It's difficult to look at homes when we didn't have a clear idea of what we deemed essential in a home. Due to this lack of planning, we fall in love with houses and then realized they just wouldn't work. Case in point - the ultra modern house I posted last week is a dream home to us. BUT it only has 2 bedrooms and 1 bathroom and it isn't in the best school district. This is not an issue now, but 5 to 10 years down the road it will be. Imagine Garth and I sharing one bathroom with two kids. No thank you. I shared one bathroom with four girls in college and I will not do that again.
It's hard to think this far in advance and it's even harder to think of what we cannot live without. I've seen one too many episodes of Property Virgins to know we won't get everything we want in our first house, but here is the list of must-haves Garth and I hashed out:
3 bedrooms
2 bathrooms
1200 sq. ft. (or more!)
Safe neighborhood
Good schools
Fenced backyard
Sidewalks
And just for fun, here is our "would be nice to have, but not essentials" list:
Jacuzzi tub
Hard wood floors
Stainless steel appliances
Deck in backyard
Fireplace
See, we're not that hard to please, right?
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38 comments:
I think this list will definitely help you--just remember those things you are willing to compromise on & go from there. Having a list of must haves will most likely keep you & Garth from wasting time on houses that don't meet your standards (even if they are gorgeous!)
Good luck!
I think yall are going in the right direction. Btw, if you want to move to Arkansas - our house has all of that and we'd be willing to sell it! LOL
If those are your only requirements, you'll do just fine :) Especially in MI where the prices are decent. I can't remember when you are looking to buy, but keep looking and definitely jump on seeing anything that pops up. Sometimes seeing the pics online really doesn't do a house justice. We're going house shopping this weekend, and I can't WAIT!!!!
House hunting is so much fun! I helped my husband find a house 3 years ago when he bought the home we live in now. But now that we are married and getting ready (soon) to buy our first home together, I am so excited! Have a blast and good luck on your search!!
That's great that you made that list. We did the same thing. We wanted 3-4 bedrooms with 3 bathrooms, hardwoods and a pool. That will help you really get exactly what you want. Good luck!
Girl, with a little bit of patience, you'll eventually get everything you want and more :) :)
that's not a difficult list! You should be able to get all of those things! Just don't settle on the things that are super important. The "things you would like but don't have to have" might come as projects for your house. That can be fun too!
I think that's a doable list!
My list was just about exactly the same and I got it! (even the 'would be nice') Somethings, like the stainless steel appliances, I bought myself later so don't forget that cosmetic things are easy to add on once your moved in. Don't compromise on those things that you can't change - sounds like you've already got that planned! Smart girl!!!
I don't think that list is ridiculous!!
I hope you guys can get everything you want! :)
making a list is a great idea! im just like you - if i go to look at a house i will most likely fall in love with it right away - and then find out later that it just wouldnt work and be disappointed! sounds like you are doing it right this time!
That's a good list! Mkaing sure to be clear about number of bedrooms/bathrooms and square footage really makes it easier. Good luck!
Love that list, the nice to have list is even better!! ;)
We started watching Property Virgins after we bought our own house and I have to say the host can get really annoying sometimes specificially making people fall in love with places they can't afford or at the top of their price range.
I like the other first time home buyers show that actually showes the trials and tribulations about trying to get the loan, because it is a giant pain in the ass.
The list looks good, and I'm sure a realtor would be happy to work with that.
It's good to have a list, but remember there are a lot of projects you can do in and of yourself... building fences for a backyard, stripping floors [if there is hardwood worth showing underneath], decks can be quickly and efficiently built, etc. It leaves a lot of room for some homes you wouldn't have picked before to be snatched up! :) Good luck on the continued house hunt though... I can't wait to see what you guys find!
i think your list is perfect!
I can only imagine how stressful looking for a house must be! I hope the perfect one comes along for yall!
I love property virgins. You should appply to be on that show :) I think having a list of exactly what you want will help during your search. Hopefully given the current housing market, you will be able to get everything you want and withing your price range. There are some great deals out there!! Can't wait to see what you find. Good Luck and enjoy the process :)
Such an awesome idea to make a list! Your list of must-haves sound great ;) Good luck finding the perfect house for you guys!
I think your "must have" list is going in the right direction. It is good to know how many bedrooms and bathrooms you want before you start looking because those are things you can't really change unless you want to invest a ton of extra money. Have fun looking!
I think what you want is pretty realistic, just need luck finding it at the right time and right price!
The list will definitely help you out - although, I would't worry too much about sidewalks. Other than having those, our house is a 3-2 with laminate floors, in an excellent school district, and in a safe quiet neighborhood. I really love those things!
But, since it's our starter/first home, there are things about it that I don't like: the popcorn ceilings, the old baseboards/doors/doorframes in the bedrooms, the kitchen that needs updating, the super-ugly master bathroom that also needs updating. But, when looking at homes, I knew that those things could be changed. The neighborhood, the general size and layout of the house, and the school district can not. That's what we focused on, and I'm still so happy with our home 3 years after buying it!
I did TONS of research on the internet - looking at different realty websites and in different areas. That way, I was educated as to what houses cost in certain areas, and what houses I might want to look at in person! I thought that really helped us to narrow down what we wanted and what we looked at.
Good luck!! Buying a house is a stressful process, but very worth it!
I think these are perfect must haves. I totally agree with you that having a plan is difficult. But I'm glad you made one...and be seriously picky about the houses. Matt and I were looking for a little while and we picked out 60 in one city. Then we went through all of those and narrowed it down to like 3 that were for sure yes's. Why? Picky :) But we realized we could get what we wanted for our price...we just had to look.
I agree with the size of the house and the "extras"! I think we're in the same boat as you, in terms of wants!
Your list is great! Ya'll are smart... your must have list are all the things about a house that you can't change very easily. Your maybe list are things that are less expensive to add/change as you go and as you live there! :D
great list! and great idea! we've done this with our places too. and we always think about "down the road" and resale value, schools, neighborhood, placement in the neighborhood, lot, near good shopping centers...=) Good luck! you guys are going to find a great house!
you list is a lot like ours- only we needed a bit more space. And I don't even think that this is our kid home!
The list will definitely be a good thing when you're looking. We've made ours, too.
our house must-have lists are pretty similar...I think a fireplace is #1 on mine ;-)
Good idea making a list! I definitely know more of what I want now for my house after having owned one. It's hard to think in advance of the kids and space and all that stuff though.
best of luck on your house hunting!! you two will find the perefct home :) great idea to make a list!
my fiance and i are always looking at homes as well! so much fun!
Good luck to you guys....great list :)
It is your house, you should totally be hard to please one hundred percent!
Don't you just love HGTV? We got hooked on it a couple weeks ago when we were looking at houses to buy. Instead we decided to build! Eek!
Good luck with your search!
Yep.. how about moving to Alabama?! I got just the house for you! All of the above and hey our house is for sale. What do you know.. lol.
I can't remember, but are you in the Columbus area? If so, there are a lot of good deals close to where I am- and great schools!!
You and Garth will find exactly what you guys are looking for soon enough! Keep looking and praying!
Did you peep in my list?! Just kidding! That is perfectly acceptable list.
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