Instead of house hunting, we suggest that you focus first on the neighborhoods where you would like to live. We tell you how to size a neighborhood up before you call a Realtor.

Ask any Realtor what's really important when buying a house and you'll get this response "location, location, location." It's true, but just how do you go about finding the right location? Glad you asked.

We really believe that you should be looking at neighborhoods before you even step inside a house that is for sale or for that matter contacting a Realtor. Sure, some Realtors can help you with this, but it comes down to knowing yourself and no Realtor can do that.

Start off with your current neighborhood
Do you like the area you currently live in? Write down the reasons on a sheet of paper. This may include things like: close to public transit, full of yuppies or people with the same ethnic background, quiet, like being in the country, charming, plenty of space and large yards, tree-line streets, or where the action is.

Now ask yourself what does your current neighborhood lack? For example, that 2 hour commute, the crime is up, that ambulance, too many students, not within walking distance to the Java Hut, etc. Write them down on a sheet of paper.

Armed with this information, ask yourself if your current neighborhood is still right for you. If the answer is "Yes", that's where you should focus on house hunting.

Now is the answer is "No" or you are not sure, consider whether your situation is changing or about to? For example, you're getting married or divorced, your family is expanding or Johnny and Suzie are finally going off to college or no longer will be living at home. Then again, you may be retiring or just looking for a vacation home. Irrespective of the latter, the same rules apply.

Researching the best neighborhoods for you
Once you have done all of the above, you'll be ahead of the majority of home buyers. Next, get on the Internet and do some research on neighborhoods. In Washington DC, the Washingtonian Magazine does an article on the best neighborhoods and the Washington Post's overview of neighborhoods is excellent.

You'll need more, but this will get you started. You'll also get an idea of the price of housing and whether you can even afford the homes, townhouses or condominiums in the neighborhoods you chose.

Try to narrow this the list of neighborhoods down to two or three and refer to your list of qualities you are looking for. Friends, families or co-workers living in the neighborhoods you like are an excellent source of information.

Visiting Neighborhoods
Get in your car or get your walking shoes on and go to these neighborhoods. We suggest you go during the rush hour (morning and evening), midday, and on the weekends or holidays. Bring some friends along and your notebook.

Here are a few things to consider:

1. Are the homes in the neighborhood being maintained and are the streets clean?,
2. Are there a lot of homes being remodeled? Might mean the area is turning or being gentrified,
3. How comfortable do you feel in the neighborhood? Are your relaxed, anxious, afraid, etc.?,
4. Is the neighborhood busy during midday or a ghost town, and
5. Is there a police presence? This could be good or a sign that crime is rampant in the area?

The next step is to talk to a couple of people in the neighborhood. Ask them how long they lived there and how they feel about things. Most people will tell you what they really think. Ask them if they would recommend the area to their friends and family.

Go to where people shop
If you are a bit bashful about just walking up to someone or there are just not a lot of people around in your target neighborhood, we suggest heading over to the local supermarkets and shopping centers. This is where you'll find your neighbors and will get an excellent idea of who they are. Ask someone in the store if there is another place that people go to shop in the area. Then head over there too.

Again, ask yourself if you feel comfortable in the supermarket and by all means trust feelings and your judgment. See how your friends feel.

Time to call that Realtor
Armed with this information, you should find a Realtor who is a specialist in these neighborhoods. When you call a Real Estate Company, ask for the top agent who works in the neighborhoods you are interested in. Don't be bashful. The Realtor can provide information about schools and give you a better idea of what you can afford. More important, if the Realtor specializes in your target neighborhoods, they may know of homes that are not currently on the market but will be soon. Good Luck!