They say that a house is a dead investment.
It costs a lot, it does not generate profit, and it's expensive to maintain.
But having your own residential real estate does have its perks.
However, it's not as readily quantifiable as compared to business ventures.
Nevertheless, the value home can be easily observed with the way it complements the need and desires of the interested home owner.
And this value can be secured by following certain protocols.
When searching for and buying a residential real estate:

1. First, perform research on the necessary, like location, price, payment plans, etc.
   Mix it up with a little planning as well.
   For this, you can list down the things that you require; whether it'd be five bedrooms, a function hall, a big lawn or parking space.
   Also, think about the condition and design that you want your house to have.
   Would you want it to look rustic, Victorian, modern? This way, you can narrow down your search and spare yourself from long drives and the tedious task of house hopping.
   You can even hire an agent to help you out.
   
2. Update your self on the residential real estate market trends.
   This is still part of research.
   But it specifically requires you to find out when it is most conducive for you to buy a house.
   Because of the economic crisis, 2009 became a hot time for buying real estate as the value of houses in the United States dropped from millions to thousand.
   However, this will require a little effort on analyzing economic trends.
   But then again, if you don't want to do hard core study, you can just as easily surf the internet for real estate notices.
   But do this regularly though as changes happen invariably.
   
3. Foreclosures are a great way to save money when buying a house.
   So do check out the inventory.
   If you like, you can get professional help from a real-estate broker or agent, so you can peek at reasonably priced dream houses.
   
4. When finally checking out a potential residential real estate, find out all that you need to know from the agent assigned - the condition of the house, any landscaping issues, its history, etc.
   This will help you make an assessment of how conducive it is as a living space.
   For example, if the house is 100 years old, and has pipeline plans that are poorly laid out, and is built on top of a fault line; even if it is beautiful and within your budget, it won't be a smart investment at all to make.
   
5. In relation to number 4, strictly inspecting the property for any damages will give you the opportunity to ask the seller to fix it before you buy it.
   This way, you get to save on restoration expenditures.
   
6. When you have houses you like, don't hesitate to make an offer.
   In some ways, it's just a form of reservation.
   But keep your financial status in check.
   If you are securing the assistance of a bank for housing loans, ask about their lending standards, so you don't end up expecting in vain.
   Getting a mortgage is a big responsibility.
   So if you don't meet bank prerequisites and have an unstable source of income, then, maybe you could continue on with tip number 2 for the meantime.
   
7. Now, it shouldn't be misconstrued that money is the most important consideration in buying a home.
   Yes, it is advisable to be frugal.
   But don't buy a residential real estate just because it's affordable.
   Buy it because you envision living in it for a very long time.
   Buy it if it can answer your need for safety and security.
   After all, this is where you find its greatest value.
   

With the economy continuously treading unsteady waters, it might be best to give ample time in practicing the said tips.
This way, you can guarantee the best residential real estate for you and your family.