Choosing the perfect home is much easier if you know what you’re looking for. Going into the process with an “I’ll know it when I see it” mentality is the best way to set yourself up for disappointment, and that’s exactly why you need to fill out your home buying wish list worksheet.
Creating a Wish List Worksheet
Divide your wish list into three categories: Interior, Exterior and General.
The Interior category needs to list everything you want inside your home. Remember, a home is a long-term investment. It’s a good idea to think ahead 5, 10 or even 20 years and evaluate whether your family will grow during that time.
Here are a few ideas to get you started on the Interior category of your home buying wish list:
- Number of bedrooms.
- Number of bathrooms.
- Flooring, including what type and which finishes or colors work for you.
- Kitchen style, including whether you want a kitchen island, a home that comes with appliances or one that needs a little extra TLC.
- Bedroom locations, such as whether you want a master bedroom with an attached bathroom or you’d rather that all the bedrooms are on the same floor.
- Amenities, such as fireplaces, garden tubs and sunrooms.
The Exterior category should include everything that you want outside your home and in your yard, such as:
- Garage, driveway and parking options.
- Swimming pool, deck and other outdoor amenities.
- The home’s exterior materials, such as brick, siding, stone or wood.
- The type of home you want and the home’s architectural style.
- The front porch’s style.
- Fenced or open yard with space for garden, landscaping and other features.
Your General category needs to include everything that doesn’t really fit into the Interior and Exterior categories, like:
- Whether you want to “fix up” a home during the time you live there or you want it to be perfect from day one.
- Whether a home is close to work, schools, playgrounds and parks.
- Whether you need to be near public transportation.
- Whether you want to live in a community with a homeowner’s association (and will be willing to pay their fees).
Remember, these are just starting points for your own wish list. Once you’ve completed it, call your Main Line real estate agent—it’s time to start your personalized “Client Name” home search.
Working with a Main Line Real Estate Agent Who Puts Your Needs First
Call “800-926-5008 ” or contact me online. I’ll be happy to start scouring the market for homes that fit perfectly with your home buying wish list, and i’ll walk you through the entire home buying process from start to finish.
Links:
What Type of Home Do You Want
How to Choose a Neighborhood