[villagetinker]

1. Type/style of house, and new or resale, we wanted new.
2. Orientation of house, our requirement was a South facing lanai.
3. We got very lucky, and were able to buy a lot and build, so after the first 2 items were satisfied, we were able to pick all the interior stuff.

Additional things to consider IF you have to opportunity to pick or change items:
1. Get higher quality carpets, and IMHO, keep carpets in bedrooms for noise control.
2. Double check restrictions to the rear or side of your lanai if you think you might want privacy plants.
3. If looking at resale, hire a building inspector to look over the house for any major problems, roof leaks or replacement, house settling, age of major systems and equipment, etc.

Plus a lot of the items previously mentioned.