| 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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