Looking at homes for sale via the internet is fun and exciting, at first.  After a while, it gets a little frustrating, but you've learned a lot.  You have a general idea of what homes look like in the area, prices, differences in costs for numbers of bedrooms, baths, size and location, location, location.

Next comes the "real" home hunt.  Who do you take with you?  If you're married, you take your spouse.  There is always the chance you're going to find something perfect and you cannot make a decision without your spouse.  Well, you can...but you'll pay later.  If you're a couple, then take your partner for the same reasons. If you're single and using your own money, then take a friend whose judgment you trust.  Give thought to whether you should take a parent (smile).

Oh yes.  There is one other person you take along with you (hint, hint) - your experienced, capable, professional, friendly neighborhood REAL ESTATE AGENT!