Every new homeowner has a list of features he or she would love to have in a home. However, reality is that every homebuyer also has to be honest about features since finding everything in one home is unlikely. If you are a first time buyer, chances are you will be buying a home within a strict price range. Therefore, while you definitely want to make a wish list of things important to you in your first home, you also need to understand and accept that you will probably have to let go of a few. Even so, your wish list is going to help you choose the home closest to your actual needs and wants.
What we recommend is that you break your wish list into three primary categories to include Home Basics, Home Interior, and Community. Then, you can make a list of things specific to each category that is most important to you. As you will see below, these items are some you might consider when you start out buying your first home.
Home Basics
Part of town where you want to live
Price range being considered
School district (if you have children)
New home versus and older home
Type of home – one-story, two-story, split level, ranch, etc
Style of home – contemporary, country, Victorian, etc
Public transportation
Disability accessibility
Yard size, garage, pool, Jacuzzi, out buildings, etc
Home Interior
Number of bedrooms and bathrooms
Air conditioning
Formal dining room
Wood floor or carpeting
Family or great room
Finished basement
Fireplace
No steps
Separate apartment
Open design or natural light
Laundry room
Community
Nearby park
Home Owner’s Association
Golf Course
Swimming pool
Tennis courts
Clubhouse
Basketball court
Gated community