Make a List Before You Start Your House Hunting

Most of us can visualize our dream home. It is important to make a list of your needs and wants; it will help keep you focused when purchasing a new home.

If you already have a family or are planning to start one, this will affect the number of bedrooms you need. You might need a backyard for dogs and children to play or maybe you need a basement or family room. If you have 2 or more vehicles, then you need sufficient parking and/or a garage.

If you need to be close to schools, then location will be important to you. If you're single, then a loft downtown near your job might be the right choice for you.

If you work from home, then you might need an extra bedroom for a home office. If you have hobbies then you might require a utility room or special work area.

Most people stay in a starter home for about 5 years. Where do you see yourself within that time frame? Be sure to take those future plans into consideration.

Think about ease of maintenance. A big lot could be beautiful, but maintaining the yard may be a bit more work and expense than you are willing to expend. An older home may require substantial upgrades and more costly repairs than a newly built home.

Think about your budget and be realistic when you make your list of needs and wants. Having a fireplace, wood floors, screened in porch, large master suite, open floor plan, and a renovated kitchen are all popular request. If you can get a house with all your needs and wants, that's great; if not, then you will have to compromise.

Look for the important things such as solid window frames or that the roof and masonry are in good repair; these things are expensive to replace. Nice brace lighting fixtures are good, but new wiring and a breaker box will be less worry.

Some examples of needs would be: enough square footage to be comfortable, enough bedrooms to accommodate all family members, an eat in kitchen, storage space, proximity to schools, close to transportation, adequate plumbing, wiring, insulation and good windows.

It's easy to fall under the spell of a charming house. Remember to go over your list of needs; after all, you are looking for more than just a pretty face.

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