When you’re searching for a home, it helps to know the difference between what you truly need and what would simply be nice to have. One practical approach is to sort your wish list into three groups: “must-haves,” “like-to-haves,” and bonus items. Some of the things worth considering include:
- price range
- number and location of bedrooms and bathrooms
- square footage and usable space
- home style and layout
- specific features
- lot size, outdoor space, and maintenance
- location
- neighborhood and surrounding amenities
Next, narrow your must-have list to the five things that matter most. If your list has six, seven, or ten “must-haves,” ask yourself whether some of them really belong in the like-to-have category instead. Then add one or two bonus features that would make you especially happy but wouldn’t determine whether you bought the home.
Write the list down and take it with you to showings. You can even score each property based on how closely it matches your priorities. A house that creates the strongest emotional reaction during a showing isn’t always the one that fits your life best once you compare it with the things you said mattered most. A sample Home Feature Priority Worksheet can be downloaded here for you to print and use.
Very few homes will satisfy every item on a wish list. The goal isn’t to find a property with a perfect score. It’s to understand which compromises you can comfortably make — and which ones you’re likely to regret.
COMMON BUYER PRIORITIES
Buyer preferences vary, but these are some of the practical features you may want to consider when building your own list:
- Main-floor living or laundry
- Useful storage
- Outdoor living space
- Energy-efficient features
- Functional kitchen and pantry space
- Floor plan and traffic flow
- Durable flooring
- Home office or flexible space
- Heating and cooling
- Smart-home or security features
Here are a few additional ways to make your search more productive:
- Work with a knowledgeable real estate agent who understands the local market and can help you evaluate both the property and the tradeoffs involved.
- Get familiar with the areas you’re considering. Visit at different times and pay attention to traffic, noise, conveniences, commute patterns, and other things that may affect daily life.
- Think beyond move-in day. Consider whether the home is likely to continue working for you as your needs, finances, work, household, or lifestyle change.
I can also help make sure you’re seeing properties that match the priorities you’ve identified. Sign up for Automated Property Alerts on my website, or simply call or email me and I’ll create a search based on what matters most to you.