On your first showing, you are looking for a home that meets your basic needs:

If the home meets the basic requirements, then start to look for how many wish list items it includes:

Is there an extra bedroom and/or bathroom?
Is there a double vanity in the second bathroom?
Is there a garden or deck?
Is there a separate laundry room?
Is there a basement or crawl space?
Is the garage attached?
Can the kids walk to school?
Is there a wood-burning fireplace or a gas fireplace?
What is the condition of the house, its appliances, roof, foundation, walls, mechanicals, wiring, etc.?

DON'T...

...buy an outmoded or ill-fitting house unless you are certain it can be tailored to suit your needs and you know exactly how much that will cost
...let spur-of-the-moment impulse override sound judgment. Take your time and tour the house at least twice at different times of day. Drive around the neighborhood and find out what you're really getting into. Make sure the family is in agreement
...buy a house just because it's a bargain. You may end up with something you didn't bargain for. That makes for a less than ideal housing situation. Stick to your criteria and find a home that meets your needs, wants, and budget
...buy a new house in a new subdivision if you expect to move in less than seven years. If you try to sell any sooner than that, you will find yourself competing with brand new homes being built around the corner and offering better financing
...try to work personal property into a real estate transaction. Take care of the house first, then worry about the washer and dryer. Otherwise, you'll just end up confusing the seller
...buy a house without getting to know the neighborhood first. You need to find out about emergency services, zoning restrictions, street lighting, parks, shopping centers, churches, medical facilities, etc.