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By taking a good close look at your wants, needs, and priorities -- before you begin searching for Manhattan apartments -- you'll be more likely to end up purchasing a new home that meets all of your requirements, at a price you can afford.

PART I: Finding Your Style

Grab a piece of paper now, and write (yes, write!) a detailed description of your preferences in the following categories:

1 -- Budget: Okay, let's start with the tough one. How much can you afford to spend? How much do you really want to spend? When figuring out your budget, be sure to look at down payment, closing costs, monthly expenses (mortgage, common charges, etc.), and assets available after closing.

2 -- Living Space: What size home do you have now? Will you need more space -- or less -- in your new Manhattan apartment? Will you need any multi-purpose rooms (for example, a family room/home office)? A formal dining room, or eat-in kitchen? Any kids-only -- or adults-only -- areas?

3 -- Bedrooms: How many bedrooms do you need now? How many do you think you will need in five years?

4 -- Bathrooms: How many do you really need? Could a half-bath work for you?

5 -- Building: Pre-war or modern? Walk-up, or high-rise? In a large Manhattan apartment building, consider whether you'll need a doorman, concierge, laundry room, health club, roof deck, bike room, live-in super, storage space, parking.

If you're purchasing an apartment in a smaller building, think about whether you'll need an elevator, garage, video security, garden/yard, etc.

6 -- Apartment Features: High ceilings? One-floor layout, or multi-level? Loft space? Architectural detail? Designer touches? Open plan? Special windows? Outdoor space? Newly renovated? Views?

7 -- Special Considerations: Will this Manhattan apartment be your primary residence, or an investment property? Are you willing to renovate? If so, fixer-upper, or total wreck? Do you need handicap access or parking? Do you have a pet?

8 -- Neighborhood: Do you have a favorite Manhattan neighborhood? Prefer lively or quiet? Near shopping, restaurants, parks, or museums? In a particular school district? Near public transportation? Easy commute to your job? Anything else?

9 -- Timing: Do you have a lease that's expiring? Do you need to sell your home before you purchase? Do you have a target moving date in mind? Can you be flexible in order to accommodate the seller?

10 -- Co-op or Condo? For some Manhattan apartment buyers, a condo is clearly the best choice; for others, a co-op can be a much better option. For more detailed information about the pros and cons of each, and which could make the most sense for you, please feel free to email me at kathy@kathygulrich.com; I'll be happy to help you decide.

PART II: Getting Down to Business

Now that you know what your "dream home" looks like, it's time to make that dream a reality -- within your budget!

Take a few minutes to go through your answers to Part I, and determine which things you'd put in the "Can't Live Without" category. Be realistic, and be tough. Don't put anything on this list that you could be a bit more flexible about.

Next, circle the things that you'd really love to have in your new home; the characteristics, or details, or amenities that are true priorities for you. Do certain things -- or certain categories -- stand out? Do you notice any trends?

And then simply cross out anything you wrote that no longer seems important.

When you begin looking at Manhattan apartments -- or when you meet with your real estate agent (more about finding a great one, here) -- be sure to have your "Can't Live Without" list, and the description of your priorities, handy. With these parameters in mind, be as flexible -- and open to the unexpected -- as you can.

This well-thought-out reminder of what's really important to you will help keep you focused and on track during your search for a new home. And it may even help you recognize a hidden jewel that you might have otherwise overlooked.