Now that the readers of this column understand the place that we currently hang our hats, in this writing, we're going to delve into what we want out of our new home.

With average detached home prices in the Lower Mainland crossing the half-million dollar threshold, we're not anywhere near the entry fee for those properties, and with new townhouses crossing into the $300,000 range, those are out of the question as well.

So, we've 'settled' for a condo.

My fiancee and I are what many would call 'fussy' buyers. We are not interested in buying into a wood-frame building because the leaky condo crisis of a decade ago has us weary about any non-concrete building.

So we decided to narrow our search to concrete-framed high-rises, and although that means we will likely end up paying more for less space, the quietness of concrete is a definite plus.

That said, the leaky condo problem was not limited to wood-frame buildings, so we have to tread carefully.

We also want to stay in Surrey. The New Media offices are in Richmond, so it's still a bit of a hike, but any of the hamlets between Surrey and Richmond (New West, Delta, Burnaby) are overpriced.

Another on our laundry list of requirements is that the suite be no smaller than 1000 square feet. Our current domicile has taught us the importance of space. Not too much space, but enough to stretch out in.

I heard a great line from a stand-up comedian the other day about his small apartment. He was thinking about getting a dog, but decided not to because it would be cruel to keep a pet in such a small space.

But then he stepped back and lamented that he was living in a place he wouldn't keep a dog in.

The comment hit home because I wanted to get a dog as well, but couldn't bear to do it in our tiny apartment.

Another of our 'must-haves' was two bedrooms. Not because we have children or other dependents, but because our computers are in places that computers should never be -- one in the bedroom, and the other where a kitchen table goes -- and I wanted an office.

Another of our pet peeves -- being that we've got pets -- is carpet. We only have a small section of carpet in our place right now, but it has been ravaged by our cat, so a place that has either laminate or hardwood flooring is preferable.

Continuing on the pet theme, obviously we can't live in a building that has severe restrictions on critters, because we have one cat and may get more pets in the future.

Again, this further puts a strain on our condo search, as there are at least two highrises in Surrey that don't allow pets.

A further stipulation is that we don't want to live on the ground floor. Most of the highrises in Surrey are in not-so-great neighbourhoods, so our preference is to be elevated.

And finally, a second bathroom, other than the ensuite, is a must. This is another thing that having pets has taught me -- giving the cat his own bathroom does wonders for peace of mind.

Oh, and we want this place to come in under $280,000.