Home Buyer Worksheet – The “Wants” and “Needs” in My New Home

What kind of home do you want? Seems like a simple question doesn’t it? Ranch? Split-Level? Wooded view or a sidewalk community?  Buyers can often become overwhelmed with the numerous options on the market. Take a minute to review this checklist. Think about your “wants” and “needs”.  You’ll find that it helps to organize your thoughts as your go through the home buying process.

1st – Where do you want to live?

• What part of town do you prefer?

• Do you prefer quiet country living?

• Do you prefer a suburban environment, with shopping and restaurants within minutes away?

• Do you prefer the downtown, or urban scene?

2nd – Schools – Do your children have specific needs?

3rd – How far are you willing to live from:

• Work________________miles
• Family_______________miles
• Friends_______________miles
• Other?_______________ miles

4th – Do you need to be close to public transportation?

5th – Do you need to be close to an airport?  Large international airport, or smaller, for private planes?

6th – Do you have a preference about living in an area with a community association?

7th – What else would you want in your community?

• Sidewalks
• Community Pool
• Golf Course
• Basketball Courts
• Tennis Courts
• Gated Community
• Clubhouse

8th – Are there any other special need to consider when deciding what areas you prefer?

Type of Home Your Prefer

9th – Do you prefer an older home, or a newer home?

10th – What type of house do you prefer?

• Ranch / One Floor Living
• 2 Story
• 2 Story with a first floor master bedroom
• Bi-level or Tri-level
• Townhome
• Multi-level Condo
• High Rise Condo

11th – What style of house appeals to you?

• Contemporary
• Traditional
• Transitional
• Southwestern
• Colonial
• Farm House
• Victorian
• No preference

12th – Are you willing to take on renovation projects?

• Absolutely!
• Absolutely not!
• Maybe some projects

13th – Do you have any physical needs that should be considered, such as wheelchair access, or bathroom and bedroom on the first floor?

14th – What else should you consider?

• Large yard, one acre or more vs. a small yard
• Fenced yard for pets and small children’s safety
• Garage space:  Enough for 1, 2, or more
• Patio or deck
• Pool
• Outdoor spa
• Cul de sac lot
• Treed lot

Consider the Interior Space

15th – How many bedrooms must you have, minimum?______

16th – How many bathrooms do you want?_____

• Would you like a bath adjoining the master bedroom?

17th –How large of a home to you prefer, in square feet?

• No less than ______
• No more than ______

18th – What other feature do you ideally want in your home?

• Air conditioning
• Wall to Wall Carpet
• Ceramic Tile
• Hardwood floors
• Eat-in Kitchen
• Separate Dining Room
• Formal Living Room
• Great Room
• Study or library
• Basement, finished or not finished
• 1st or 2nd floor laundry room
• Fireplace, gas or wood burning
• In-law apartment, separate living area
• Jetted or soaking tub in the master bedroom
• Anything else?

It seems like a lot, I know. Taking the time to put a little thought into what you want, and what you need, will help you to sort through all of the home options, and really make a good decision for yourself and your family.