In order to connect with the home of your dreams, you’ll need to familiarize yourself with what you do and don’t want. A good way to do this is by attending open houses in neighborhoods that appeal to you. Look for homes on the market and make weekend open houses a regular outing until your vision is fully realized. Be sure to take pictures!

     When visualizing your dream house, you should sit down, close your eyes, and relax your body — allow your mind to piece it together as if it were a puzzle by surrendering it to your five senses:

Sight — What color are the walls? How many windows are there? What kind? Do they admit a lot of light? Is the kitchen large or compact? Modern or traditional? Is it connected to a hallway or another room? Do you have a two-story floor to ceiling fireplace? When you’re sitting in your favorite chair, what do you see? Ask yourself these questions and chisel out a version best suited to your needs.

 Hearing — Crack your kitchen window and listen. Do you hear the subtle bubbling of the fountain on the deck? The tiny bird nestled high in the nearest tree chirping its enthusiastic tune? Are your kids staying out of trouble, laughing and playing outside, scabbing their knees and staining their clothes? Does the sound of the rain lull you to sleep at night? Beyond the weather, are the walls thick enough to guard your space from outside noise?

Taste – Imagine sipping on expensive champagne while lounging in your hot tub, plucking candied fruits from a shallow bowl. Visualize yourself roasting marshmallows over the backyard firepit with your loved ones. Think about the savory, delicious taste of expertly grilled barbecue on a hot summer day; about all the new dishes you’ll have the chance to prepare and try in your very own kitchen.

Smell – Now imagine that you’ve had a long, hard day at the office. When you open your front door, what do you smell? Your favorite dinner? When you enter further, is there a candle lit? Does it emit a nice, sweet scent like rose or vanilla? Or something a bit more pungent? Can you smell the vase of freshly handpicked lilies hovering near the kitchen window?

Touch – When you hop in the shower, do you prefer hot or cold water? How does it feel hitting your back? Is there minimal pressure akin to a gentle rain, or a pulsating flow of water? When you exit, rest your hand upon the sink’s granite counter top – feel how smooth it is to the touch, how cooling it is after a long, hot shower. Allow the warm fireplace in your bedroom to further dry the excess moisture from your skin, your toes sinking into your plush carpet as you near your walk-in closet to change into your soft pajamas.