Would you rather have marble countertops or an attached garage? A wood-burning fireplace or a dedicated office space?
When it comes to finding your dream home in a tight market, you may have to make some tough calls and be prepared to be decisive. Whether that means getting your financing squared away with a Verified Approval Letter from Rocket Mortgage® by Quicken Loans® or clearly defining your needs and wants from the get-go, your preparation will pay off when you can confidently make an offer on that perfect place the moment it hits the market.
Only you know what will make it to the top of your home-shopping wishlist, but here are a few thought-starters to get the ball rolling based on your personality type. Which persona fits you?
Family First
You have a few years of parenting under your belt, and you are at the point where your family has outgrown your current place. Now is the time to find that kid-friendly home you can see them growing up in. Your needs might include a family room for activities, a backyard, lots of storage, and a laundry room. Bonuses would be a yard that is already fenced in, laundry on the main floor, an unfinished basement, or even a home with an existing swing set. When considering which features are “needs” and which are “wants,” try making a list of short-, medium-, and long-term goals for your home. Short-term goals get priority on the “needs” list, while medium- and long-term goals can be add-ons and updates you make to the home over time. What to skip? You may not actually want the ever-popular open concept living space. Having some rooms where you can close doors or keep tidy actually could be a big win for your family.
Low Key and Comfortable
If you are the type of person who cherishes your home as a place of relaxation and rest, consider this as you make your list of new-home needs. Start by making a list of the things that bring you comfort, whether it is a cup of tea and a book by a fireplace or a view you can gaze at over breakfast, and you’ll see your priorities begin to define themselves. Your wants might include some unexpected touches: a space to do yoga, an outdoor fire pit, or a tub that you can sink into at the end of the day. If you value a cozy interior space for just you, consider trading off on a large outdoor space. A smaller parcel of land or a postage-stamp patio could be just what you need, not to mention more affordable and less maintenance.