A Wish List is Everything You Want in a Home; A Reality Check is Everything You Can’t Live Without
Posted on | March 22, 2009 | No Comments
When buying a home it is very important to distinguish between a wish list and a reality check. A wish list is everything you want in a home while a reality check is everything you can’t live without. Think of it this way, you may wish to have four bedrooms and three baths, but what can’t you live without? Is it possible that you could live in a house with three bedrooms and two and a half baths? Obviously, it gets much more in depth than this as location, size, amenities and condition all play a very important roles in choosing the home that is right for you.
When thinking about a wish list and reality check some of the questions you might as yourself include
- How far am I will do drive to work?
- Am I willing to live in a home without a basement or attic?
- Is having a yard or garden a must?
- Do I have pets that need extra outdoor space?
- Do I need a garage?
- Is a study or home office a necessity?
- Do I plan on hosting events that would necessitate more rooms?
- How many children do I have or think I will have?
- Do I want to be close to the social scene or in the country?
These are just a few of the questions you need to ask yourself when creating a wish list and reality check. Obviously, there are many more questions that one must ask, but this is a start. Everyone has their own style and tastes so the questions may be MUCH different for each individual. If you have a spouse of live-in partner, you should also have them create a wish list and reality check. Before looking at homes, it is advisable to go over the lists with each other to determine what you each must have. If you do not do this, you are likely to have an unpleasant home buying experience.
It is extremely important to be as specific as possible. Try not to write down that you want a nice kitchen. What kind of countertops do you want? Do you want stainless steel appliances? What kind of floors do you want in the kitchen? What size kitchen do you want? Should the kitchen have an island? Are new appliances necessary? These are the questions you need to ask yourself for each room. If you are vague in your lists, you are likely to find yourself looking at many more homes than necessary. It also greatly helps your real estate agent if you are specific in your needs.
For your reality check, it is smart to create a single sentence that sums up your basic needs. An example would be “I need three bedrooms, two baths, an attached garage, at least a garden or small yard, a park or greenway within walking distance and a 30 minute or less drive to work.” This will help you to keep yourself on task as you go through the home buying process. Everyone wants the beautiful house overlooking the lake, but is that really want you NEED at this time in your life. Realize that you may very well get that house on the lake one day, but what is best for you right now?
For more answers to home buying questions please check out the link below.
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