You've found the perfect location… but the garden is smaller than you wanted.

Another property has the dream kitchen… but adds 15 minutes to your commute.

Then there's the house that needs decorating from top to bottom but gives you an extra bedroom for the same budget.

Welcome to house hunting!

Unless you have an unlimited budget (wouldn't that be nice?) buying a home usually involves some compromise.

The important thing is working out which compromises you're happy to make.

Location or a bigger house?

It's one of the biggest decisions buyers face.

Would you rather have a smaller property exactly where you want to live, or get more space by moving slightly further out?

There's no correct answer.

Think about what the location gives you. Is it an easier commute? Walking distance to family? A particular school? Access to the town centre? A community you already love?

Then ask yourself whether you'd still value those things enough in five years to sacrifice the extra space.

Equally, moving your search just a few miles can sometimes open up completely different options within the same budget.

It's worth exploring before deciding.

Finished home or a project?

Some people walk into a property that needs work and immediately start imagining paint colours, new flooring and where they'd knock through a wall.

Others see the same house and think, "Absolutely not."

Know which person you are!

A home that needs updating can give you an opportunity to put your own stamp on it over time.

But be realistic about your budget, skills, timescale and appetite for living through the work.

There's nothing wrong with wanting somewhere you can simply move into and enjoy.

Big garden or more space inside?

Picture a summer Saturday.

Are you outside hosting a barbecue, gardening or watching the children play?

Or would you rather have a bigger kitchen, extra reception room or fourth bedroom?

Outdoor space can be incredibly important to some buyers and barely used by others.

Don't automatically put "large garden" on your must-have list because it sounds desirable.

Think about how you would actually use it.

Driveway or an extra room?

Parking is another feature where lifestyle makes a huge difference.

If your household has two cars and you live somewhere parking is difficult, a driveway might be non-negotiable.

If you don't drive or there's plenty of easy parking nearby, you may happily sacrifice it for more internal space.

Your must-haves should reflect your life, not somebody else's property checklist.

Open-plan or separate rooms?

Open-plan spaces can be brilliant.

They're sociable, they can make entertaining easier and they allow the kitchen, dining and living areas to become one big part of everyday life.

But separate rooms have their advantages too.

One person can watch television while somebody works from home elsewhere. There's somewhere to shut the toys away. And sometimes there's nothing better than closing the door on the kitchen after cooking dinner!

Neither layout is better.

The question is which works for you.

Character or modern convenience?

Period fireplaces, beams and quirky layouts can give a property loads of personality.

Newer homes can offer modern layouts, energy efficiency and less immediate maintenance.

Again, this comes down to what excites you.

If you're going to spend every weekend wishing your modern house had original character, that matters.

Likewise, if maintaining an older property fills you with dread, don't convince yourself you need a period cottage simply because it looks lovely in the photographs.

Condition or potential?

Try looking beyond the decoration.

Paint colours can change.

Carpets can change.

Kitchen cupboard doors can change.

A dated room might initially put you off, but if the property has the right layout, location and space, it could be worth looking again.

On the other hand, don't dismiss your concerns about bigger things simply because you love how somewhere has been decorated.

It's about distinguishing between what is easily changed and what isn't.

So, what shouldn't you compromise on?

That's entirely personal.

But before you start seriously searching, think about your genuine non-negotiables.

Perhaps you need three bedrooms because of your family.

Maybe you absolutely need parking.

Perhaps being within a certain travelling distance of work or family is essential.

Once you know those things, you can be much more flexible with everything else.

Try writing down your:

Must-haves – the things you genuinely need.

Would-likes – features you'd love but could live without.

Bonuses – things that would be great but aren't influencing the decision.

And be prepared for those lists to change.

Viewing homes has a funny way of showing you what you actually want.

That's what makes property interesting

Everyone's version of the perfect home is different.

One buyer's dream open-plan kitchen is another buyer's reason for wanting separate rooms.

Someone will fall in love with a huge garden while somebody else immediately starts thinking about having to mow it.

And that's a good thing. How boring would it be if we all wanted exactly the same home?

The goal isn't necessarily to find a property that's perfect on paper.

It's to find the one that feels right for you.

If you're looking for your next home in Telford, Shrewsbury, Stafford, Wolverhampton or the surrounding areas, register your requirements with DB Roberts.

Tell us your must-haves, and maybe the things you're willing to compromise on, and we'll help you keep an eye out for the right property!