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What Do You Want in a House?
Once you've made the decision to enter the housing market, there are many points you need to consider.
Some of the best preparation for buying a home is to be clear about your needs, financial ability, and
preferences. Because only you know what you like, it makes sense to develop a list of wants and needs.
Start your list by recalling houses you like and write down a description of each. Include
specifics, borrowing from the list below. Create a list of "don't wants," too. Indicate if each item you
list is a must/must not or a want. Rank your wants in order of preference.
- Enclosed garage (1, 2 or 3 car)
- Number of bedrooms
- Central air conditioning
- Bedroom fireplace
- Laundry room
- Spacious backyard/garden
- Breakfast nook
- Walk-in/multiple closets
- Built-in cabinets, bookcases
- Number of full baths
- Finished basement
- Formal dining room
- Bay windows
- Large, modern kitchen
- Half-acre lot
- Walk-up attic
- Full basement
- Enclosed porch
- Living room fireplace
- Treed or wooded lot
- Swimming pool
Determining preferences important to you in advance will let you seek out the attributes you really want in
a house. An enclosed porch might be nice when you see it, but if a laundry room is
on your list of needs, chances are you'll remember to look for it.
If you're looking for a home with the help of an experienced agent, he or she should be able to help you
define your needs and wants. If you're too vague in defining these terms, you'll end up looking at houses
that aren't right for you.
When it comes time to enlist the help of a real estate agent, be sure you look for a REALTORSŪ. REALTORSŪ
are members of the NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF REALTORSŪ and subscribe to its strict Code of Ethics.
A REALTORŪ can help you work out a realistic idea of the home best suited to your needs. With access to a
listing of available homes, a REALTORŪ can evaluate those that fit your list of wants and needs.
Not all real estate brokers and agents are REALTORSŪ. To be sure you're working with one, look for the
federally registered membership mark, REALTORŪ.
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