The Must-Have, Nice-to-Have & Deal-Breaker List

The Must-Have, Nice-to-Have & Deal-Breaker List

Before you start seriously looking at homes, take a few minutes to make this list.

It can save you a lot of time.

More importantly, it can keep you focused when you walk into a beautiful house and suddenly forget everything you said you wanted.

Yes, it happens.

YOUR MUST-HAVES

These are the things the home truly needs to have.

Think about:

  • Location
  • Price range
  • Bedrooms
  • Bathrooms
  • Property type
  • Accessibility
  • Garage
  • Yard
  • School considerations
  • Commute
  • Layout
  • Other personal requirements

My Must-Haves

YOUR NICE-TO-HAVES

These are the things you’d really like.

But if the perfect house doesn’t have them, you could still be happy.

Think:

  • Fireplace
  • Finished basement
  • Large island
  • Walk-in pantry
  • Huge primary bedroom
  • Pool
  • Three-car garage
  • Updated kitchen
  • Large deck
  • Beautiful view

My Nice-to-Haves

YOUR DEAL-BREAKERS

Now let’s talk about what would make you say:

“Nope. Not this one.”

Be honest.

Maybe it’s:

  • Busy road
  • Certain neighborhoods
  • Too many stairs
  • No garage
  • Small yard
  • HOA restrictions
  • Major renovation
  • Long commute
  • Certain property types
  • Something else that’s important to you

My Deal-Breakers

Now Look at Your Three Lists

Here’s where this becomes useful.

Your must-haves help define your search.

Your nice-to-haves give you flexibility.

Your deal-breakers help you avoid wasting time.

And together, they help us understand what you’re actually looking for.

One Last Question

Ask yourself:

If I found a home that had everything on my must-have list but only a few of my wants, would I still be happy living there?

If the answer is yes, you’re probably thinking about your search in the right way.

Because there may never be a house that has absolutely everything.

The goal isn’t perfection.

The goal is the right fit.

Have a Question?

Buying a home comes with a lot of questions. You don’t have to figure everything out on your own.

Have a question about something you read here? Want to talk through your situation? Or just not sure what your next step should be?

I’m happy to help.

Schedule a Time to Talk With Karyn

No pressure. No obligation. Just straight answers.

Prefer to just send me a question?