A client once shared a story that many homebuyers can relate to. In 2019, they found a house they liked the moment they walked through the door. It looked good, the price felt right, and they were ready to move forward. They bought it without taking the time to measure the home against their real needs carefully.
After they moved in, the problems started to show. First, the kitchen style and size did not work for how they cooked and gathered. Second, they wanted a backyard, but the one they got was larger than they preferred and came with more yard work than they wanted. Third, they loved spending time outside, but the house's position meant the sun beat down hard most of the day, making the outdoor space uncomfortable. Fourth, the plumbing had ongoing issues, and they had been told a blocked drainage problem would be fixed, but they never hired a home inspector to verify the condition of the systems. Fifth, they thought two full bathrooms would be enough, only to realize later that a powder room or guest bathroom would have made daily life much easier. Sixth, the living room looked spacious at first, but once the whole family was home, playing, lounging, and leaving things around, they wished they had both a family room and a quieter sitting area. Lastly, the house had four bedrooms, yet some of the rooms were smaller than expected and struggled to fit their larger furniture comfortably.
Looking back, they could see that the excitement of finding a house they “liked” had outweighed the quieter work of deciding what they truly needed.
That is why one of the most important early steps in the home-buying process is the home search itself, and why a clear list of must-haves should guide the search. In the 7 Ultimate Steps to Homeownership, the home search comes after you decide what type of home you want, list your must-have and nice-to-have features, and receive a loan pre-approval. At that point, the search becomes more focused and less overwhelming. You can read the full steps here: https://www.temifalana.com/blog/7-ultimate-steps-to-homeownership.
When this client came to me years later, ready to find a better fit, we started with that same principle. I asked her to write down her top five must-haves, the features she was no longer willing to compromise on, and agreed that no matter how much she liked a particular house, she would not move forward unless it met at least three of those five non-negotiables. Over the following weeks, she came close to settling a few times. Each time we paused, reviewed the list, and stepped back. Eventually we found a home that checked four of her five must-haves. She closed on that house with far more confidence than she had felt in 2019.
A clear list of must-haves does not make the process rigid. It simply protects you from falling in love with a house that will frustrate you later. It turns an emotional decision into a more balanced one. It also gives your realtor a precise target so the homes you tour are more likely to match what you actually need.
If you are preparing to buy, take time before you start touring to write down the features that matter most for your daily life, your family, and your long-term comfort. A kitchen that works for how you cook. Outdoor space that fits how you want to use it. Enough bathrooms and living areas for the way your household actually lives. Bedrooms that can hold the furniture you already own. Sunlight and a layout that support the lifestyle you want, among other things.
Likeability is important. Fit is essential. A short, honest list of must-haves helps you tell the difference before you sign on the dotted line.
If you are getting ready to search and want help turning your needs into a practical must-have list, reach out. I am happy to walk through it with you so your next home works for the life you actually live.