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Create Your Home Shopping Wishlist
Shopping
for a home can be overwhelming. With so many choices
it can be tough to figure out where to begin. A home
shopping wishlist can help you identify what is most
important to you in a new home. Using this list of
features or qualities of potential properties to come
up with your top 5 "must haves", a list of "nice to
haves", and a list of "not important" items. As you
think it through you'll likely come up with additional
items to add that weren't on the original list.
Have each member of the family (that is old enough to understand the idea) make their own list of priorities and then compare notes to see where there is overlap and where there might be some disagreement. Be on the lookout for those features that are currently popular but aren't crucial for you - you might be able to find a deal when your dream home isn't exactly what everyone else is looking for.
Share your finished list with your real estate agent. It will help him or her narrow the selection of available homes for sale to those that are likely to be a great fit. Be prepared for your list to change and evolve during the process. You may find that you're willing to sacrifice that extra bedroom for the house with the incredible porch and great view even if you didn't think that was a top priority when you began the house hunt.
Potential Home Buying Wishlist Items:
Neighborhood:
- Quiet street
- Access to shopping/schools/night life/public transportation
- Sidewalks & streetlamps
- Well maintained homes
- Homes that are unique from one another (not "cookie
cutter")
Exterior:
- Preferred architectural style(s)
- Vinyl siding, wood exterior, etc.
- Large lot size
- Fenced in yard
- Low maintenance landscaping
- Swimming pool
- Mature landscaping
- Outdoor entertaining area
Interior:
- Min number of bedrooms/bathrooms
- Preferred decorating style(s)
- Open floorplan
- Flooring (carpet, wood floors, tile, etc)
- One level home
- Master bedroom on first floor
- Storage
- Updated kitchen
- Suited for entertaining
- Garage
State of the Home:
- Move in ready
- New home
- Fixer upper
- Appliances come with the home
- Furnishings come with the home
Additional Home Buying Resources
5 Things To Save For Before Buying A Home
Finding The Right Real Estate Agent
More Educational Resources:
