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How do you live? Do you thrive on the energy of a city - the restaurants, culture, shopping, and nightlife? Or do you prefer the peace and privacy of a country home? Do you have (or are you planning to have) kids who need room to play, friends down the block, and good schools? Do you have animals to care for or hobbies (like woodworking or restoring cars) to accommodate? Are you an avid gardener, or would you rather have someone else do the yard work?
Take out a piece of paper and note the things you like best about where and how you live now, along with the things that drive you nuts. The former are aspects of your current home that fit with your lifestyle that you'll want to add to your wish list. The latter are just as important negatives that you want to add to your "don't want" list later.
Once you do that, think about your long-term plans. On average, homeowners stay in their homes for five to seven years. How you live today is likely to change during that time. If you're single, will you marry and have kids? If you have kids now, will they be leaving home in a few years? Thinking about how your life may change helps you choose a home that accommodates those changes.
