Chances are you're going to tour a lot of houses, so to help streamline the process, make a list of your requirements.

For instance, some people need a certain bedroom-to-bathroom ratio, while others want an eat-in kitchen or a big backyard.

Luke Anderson and his wife, who recently bought a home in Seattle, made a shopping list that included their "must haves" along with their "good to have, but not necessary" amenities.

"We would see a house and then debrief and go over the list," Anderson said.

Because Seattle's housing market is so competitive, they often had to decide within 24 hours of seeing a home on whether they would make an offer.

The priority list helped keep them focused and not get caught up in the frenzy.