


House Buying "Needs and Wants":
Before you embark on your search for the perfect house, it is important that you make a realistic "shopping
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. Many home buyers
make the mistake of misinterpreting a WANT as a NEED. As a result, they 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." Note, also, that in the
examples below, many WANTS can be changed in a particular home (if the house doesn't have that feature
now, you can change it later).
Take a few minutes to develop your own list of NEEDS and WANTS. 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 house will need to have, the next step, actually looking
for a home, will be a great deal easier!





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Enough square footage for comportable living
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Carpeting color, paint color, exterior color, roof color, etc
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Enough bedrooms to accommodate your family
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Adequate number of bedrooms
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Garage of shed for storage needs
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Built-in entertainment center
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Lot size to accommodate play area
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Adaptation for Handicapped
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Proximity to a specific school or work
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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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Emilie Romero,
Broker