This is your best chance to do it right. If you are going to build a decent size model railroad, size of the basement is important. Usually a ranch style home will afford you a better opportunity to get a good size basement as the footprint of the building is normally larger than a colonial, etc.
I would tell your realtor up front that you want a big "dry" basement and have the individual preview the properties before they drag you around from one place to another. Tell the realtor up front that you DO NOT WANT TO WASTE YOUR TIME and whatever they schedule for you to visit, it must meet your criteria or you will find another realtor. Many times they do not listen and take you do their personal listings as a priority. Don't be pressured and buy only what makes good sense to you and your wife.
