When you are in the market to buy a new home you need a critical eye. Sellers will take steps to make their homes look their absolute best, but you need to look beyond what is presented to see both the benefits and drawbacks of the property. Here are three questions to ask yourself each time you view a listing.

1. What are the conditions of the major home systems? Buyers often fall in love with the charm or location of a home, but the condition of the property is just as important. You need to know if you are going to have to invest in things like heating, cooling and electric. Both your buyer representative and the selling agent should be able to answer questions about the age and condition of the systems.

2. Can this home accommodate my needs in five or ten years? Many people purchase a property with the intention of it being a "starter home." Sometimes things don't work out that way, so it is important to pay attention to factors like room dimension, lot size, number of bed and bathrooms, and if adding on is a possibility. Ask your Realtor about local ordinances governing that type of construction.

3. Will the community support my investment? When you buy a home you are also making a commitment to that town or municipality. Examine the schools, downtown, and other factors to make sure this is an up-and-coming community or a place that will still be attractive to buyers when it is time for you to sell.