Owning Your Dream Home: Step 3: “Wish List” vs. “Must Have” List

Once you have pre-approval from a lender, and you’ve determined the location, it’s time to start thinking about the features you want in a home. Depending on the area you are looking in, there may be a lot of inventory on the market right now. With so many choices, you’ll need to make some decisions about the kind of home that best suits your lifestyle.

You may want to make a “Wish List” of the features you would like in a home. It’s fine to sit down with pen and paper, and write down everything you envision. However, trying to find a home in your price range, in the location you desire with all of those features may be like trying to find a needle in a haystack. It’s time to narrow your list down to include the most important items, and primarily things about the home that would be difficult to change. This might be called your “Must Have” List.

For example, if you want a home with a “split floor plan”, which means the master bedroom is separated from the other bedrooms, that is a feature that is difficult to change unless you undergo a major construction project. On the contrary, if you want stainless steel appliances in the kitchen, that’s something that can be changed.

Once you have it all down, take a pen and circle the most important items on your list- the things you really want regarding the structure or “bones” of the home. Here are some things you may want to have on your “Must Have” list…

• Single Level or Two-Story?
• Swimming Pool?
• Split Floor plan?
• HOA or no HOA?
• Number of Bedrooms?
• Approximate Square Footage?
• Do you need an RV Gate?
• Walk-in closet?
• Fireplace?

While it is important to be a bit flexible as your dream home in the perfect location and price range may end up looking a little differently than you first pictured it, it’s good to have an idea of what you want, and what you don’t want, as you begin searching.

Please email or call us if you would like us to review your “Must Have” list with you or if you have any questions. We look forward to helping you find your dream home!