Creating Your Dream House Wish List

So you’ve just gotten pre-approval and have finalized your budget. Congratulations! Now it’s time to find a new place to live If you’re trying to narrow down your search for the ultimate dream house, it’s crucial to specify which amenities you can’t live without and those you can. Often we hear people make broad statements when it comes to finding new digs, but buying a house is far more significant than deciding what to eat for dinner on a Friday night. Here, we’ll consider a few things when creating your dream house wish list.

Dream House Wish List Item 1: Be Specific, Realistic, and Open-Minded

Before scheduling walk-throughs and realtor meetings, you’ll want to dig into the nitty-gritty. Defining characteristics of a dream house are different depending on who is buying, so there is a wide range of questions. What constitutes a large home? What’s the oldest house you’re willing to call home? Rural, suburban, or urban location? The possible inquiries are seemingly endless. Still, it’s critical to answer these questions before making such a life-changing commitment.

Creating your dream house wish list should be a dynamic process that helps you learn about yourself. Keep an open mind, be realistic, and try not to think in generalizations. Your wants and needs will likely evolve as you know more about the available options.

ALSO SEE: What to Think About When Buying a Second Home

Dream House Wish List Item 2: Assess Your Life | Today and Beyond

Whether you can easily envision the perfect abode or don’t know where to begin, the first things to think about after your budget are basic needs and deal-breakers. Consider where you are in the game of life today and where you see yourself in 20 to 30 years. For example, some homebuyers will be expanding their families; others may be anticipating an empty nest. Here are a few things to get you started.

Present and future family size
Pets or no pets
Accessibility
Automobiles and other transportation

Dream House Wish List Item 3: Architecture and Design

Taking a glance into your future is integral to deciding what kind of house you want. So after peering into the long-term outlook of your family and lifestyle needs, it’s time to get creative! These questions will help you put pen to paper.

How many bedrooms and bathrooms?
What’s the ideal age of your home?
Will you need a guest room?
How much outdoor space do you want?
What kind of floors?
Is your dream house eco-friendly?

Dream House Wish List Item 4: Where to Live

The community you live in is an extension of your dream house. And unlike your potential new home, making changes to your neighborhood or city can take decades or generations. It’s easy to become enthralled with the features of your dwelling, but you’ll also want to take your location into account. Property taxes or homeowner association fees are also affected by where you live.

Take Notes While Touring Prospective Homes

Now that you have a workable dream house wish list, bring it to every showing. You’ll also want to take notes to compare and contrast your options. Once you determine what you’re looking for in your next home, find a dependable and trustworthy partner like Bluewater to assist with the final leg of your journey. Whether you’re looking for a beach vacation home or a long-term living arrangement, the Crystal Coast, North Carolina, real estate market is extensive and intriguing. Thankfully, our agents know the region inside and out and will go above and beyond to help you search. For more information about our beloved coastal communities, please take a look at our Crystal Coast Relocation Guide today!

What are you looking for in your dream house? Let us know in the comments below!