What You Want and What You Need in Your Home

Wants vs. Needs
Make a list of your wants and needs. Where do you want to live? Which part of town? Give yourself a choice of two neighborhoods. How many bedrooms will you need ? How many bedrooms do you want ? How many bathrooms will you need ? How many bathrooms do you want ? Do you need a formal living room ? Will you need a formal dining room ? Do you want a fireplace ? An island kitchen ? 2 or 3 car garage ? Make a checklist with two columns: needs vs. wants. Once you have completed the list, go back over it and check you lifestyle. How do you spend most of your time? What is most important to you? Decide which items you MUST have. List your priorites and be clear on just what you are looking for in a HOME. This is a place where you will live and be comfortable in. Both from the point of view of your lifestyle, as well as from the carrying cost.

Location
Consider the location in relation to where you work, the schools where your children will be going, major traffic arteries, place of worship, and other amenities that are important to you. Consider the affordability of the area. The location of your home is the single most important factor in choosing a home. It will affect your day to day living and should be your major consideration in the home buying process.

Once you have completed our list, go back over it, decide what is most important to your lifestyle. Affordability should play the lead role in your home buying decision.