Loving your house starts with loving you neighborhood. Having trouble choosing , not sure what you're looking for? Here are a few steps that will help you along the way.

Step 1 - Profile Your Perfect Neighborhood

Think about what you are really looking for. Make a list of "must-haves" at the top and "would-like-to-haves" at the bottom.

Consider the following:

• Do you have children or are you planning to have children anytime soon? Looks for properties close to schools, parks and community centers!
• What type of home do you want? Single-family, apartment, condo, townhouse, multi-family?
• How far are you willing to commute? Proximity to work should be considered!
• What is your current community lacking? Think about what you are missing now or wish you had on a day to day basis.
• Do you want to be able to go places on foot? Do you want to be within walking distance to local restaurants or shopping?
• Don't forget to think about what you don't want in a neighborhood.

Step 2 - Zero In on the Area

Focus your search on a specific area, working off your list of must-haves.

Step 3 - Get the Suspects

Start your research on background info for your ideal area, including:

• School Information
• Crime Statistics
• Parks & Recreation
• Neighborhood Associations
• Tourist Attractions

Step 4 - Find the Clues

Now it is time to visit the neighborhoods, and imagine yourself and your life in the neighborhood. Use your senses in the following ways to paint a picture:

Sights: First impression, visualize yourself in the neighborhood, observe the neighborhood at different times of the day, and look for any warning signs such as a lot of "For Sale" signs or rentals, vandalism etc.

Sounds: listen for any noise coming from nearby highways, airports or nearby clubs/bars, talk to current residents of the area, see what they have to say, they could be your future neighbors!

Smells: Are there any? Unpleasant smells can certainly affect your decision to line in an area.

Taste: ask yourself if the neighborhood matches your taste in a living environment, does it meet your criteria?

Step 5 - Close the Case

Once you've chosen the right neighborhood for you, its time to find a house you love! Which can often be the hardest part. Make sure to:

• Find out how much house you can afford - the amount of money a lender offers you is often more than you can truly afford to pay.
• Compare your loan options - find out what mortgage is right for you, decide between fixed and adjustable rate mortgages.
• Draw up your vision of home - now its time to think about what you want in a home!
• Find the perfect house!

Read more here!

Fall is upon us is your home ready? Here are some maintenance musts when repairing for the cold months ahead.

1. Check for Peeling Paint - protect the siding of your home by making sure existing paint is not peeling or blistering.

2. Clean the Gutters - clogged gutters are one of the major causes of ice dams!

3. Caulk Windows - and door frames. This will help during the winter months as it helps to prevent heat from escaping.

4. Inspect the Roof - check for missing and loose shingles, weather in the months ahead can cause serious damage on your roof.

5. Ready the Fireplace - have your heating system serviced and make sure your wood stove and/or fireplace is in working order!

6. Seal the Driveway - inspect your driveway for cracks, clean out and repair any damage.

7. Reverse Ceiling Fan - changing the direction creates an upward draft that redistributes warm air

8. Cover Air Conditioners - remove units from windows, vacuum internal parts and wrap the outside box (if applicable) with an approved tarp or plastic conditioner cover which will help in prevention of rust on vital parts

9. Clean Yard Equipment - for those that are going into storage; as well as drain fuel from gas-operated equipment. While your at it also check on the status of your snow equipment to make sure they are running.

10. Prepare Deck for Winter - clean your porch as well as furniture before covering and storing in a protected area.

For more fall home maintenance and tips click here!