stevensandco.co.uk