We have been looking to purchase our second home for quite some time now.  It is taking us a while to find exactly what we are looking for and we don’t want to settle for any less.  Houses are by no means cheap these days, and we want to be sure whatever we finally choose is somewhere we will be happy in and stay for years to come.  For me, the most important part of any home I would even consider is that it has a practical kitchen floor plan.  I want a large, open kitchen with dark wood and stainless steel appliances.  It must have an island and plenty of counter and storage space.