Be careful; don’t make the mistake of misinterpreting a WANT as a NEED. Before you start searching for your dream house, it is important that you make a "list" in an attempt to narrow your choices of properties. Hunting for a home can be a time consuming process, especially if you have not determined in advance the parameters of your search.
As a result, buyers often dismiss homes that perfectly fit their needs in search for one that has their wants. This is not to say that you cannot have what you desire in your home--just that you must be able to differentiate between what you truly need and what you would like to have. Your budget must be the determining factor here, not a "wish list."
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Examples of NEEDS
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Examples of WANTS
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Square footage for comfortable living
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Paint color, exterior color, roof color, Carpeting color, etc.
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Enough bedrooms to accommodate your family
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Pool or Whirlpool tubs
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Adequate number of bathrooms
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Wood floors or carpet
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Large kitchen / Eat-in kitchen
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Bay windows
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Garage or basement for storage needs
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Built-in entertainment center
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Lot size to accommodate children's play area
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Brass lighting fixtures
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Adaptation for Handicapped
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Skylights
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Proximity to a specific school or neighborhood
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A pretty view - A certain type of architecture.
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All living areas on single floor for health reasons
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Specific brand/types of appliances
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Take a few minutes to develop your own list of NEEDS and WANTS and then review your list. If your co-owner made a list, compare them to see if your priorities match. If they don't, you'll need to compromise, revising your lists so that both of you are happy. Establish some basic parameter and stick to them, like medical needs.
The goal is to put the emphasis on finding a house that includes all of your needs and as many of your wants as is practical--yet remains in your budget. Once you have a clearer view of what your home will need to have, the next step, actually looking for a home, will be a great deal easier!
