Go through as many houses as you can, get ideas as to what you really like and what you dont. FIxer-uppers are great but be sure that you have that all worked into your budget. At one point Sean had his eyes on a home that literally had standing water in the living room, and a hole in the kitchen, but it had a three car garage and was pretty cheap in a great area. We decided that the money and time we would have to put into it was way over what we would need to make it even worth it. Try to get into somthing that needs paint and little things to avoid being 'house poor'. Last but not least, make sure you and your wife agree and understand what each other want in a house. This way I have no doubt that you guys will walk into the house and just know! We did! Good Luck! P.s. We used a great realtor if you want her name let us know, she was great and very quick on paper work.