| A well-designed
wish list will serve as a blueprint for your house shopping experience,
providing a constant reminder of the features you want in your new
home. |
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Be Realistic
A
useful and well-designed wish list is based on reality. Consider
your budget and the state of the market when compiling the list.
There is no point in specifying wants or needs that are unattainable
- nothing useful can come from that. |
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A Good
Starting Point
A wish list is only a basic guideline to follow. The idea is
to put your thoughts down on paper before you get caught up
in the stress and excitement of the home shopping experience.
Few wish lists survive exposure to the market without some change
and compromise, however, it is useful to have those initial
wants and needs in front of you when you are considering various
properties. |
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Compiling
a Wish List
Creating a wish list is a great way to get
ready for your home search. Once you have begun shopping and viewing homes,
it is easy to forget some of the features that you want or need in your
new home - especially if the market is strong, and you are pressured to
make quick decisions.
Your wish list should include all of the features you need in your new
home. Homes that do not include everything on this section of the list
will be rejected. A second section of the list should specify those items
that you would like, but do not require. Ideally, the house you purchase
will include most of these features; however, a property will not be disqualified
from consideration if it doesn't include every item.
Consider the following subject areas - all of these categories should
be included in any wish list.
Schools
and Community Services
Even if you don't have children, the quality of the school system is a
major contributor to property values. If you do have kids, the issue is
a primary one. Is proximity to the schools important to you? Are you concerned
about parks and other community amenities and services?
Age and Condition
Are you looking for a newer home or do you prefer an older one with more
character? Are you willing to purchase a home that needs repairs or improvements
to enhance your buying power?
General and Structural Issues
Do you need a full basement? A two- or three-car garage? Is central air
conditioning a must? What sized lot do you require? Is a large (and level)
backyard a necessity? How important is landscaping?
Style and Layout
What style of home appeals to you - ranch, colonial, contemporary, etc.?
Do you prefer one- or two-story designs? Do you have any specific layout
requirements or preferences (for example, a first-floor master bedroom)?
Rooms
How many bedrooms
and baths do you want and/or need? What other rooms must your plan incorporate
- a formal living room, a dining room, a study, a family room, a large
eat-in kitchen? What are your storage requirements?
Architectural and Design Features
What types of design features do you value most? Popular items include
patios, decks, fireplaces, high-ceilinged rooms, and built-in shelving.
Special Features
Do you particularly want any special features in your new home - views,
golf, swimming pool, bonus
space, expansion potential, home office, etc.? If so, how important
are these items to your satisfaction with a new property?
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