These are some of the Questions you should ask yourself before confirming your dream home.

Location - Decide beforehand a few locations that will suit you or your family's lifestyle. Know where your office location is (whether within town/urban area or outskirt/sub-urban area). How much travel time from the property you are viewing to your workplace. Consider the things like the distance to your workplace, schools, grocery shops or mini-market or supermarkets, etc....

Size - What kind of square area that you or your family need. Think of the next couple of years as well. How many bedrooms do you need and how many bathrooms as well.

Facilities - Would you prefer to stay at a house with patio or garden or with in-ground swimming pool? Or would you prefer to stay in an apartment or condominium that have the advantage of a swimming pool, covered car-park facilities, tennis court, squash court and other condominium facilities.

Amenities - Check out the transportation facilities. How much travel time from the property you are viewing to your workplace. Are shops, banks, market, grocery shops/supermarket, public buses, subway station or MRT station within short walking distance?

Budget - Once you have decided on the location and size, consider how much rental budget is given. Bear in mind other expenses involved in renting a place. For example, the telephone bills, the utilities - water and power supply and other subscription fee of services needed.

Agent - Choose an Experienced Real Estate Agent who knows how to handle expatriate housing.

When viewing - Before you enter any prospective home, always bear in mind to take note on the surrounding areas. If you do not like the color of the interior or the color of the curtain, you can always redecorate or change it but there is no way you can change the surroundings. Also, don't forget to check on any cracked tiles, fittings and electrical appliances that are not in good working condition.

Decision - Once you are comfortable with a home - go for it. Don't ponder. Remember you are not the only one looking around for a home. However, don't rush into making a hasty decision, but if you don't decide fast, someone else will.

Above All, always remember that no matter how many houses/ apartments/ condominium you have looked at, there's no way they're going to be 100% perfect. It's best to have an open mind and be prepared to adjust your expectation a little. The most important thing is - Select a home that you feel comfortable with when you enter the home.