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One of you wants the city, the other likes the burbs. Or you're both battling on the size you'd like or how much home you can really afford. Whatever the squabble, the only way to solve it is by sitting down and making a list of your top five priorities. Consider location, house size, house condition, and how long you plan to live there. Roughly half of homeowners move again within eight years of buying a home. With this in mind, each of you might be able to budge a little on your list, considering this first purchase might be more of an investment than a dream home.

Talk over each point to see if there are areas where either of you can give a little. Things like house size and taxes will be easy to figure out by tallying what you can afford. But thoughts about location and other investment possibilities might mean discussing long-term plans for family and finances. It also can't hurt to talk to friends who've recently made big moves and ask if they have any tips or even regrets. Still can't agree? Go to open houses that fit the criteria on each of your lists, and see what happens. You might be surprised at what you're willing to compromise on.

-- The Nest Editors

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