1) LOCATION: Fill out the search engine questions paying attention to the general area in which you wish to live. This is a geographical based search engine.

2) PROXIMITY: In order to give yourself a search which shows houses away from the immediate center of town, make sure you allow yourself some range on the proximity scale (from at least 10 miles up to 50 miles for rural areas) so that you see all viable houses in a search.

3) AMENITIES: Remember to complete any "must have" amenities so that you screen OUT houses that don't have things you want or need.
NOTE: In 2010 before most houses have joined, the amenities have defaulted to "yes" and it might be best to confirm these "yes" amenities when we give you the manager's number and you speak with the manager.

4) SUMMARY PICTURES: Scan the first pages of "Summary Pictures" which show the exterior of a house to note the names of houses that you wish to see more details and prices for.

4) HOUSE DETAILS: Click on the picture of the house or the "more details" button to see house details, and first scan the pictures. Pictures more than anything else will allow you to develop a "feeling" about a house and whether you can see yourself living there. Then review other details.

5) AFFILIATIONS and LICENSES: One area to pay particular attention to is the Affiliations area. If a house has gone the extra 10 yards or more to obtain a state license (if applicable) or an affiliation with an organization that strives to train or supervise homes under its "umbrella", that is worth noting. There is a chance if not likelihood that that particular house may have management that cares more about their residents and doing things "right", than a house with no affiliations. Then again, a personal reference from a counselor or someone you know goes a LONG way to assuring you have found a good house.

6) GUT FEELINGS: Finally, when you get to the point of phoning a manager or meeting him or her, pay particular attention to your own human intuition. Have a few questions ready for a manager, and pay attention to how closely he or she answers you. Are they answering in a way that shows they care you get your question answered fully? Basically, do you get a good vibe from that person? Remember, a manager often can set the whole "tone" of a house that he or she oversees. You should feel comfortable with that manager. This tip should apply to the manager only — so if you get another resident on the phone or a secretary, this tip won't apply.