What do you want in your new home? Now, think about what you need in your new home. Those two things can sometimes be very different. If you want to find the perfect home within your budget, you’ll definitely want to create a wish list for your new home.
But before you start writing everything you can think of (a pool … a man cave …. a vineyard …. and so on) take the time to organize your list into three distinct columns: Needs, Wants, and Wishes. Here are ideas of what to include in each.
Your New Home Needs
Needs are features or amenities you must have. For example, if you have two children (one boy and one girl) you need to have at least three bedrooms – one for you and one for each child. Or if you work from home full time, having a closed off space for an office might be a need. Think of needs as those things you must have to live your life day to day.
Your New Home Wants
Wants are features and amenities that are not must have items, but they are key factors in your decision-making process. For example, you may need three bedrooms to accommodate the members of your family. But perhaps you want four bedrooms to accommodate a guest room. Or maybe you need to live within 30 minutes of work. But you want to live in one a certain neighborhood. Having a want met would be ideal, but it’s not a deal breaker.
Your New Home Wishes
Wishes are features or amenities that will help define the gap between the home of your dreams and the home you can afford. In other words, if you see your wish items in a home within your budget, chances are you have stumbled upon your dream home. Some wishes might be having an acre or more of land, a private vineyard or tennis court, or even the most spectacular view Napa Valley has to offer. Wishes are those things you definitely don’t need to live your life comfortably, but they would sure make it a lot more fun.
Once you have your list complete, be sure to share it with your Realtor. He or she can help you fine-tune your lists so you can view the most perfect properties for you.
Buying a new home is filled with possibility and excitement. Use your list of needs, wants, and wishes, to help you find your new home quickly and easily.
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