• Skip to main navigation
  • Skip to content
  • Skip to footer

Quick Search

Parkland FL Homes for saleParkland FL Homes for sale

Search homes for sale in Parkland and surrounding areas

  • Home
  • Search
    • Advanced Search
    • Featured Properties
    • Newest Homes for Sale
    • Upcoming Open Houses
    • My Account / Login
  • Area
    • Parkland
    • Boca Raton
    • Coconut Creek
    • Coral Springs
    • Margate
    • Tamarac
  • Buy
    • Steps to Buying
    • Mortgage Calculator
  • Sell
    • Free Home Valuation
    • Marketing Your Home
    • Selling your Home with Jon Klein
  • Reviews
  • Contact
SearchClose

The ‘Must Have’ List: Why Deciding Your Must-Haves Before Viewing Homes is a Great Idea

The 'Must Have' List: Why Deciding Your Must-Haves Before Viewing Homes is a Great IdeaKnowing what you want before you start looking is a big help when house-hunting. Giving the list of ‘must-have’ items to your real estate professional a few days before you begin touring listings is a great idea because they can find homes that meet as many of your criteria as possible.

It also helps on a more personal level, since being organized and knowing what you want will help you quickly identify whether or not homes meet those standards.

Is it a ‘Must-Have’ or a ‘Nice-to-Have’?

The debate between “I need it” and “I want it” is as old as time. Thinking back to childhood, when the desire for a cookie was met with mom’s stern “not before dinner,” some children seem to develop a magical ability for reasoning that voiced a desperate need for cookies before dinner, but mom was never fooled. The same goes for the ‘must-have’ list for your home search.

There are items that you want and certain ‘deal breakers’ that you cannot live without. An absolute ‘must-have’ might be proximity to work or certain schools, whereas desirable features could include a shed or a built-in barbeque pit. Knowing the difference between something you want and something that is absolutely required can save you a lot of time and money.

How to Organize an Effective List

Write down everything your dream home would have, then ask yourself how necessary each item is. Rate them by priority, whether an absolute requirement, something you would definitely prefer, something for which you would consider a compromise, and something that you don’t really care that strongly about. That first group is your ‘must-have’ list. The second is your ‘nice-to-have’ list, which is a great guiding star for choosing between homes that meet all of your ‘must-have’ items.

Some Suggestions for a Great List

Location, location, location – The top of any good ‘must-have’ list should be location. No matter what else is changed in a home, the location will always remain a constant. Decide what you want to be close to or far away from and make sure the grounds and neighborhood are all acceptable.

Bedrooms and bathrooms – Does everyone need their own room? Do you need a guest room? Could everyone share one bathroom? Ask yourself what you need at a minimum to facilitate everyone in your home.

Energy-efficient windows and good insulation – It may seem technical, but an energy efficient home can save you a lot of money in the long run. Don’t let money seep through a poorly insulated home.

Space for pets – Not everyone has pets, but for those who do it is a good idea to think of them in your ‘must-have’ list. After all, your new home is going to be Fido’s new home too! A fenced yard or a dog run might be a good idea, but also consider whether the space would allow you to add your own later.

Call your real estate professional today to start house-hunting, and don’t forget your new list!

Posted in: Home Buyer Tips Tagged: Buying A Home, Home Buying Tips, Home Value

Post navigation

« The 7 Most Unaffordable Cities for Real Estate in the USA (And 3 Affordable Gems!)
A Quick Guide to Assessing Your Home’s Foundation for Cracks – And What to Do if You Find Them »

Contact Jon Now

Parkland FL REALTOR®Jon Klein, REALTOR®, P.A.,GRI

954-415-5595 Direct

954-449-9325 Office

954-827-0464 Fax

jon@jonklein.com

5691 Coral Ridge Drive
Coral Springs, FL 33076

RE/MAX 1st Choice Logo, Coral Springs, FL
Jon Klein Team Logo, Parkland, FL

Connect with Us

© 2022 · RE/MAX 1st Choice, Jon Klein · Direct: 954-415-5595 · Fax: 954-827-0464 · Sitemap · IDX Sitemap · IDX XML Sitemap · Parkland FL Homes for Sale · Privacy Policy | Accessibility Statement

Disclaimer - All Rights Reserved by RE/MAX 1st Choice, Jon Klein
Direct: 954-415-5595 | Find me on Google | Directions to Jon Klein

Log in · Real Estate Websites by Real Estate Websites by YourSiteNeedsMe.com