Making Sure Your “Wish List” is Complete

Before looking for a new home, people often create a “wish list” of the features they desire most. That’s a good way to make sure you choose a home that best fits your needs and desires. For example, you might want an additional bedroom for guests, sufficient space for a home office, a local playground for the kids, and more.

However, many buyers don’t make their lists perfect enough. You might discover a home with the additional bedroom and nearby playground you want, only to realize, too late, that your travel to work becomes twice as long. You missed the significance of the commute because it was not on your list!

When you create your wish list, don’t be reluctant to dream big. You might not be able to discover a home that has everything that you desire, but you may be shocked by just how near you can get.

Here are some wish list items to think about:

Distances to places you always visit– work, schools, running trails, your favorite restaurant, entertainment venues, and malls for shopping.
Specific home features – a backyard tree, big closets, a fireplace, a 2-car garage, a nice view.
Characteristics of the place – safety, sidewalks, nearby public transit, parks, playgrounds.
A complete list aids you make a finer decision about which homes to choose. It assists you to balance the positives — “I like the big kitchen with the marble counter-tops” — with the negatives — “The comfort room off the master bedroom is tiny” — to eventually make the best buying decision.

Also, always remember to bring your list with you when shopping for a new home. Utilize it as a checklist or as a way to arrange notes. Eventually, it will make it easier to shortlist homes, compare them, and determine when you’re ready to submit an offer.