Do you dream of living in the perfect home? Of having a modern kitchen, updated bathrooms, and plenty of bedrooms for your growing family? While this may seem like an impossible goal to attain at first glance, there are many ways that you can make it happen. Follow these seven tips to find your dream home today.

1. Know Where You Want to Live

Before you can find your dream home, you'll need to know where that dream house is located. Do you want to raise your family in the suburbs? Keep an eye out for homes with large yards and plenty of space for kids to play. Maybe you prefer the hustle and bustle of city life. Look for cozy lofts or apartments that are near parks and community events.

2. Set Your Budget

There is nothing more frustrating than looking at all of the homes you want to see, only to find out that they are well outside your price range. Be honest with yourself about how much money you can afford to spend each month on a mortgage payment or rent check before you start looking at listings. Setting a budget will help you narrow your search and focus on the homes near your price range.

3. Shop Around for a Real Estate Agent

Don't try to go it alone when you're looking for your dream home! A local realtor is an invaluable resource, and they can help you find the perfect house much faster than you ever could on your own. Ask friends, family members, and co-workers for their recommendations before you start interviewing agents. You want to find a local realtor who is professional and knowledgeable about the area you're looking in and who will always put your needs ahead of their commission.

4. Create a Wish List

Before you start looking for homes, it's a good idea to create a wish list. This list should include everything important to you in your future home. Do you want an updated kitchen? A large yard with lots of trees? Make sure your wish list has plenty of detailed information about the physical features that are must-haves for you.

5. Schedule Showings with the Agents

After you've interviewed a few real estate agents, it's time to start scheduling showings. If your agent can give you advanced notice about open houses or special events in your area, be sure to take advantage of these opportunities, as they will likely increase your chances of finding the perfect place much faster than if you only visited homes at random.

6. Get Pre-Qualified for a Mortgage

Before you can find your dream home, you need to know if you'll be able to afford it when the time comes! If possible, get pre-qualified for a mortgage before you start looking at houses. Banks will help determine how much money they are willing to lend you, which in turn will help guide your home search.

7. Be Flexible

Whether you're buying or renting, there's no such thing as finding the 100% perfect home. Even when you think that you've found the ideal place, something always comes up that could make it better (like a fireplace when you thought all of the homes had basements). Keep your eyes open and be flexible, and you're sure to find a location that's just right for your family.

Overall, 88% of customers purchased their property through a real estate agent or broker—a proportion that has consistently risen since 2001, when it was 69% (per the National Association of Realtors). If you are looking to buy or sell real estate, be sure to hire a local realtor to help guide you through the process.