If the coronavirus pandemic has put your house hunting on hold, then now is a good time to get your priorities in order. One of the best things you can do for yourself when searching for a new home is to be very clear about what you want. Knowing what you need and what you can be flexible about will help you find the right home more quickly with less stress. Creating your list now will give you head start when you begin your search in earnest. Here are some questions to ask yourself when deciding what you want in your next home.
What do you like – and not like – about your current home?
The best place to begin your questioning is by looking at what you already have. What do you like about where you live right now? What is your current home’s best quality? On the flip side – what do you like least about your current home? Do you like the style, or would you prefer something else? Where do you spend the most time? Does your home get enough natural light? Would you like a home that has more windows?
How much space do you need?
Do you feel cramped in your current home? If so, what kind of space could you really use that you don’t have right now? On the other hand, do you feel like you have too much space? Where could you make cuts without feeling like you’re compromising too much? Do you like the layout of your home? If not, what would you change? Are there enough bedrooms and bathrooms? Would you prefer a single-story or a multi-story home? Would you like to have space for a special reason, like a craft room, a home office, or a home theater?
Do you need an outdoor space?
Many Americans are discovering how essential it is to have an outdoor living space – especially when sheltering in place. If your current home has outdoor space, what do you like about it? Do you spend time outside? If not, why? If you don’t currently have outdoor living space, do you feel like you’re missing out? Are you willing to take care of the yard or pay someone else to do it? Does your current home have curb appeal? If it doesn’t, what would you like to see improved? Do you have a garage, and does it suit your needs? Can you park your car in the garage in addition to having extra storage space? Does the exterior of your home require excessive maintenance? What would you change about it?
What would you like in a neighborhood?
Our quality of life is not just dependent on our home. It is also influenced by the neighborhood we live in. What do you like or not like about your current neighborhood? Are you friendly with your neighbors, or do you prefer privacy? Are there places to enjoy nearby that are within walking distance, like restaurants and parks? Do you have access to necessities like doctors’ offices, gas stations, and grocery stores? How far are you willing to travel for your commute to work? Be sure to share your wish list in detail with your Realtor. They are your home-buying partner and help to guide you throughout the process.
